Manila’s top bartender takes on Perfectionists from around the globe

Patrón Perfectionists is often considered one of the most challenging mixology competitions in the world, where top bartenders compete to create luxurious Patrón cocktails. In 2019, OML was tasked with taking the stories of these unsung heroes from behind the bar into the spotlight.

The protagonist of our story was Jason Hussein Ali, from the Grand Hyatt in Manila (Philipines). In areas like the Philipines, the art of mixology is often seen as ‘just a service job’ requiring little skill or education, rather than the art it truly is. As such, it was our duty to broadcast Jason’s story, to inspire budding bartending talent from all around Southeast Asia.

More than for Jason, it was important for us to tell his story for those who would be at home in Manila supporting him, while he represented all of Southeast Asia at the Hacienda Patrón in Mexico.

In keeping with the themes of inspiration, we created a 4-part video series covering Jason’s life stories: where he started from, his mentors, his award-winning cocktail, and how he was training for the finals in Mexico.

We all have a common goal as a Philipino bartender and that is to put the Philippines on the cocktail map of the world. I feel honored having done my bit for this country and for the culture that I call my own - Jason Hussein Ali

Jason’s obvious passion and the complexity of his cocktail made it sure that he exceeded the expectations of two key Patrón Perfectionists principles – Originality and Flavour. However, the soft-spoken somewhat subdued bartender needed assistance with the other two key tenets – Style and Service.

For this, we enlisted the help of renowned Philippin0 actress and style icon, Sue Prado. Sue’s kind words and encouraging demeanor helped Jason gain confidence in his abilities and developed strength in his presentation. These qualities were inculcated in him to help Jason go from being what he undoubtedly was – a top bartender, to what he always wanted to be – a Perfectionist.

I think 'Paraluman' is quite a perfect name for his drink. The name can be interpreted as finding beauty in strength and strength in beauty and that is exactly what this cocktail embodies - Sue Prado