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Who | Russelito Sanchez
Where | Dubai, UAE, Asia
Current Bar | MONIN Bar
Past Bar(s) | Buddha Bar, Bar 44, Toro Toro
Favourite Spirit | Bourbon , Single malts
Favourite Juice | Passionfruit, King Coconut, Aloe Vera
Favourite Classic Cocktail | Old Fashioned, Bourbon Sour, Negroni
Favourite Part of the Job | Making people smile after tasting my masterpiece
Favourite After Work Drink | Beer or a Negroni
Favourite at Home Drink | Old fashioned
Favourite bar in the world | Still Buddha Bar (Dubai)
Best known for | Mastah Bartenders and Mr. Monin UAE
Best story from behind the wood | Manila boy Russelito Borela Sanchez is listed in the Hall of fame as the first-ever world class champion for Diageo raising the bar in the United Arab Emirates and the only Filipino bartender to win this competition till this date. He got a long list of many first. He is the first Filipino bartender to train hopefuls at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, the first Filipino to win Midori cocktail challenge Dubai 2008, the first Filipino bartender to represent UAE in the global finals in France for IBS 2010 and the first Filipino Brand Ambassador for Monin outside the country of origin. He is also the first Filipino bartender to win the Grosvenor House Grammy Awards for Bartender of the Year 2009.“My life revolves into food and beverage industry for the past 20 years, from Philippines to different parts of the world. Right now most of the time is dedicated to just beverage innovation, training, tasting and presentation in different segment of hotel and cafes.”
He has more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry in various top-end bars. His passion for food and beverage comes from his roots back in the Philippines.
He has been in Dubai for the last 11 years. His overseas career started in 2005, he was hired as a Pre-Opening Bartender for the luxury hotel Grosvenor House by Starwood Hotels. From 2005 to 2011, he was Head Bartender of the iconic world-famous Buddha Bar and Bar 44 then he worked as Assistant Bar Manager of Toro Toro from 2011 to 2012. This is one of the most prestigious and exclusive Dubai night spot where you can enjoy your fine dining experience.
During this period, he acquired an extensive experience in food and beverage. He attended bar trainings, master classes, bar design and beverage consultancy. He developed and implemented beverage menu engineering for various international brands within the Middle East region. He worked with global companies and beverage innovation directors to be in line with local and international trends. He regularly participated in beverage seminars and competitions. Giving back, he trained many bartenders both local and abroad.
What do you collect? Skull rings, bar gadgets, shoes, people to pass my legacy in bartending
Favourite thing about your city? Enchanted kingdom of opportunities and the fast pace environment
What was the last photo that you took? My Trophy for OFW Bayani Awards 2017
Where was your last vacation? 5 years ago
Any claims to fame? Few titles under his belt including: (Achievements and Awards)
• Brand Ambassador – MONIN UAE
• Champion World class raising the bar –by Diageo 2009
• Winner bartender of the year 2009- Grosvenor house Grammy Awards
• Champion Midori Cocktail challenge Dubai -2008
• Finalist- International Bartenders seminar –Bordeaux ,France
• 3rd place Winner-Dubai 1st wine and cigar championship 2007
• President of Mastah UAE Bartenders association 2012 to present 3 days back – OFW Bayani Awards 2017
Red or White? Big Red
Cointreau or Grand Marnier? Grand Marnier
London or Paris? Never been to London
Glass or Tin? Tin
Are you available for freelance gigs? Yes
Find him: Russelito Sanchez