When David Abalayan first stepped behind the bar, he wasn’t chasing trophies or titles. What drew him in was curiosity—the idea that a cocktail could be both a science and an art in one glass. More than 10 years later, that same curiosity has carried him to one of the biggest milestones of his career: winning the 2025 Monkey Shoulder Ultimate Bartender Championship (UBC) Philippines.

On July 21, 2025, at Skinny Mike’s in Bonifacio Global City, David, now bar manager of Oto Bar Manila, emerged as the champion after an intense showdown of skills—outpacing some of the country’s best bartenders in pouring, nosing, table service, and the highly anticipated Round Building finale. His calm, consistent rhythm and ability to serve perfectly balanced cocktails under pressure won over the judges unanimously. In October, he will head to Tokyo to represent the Philippines at the UBC Regional Finals.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, David looks back on his experience and looks forward to exciting times ahead.

David’s triumph didn’t happen overnight. With more than 10 years in hospitality, he has grown from a curious newcomer fascinated by cocktails to a seasoned bar professional known for his precision and composure.

“The idea that cocktails could be both precise and expressive fascinated me,” he shared. “I fell in love with the craft: how every detail, from the ice to the garnish, plays a role in shaping the guest’s experience.”

When he joined Oto Bar in 2019, David found the perfect stage to sharpen his craft. The acclaimed bar, known for its quality and culture, challenged him to maintain exacting standards. Whether serving a single guest on a quiet evening or a full crowd at peak hours, David became known for his attention to detail.

Heading into the UBC, David approached the competition like a busy service night: one order at a time, one round at a time. “My mindset was simple but disciplined—treat every challenge with equal importance,” he explained. From knowledge quizzes to sensory tests, his strategy was rooted in accuracy and composure.

The toughest test, the Round Building finale, pushed his limits. Ten cocktails, each with its own recipe and garnish, had to be built under immense time pressure. Instead of rushing, David leaned on years of bar experience.

“I worked in a steady rhythm,” he said. “That helped me stay consistent and make sure every drink still came out balanced.”

Behind the scenes, he had been preparing for this very moment. He recreated competition conditions at Oto, timing himself as he built cocktails in sequence. The goal wasn’t just speed—it was efficiency without sacrificing freshness or flavor.

Now, with the Philippine championship under his belt, David sets his sights on the Regional Finals in Tokyo this October. Here, he will face top bartenders from across Asia. His preparation goes beyond technical drills. He is studying regional bartending styles while also experimenting with uniquely Filipino flavors that reflect the country’s warmth and hospitality.

“I’m refining all six skill areas and making sure I can perform each one consistently under pressure. I’m also studying other bartenders in the region to understand their strengths and styles,” he said. “At the same time, I want to bring something uniquely Filipino to the competition. I’ve been experimenting with flavors and ideas that reflect our hospitality culture, so that when I compete, I represent more than just myself, but also our community here.”

Since its launch in 2015, Monkey Shoulder’s UBC has grown into a global platform for more than 8,000 participants across 21 countries. Unlike traditional cocktail competitions, the UBC emphasizes real-world skills—speed, consistency, and service—that define bartending at its core.

For David, the win is more than a personal milestone—it’s a moment to spotlight the Filipino bartending community on an international stage. And his advice to aspiring bartenders reflects his philosophy: “Focus on your fundamentals—pouring, balance, and clean technique. Consistency and humility will take you far.”

As he prepares to represent the Philippines in Tokyo, David carries with him not only years of experience but also the spirit of Filipino hospitality—fast, precise, and always from the heart.