From left: 1st runner-up Kaito Watabe, from The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon; 2026 Rising Star winner Saencharusuchit Phichitchai from The St. Regis Bangkok; 2nd runner-up Deni Alan Hartono from The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.
Three exceptional bartenders from across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) became the toast of the town after emerging tops in Marriott International’s 2026 Rising Stars competition. The third edition of Marriott International’s annual Rising Stars Sustainable Bartender competition, conducted in partnership with Pernod Ricard, provided a platform to showcase emerging bar talent from hotels and resorts across APEC and attracted more than 220 submissions with more than 15,000 serves sold.
12 finalists qualified for the Grand Finals held in Singapore, after winning competitions in their respective markets with new cocktail creations incorporating elements of their destinations, local ingredients and approaches to sourcing, preparation and waste.
Thailand’s Saencharusuchit Phichitchai emerged victorious in the Grand Finals, with Japan’s Kaito Watabe and Indonesia’s Deni Alan Hartonoas first and second runners up respectively after a series of challenges.
Through cocktails inspired by Thailand, Japan and Bali, the three honorees demonstrate how local ingredients, disciplined craft and responsible beverage practices can come together to create distinctive and memorable moments for guests.
The Winning Pours: Local Inspiration Meets Sustainable Craftsmanship
2026 Rising Star Winner: Saencharusuchit Phichitchai, Bar Supervisor at The St. Regis Bangkok
“Bartending is a profession and an art. As bartenders we have the privilege of making personal connections with our guests by sharing our creations with them. Every pour tells a story of place and purpose.”
The G.O.A.T, draws inspiration from local Thai ingredients. The cocktail combines goat cheese fat-washed Código 1530 Tequila Blanco with homemade jalapeño liqueur and pomegranate fig leaf soda. Its inventive anti-waste approach repurposes surplus ingredients while celebrating local craftsmanship.
First runner-up: Kaito Watabe, Bartender at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
“Success in bartending is not just about making great drinks, but about creating memorable moments for every guest.”
Nowhere Larder, is built on Monkey 47 and refined with Japanese ingredients. Celebrating balance, subtlety and thoughtful flavor, the cocktail presents a sustainable interpretation through conscious sourcing, minimal waste and a more mindful approach to enjoying taste.
2nd runner up: Deni Alan Hartono, Mixologist at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
“Grateful for the opportunity, humbled by the journey, and inspired by the people around me.”
Segara Alchemy, takes inspiration from the sea. Smoked fish oil-washed Absolut Elyx gives the cocktail subtle oceanic depth, complemented by carrot and cucumber acar brine, kaffir lime saline and island tonic. The cocktail demonstrates a refined and sustainable use of kitchen by-products.
“The Rising Stars competition brings together the diverse flavors, stories and talent of APEC while giving our bartenders a platform to challenge convention and elevate the guest experience. The finalists represent the creativity, craftsmanship and thoughtful approach to hospitality that continue to distinguish our bars across the region,” said Petr Raba, Vice President Food & Beverage, Marriott International, APEC.
From left: 1st runner-up Kaito Watabe, from The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon; 2026 Rising Star winner Saencharusuchit Phichitchai from The St. Regis Bangkok; 2nd runner-up Deni Alan Hartono from The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.
Three exceptional bartenders from across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) became the toast of the town after emerging tops in Marriott International’s 2026 Rising Stars competition. The third edition of Marriott International’s annual Rising Stars Sustainable Bartender competition, conducted in partnership with Pernod Ricard, provided a platform to showcase emerging bar talent from hotels and resorts across APEC and attracted more than 220 submissions with more than 15,000 serves sold.
12 finalists qualified for the Grand Finals held in Singapore, after winning competitions in their respective markets with new cocktail creations incorporating elements of their destinations, local ingredients and approaches to sourcing, preparation and waste.
Thailand’s Saencharusuchit Phichitchai emerged victorious in the Grand Finals, with Japan’s Kaito Watabe and Indonesia’s Deni Alan Hartono as first and second runners up respectively after a series of challenges.
Through cocktails inspired by Thailand, Japan and Bali, the three honorees demonstrate how local ingredients, disciplined craft and responsible beverage practices can come together to create distinctive and memorable moments for guests.
The Winning Pours: Local Inspiration Meets Sustainable Craftsmanship
2026 Rising Star Winner: Saencharusuchit Phichitchai, Bar Supervisor at The St. Regis Bangkok
“Bartending is a profession and an art. As bartenders we have the privilege of making personal connections with our guests by sharing our creations with them. Every pour tells a story of place and purpose.”
The G.O.A.T, draws inspiration from local Thai ingredients. The cocktail combines goat cheese fat-washed Código 1530 Tequila Blanco with homemade jalapeño liqueur and pomegranate fig leaf soda. Its inventive anti-waste approach repurposes surplus ingredients while celebrating local craftsmanship.
First runner-up: Kaito Watabe, Bartender at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
“Success in bartending is not just about making great drinks, but about creating memorable moments for every guest.”
Nowhere Larder, is built on Monkey 47 and refined with Japanese ingredients. Celebrating balance, subtlety and thoughtful flavor, the cocktail presents a sustainable interpretation through conscious sourcing, minimal waste and a more mindful approach to enjoying taste.
2nd runner up: Deni Alan Hartono, Mixologist at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
“Grateful for the opportunity, humbled by the journey, and inspired by the people around me.”
Segara Alchemy, takes inspiration from the sea. Smoked fish oil-washed Absolut Elyx gives the cocktail subtle oceanic depth, complemented by carrot and cucumber acar brine, kaffir lime saline and island tonic. The cocktail demonstrates a refined and sustainable use of kitchen by-products.
“The Rising Stars competition brings together the diverse flavors, stories and talent of APEC while giving our bartenders a platform to challenge convention and elevate the guest experience. The finalists represent the creativity, craftsmanship and thoughtful approach to hospitality that continue to distinguish our bars across the region,” said Petr Raba, Vice President Food & Beverage, Marriott International, APEC.
Share this:
Discover more from Great Travel Philippines
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.