CEBU — Some of Asia’s most celebrated bars are converging in Cebu for the 2026 Philippine Cocktail Fiesta, scheduled from November 13 to 15. The festival marks its first edition outside Metro Manila, launching a rotating host-city program that will showcase different Philippine destinations each year.
A Regional Gathering of Award-Winning Bars
The festival has confirmed participation from Hong Kong’s Coa, a three-time No. 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, and 2026 winner Hope and Sesame from Guangzhou, China. Also joining are Vender and Three X Co, named best bars in Taiwan and Malaysia this year, respectively.
More award-winning establishments are coming from India, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam. These international bars will join local favorites such as Makati’s Problem Child and The Spirits Library, both part of Asia’s 50 Best Bars list this year.
Three Zones, One Unforgettable Weekend
Activities will unfold across three zones: Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Mactan. Guests are encouraged to bar hop between venues, discovering the best of Cebu’s cocktail, dining, and hospitality scene. Industry-only events are scheduled for November 12 and 16.
The destination offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Drinks might begin at a cocktail bar in Cebu City, continue over dinner at a Michelin-recognized restaurant, and end at a hotel rooftop or along the Mactan waterfront. Local flavors like lechon, grilled seafood, and pusô are woven into the same hospitality landscape.
New Programs for 2026
The festival introduces the Bar Congress, a full-day industry program featuring masterclasses, panel discussions, and roundtable conversations for bartenders, bar owners, and hospitality professionals. Dates and session details will be announced in the coming months.
Another highlight is Fiesta Exchange, a two-way guest shift program that sends Filipino bartenders to leading bars across Asia while inviting host venues to participate in the November festival. The program debuted in New Delhi in May and continued in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.
A Growing Platform for Filipino Talent
Launched in 2025 by DrinkCollectiv and Drinks Be With You, the Philippine Cocktail Fiesta has quickly become one of the country’s largest cocktail festivals. Its inaugural edition featured nearly 100 participating bars across Metro Manila, along with guest shifts and masterclasses involving bartenders from across Asia.
Festival director Tatum Ancheta described Cebu as the natural next step for the festival. She emphasized that moving the event allows organizers to introduce international bars, media, and hospitality professionals to different Philippine destinations while strengthening connections between local bar communities.
