It was a magical three days last March 5 to 7, 2018 when Jholan Peñafiel competed at TGI Friday’s World Bartender Championship in Dallas, Texas. Peñafiel is an alumna of the College of Hospitality and Institutional Management of Our Lady of Fatima University- Quezon City Campus (OLFU-CHIM). Her charm, energy and sense of humor came into play, culminating in judges declaring her as Champion. Peñafiel is this year’s TGI Friday’s World’s Best Bartender.
Professional bartenders of TGI Fridays, coming from all corners of the world, converged in Texas to compete in the annual tilt. As the contest neared its high point, eight finalists remained for the ultimate face-off. Judges evaluated the contestants on: the skill and speed at which drinks were mixed, blended and served; the mastery on recipes and products, and other aspects such as showmanship.
Still a male-dominated arena, Peñafiel is the second Filipina to win the top crown. Rizza Umlas scored the win back in year 2015. Here’s to, not only national pride, but woman pride, as well!
Finishing behind Peñafiel were Michael Resurreccion of the United States and Russel Ward of the United Kingdom, as first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
Starting out as an on-the-job trainee of the restaurant, to being absorbed as a permanent employee, Peñafiel is another enviable OLFU alumna who has proven that a Filipino (and Filipina) can lay claim to the world. Cheers to you, Jholan!
