Arnel never imagined that his knack for preparing drinks at small family gatherings would one day take him abroad. In his province in Negros Occidental, he was known as the guy who could make any celebration lively not just because of his cheerful personality, but also because of the colorful cocktails and creative mixes he prepared using nothing more than local fruits and inexpensive liquor.
But life at home was difficult. After finishing a short vocational course in hospitality, Arnel worked at a small bar in Bacolod. The pay was barely enough to cover daily expenses, and he often had to borrow money to help his parents, who depended on farming. As the eldest among five siblings, the pressure was heavy on his shoulders. He wanted to give his family a chance at a better life, and that’s when the opportunity to work abroad as a bartender came.
Through an agency, Arnel secured a contract in Dubai, where he was assigned to a high-end lounge inside a luxury hotel. From the very first day, he knew it was a different world. The bar counters gleamed, shelves were stocked with premium liquors he had only ever read about, and the customers came from all over the globe. His nerves almost got the best of him, but he reminded himself that he was here not just to mix drinks but to mix perseverance with hope.
At first, it was overwhelming. Customers ordered cocktails he had never tried before, and the pace was relentless during peak hours. He made mistakes confusing recipes, spilling drinks, and struggling to understand different accents. Some customers grew impatient, and there were nights when he went home exhausted and doubting if he was truly cut out for the job.
But Arnel was determined. He studied every recipe, practiced his flair bartending skills after work, and even asked senior bartenders for guidance. Slowly, he improved, and his confidence grew. he began to develop his own signature mixes, infusing them with a Filipino touch like using calamansi juice instead of lime or adding a dash of coconut flavor to tropical cocktails. Surprisingly, customers loved them. Regulars started requesting his unique blends, and even his manager took notice.
Beyond mixing drinks, Arnel realized that being a bartender was also about listening. Many customers came not just for cocktails but for conversations a lonely expatriate missing home, a businessman celebrating success, or a tourist curious about local life. Arnel’s natural warmth and humor made people feel comfortable. In those late night conversations across the bar, he found himself connecting with people from different walks of life while still carrying the spirit of Filipino hospitality.
The sacrifices, however, were real. While he was surrounded by lights, music, and laughter, there were nights when he felt the sting of loneliness. He missed family gatherings, birthdays, and Christmas celebrations. But every time he sent money home, helping his siblings finish school or seeing his parents repair their old house, je knew his sacrifices had meaning.
After five years, Arnel returned home with savings and valuable experience. With determination, he opened a small but stylish bar in Bacolod, one that reflected the mix of global techniques and Filipino flavors he had learned. He named it Halo Bar not just for the mixing of drinks but also for the blending of cultures and stories he encountered as an OFW.
Today, Arnel’s bar thrives, and he employs fellow bartenders who remind him of his younger self dreamers looking for a chance. He always tells them, Bartending is not just about serving drinks; it’s about serving dreams. Every glass you hand over could carry a story, just like ours.
