The Philippine Sommelier Association held its 3rd Annual Philippine Sommelier Competition on May 20, 2019. The event, held in partnership with Cellar Solutions and Enderun Colleges, determined the country’s representatives at the First Belt and Road Asia Champion Sommelier’s Challenge in Hong Kong (June 2019) and the 8th SEAsia Sommelier Competition in Manila (October 2019).
The competition saw the country’s top sommeliers go head-to-head in both written and practical exams. The top 3 finishers advanced to the finals, held in front of a live audience. In the “Professional” category, Ian Santos of Sommelier Selection Inc. claimed first prize. He was followed by Godofredo Pineda (2nd) and Willie Cabrillas (3rd).
In the separate Junior’s category, Jiyoung Park from Enderun Colleges proved victorious. She was joined on the podium by Aina Canta from DLSU-College of St. Benilde
Mr. Tommy Lam, founder of the SEA Sommelier Alliance, served as moderator for both events. The panel of judges included many notable figures, such as Mr. Joe Sriwarin (president of the Thailand Sommelier Association), Mr. John Hung (former president of the Taiwan Sommelier Association), Mr. Cyril Addison (director of the Philippine Sommelier Association) and Ms. Alicia Sy (executive editor at Town & Country Philippines).
The sommelier competition was accompanied by a wine exposition where wine merchants could showcase their portfolios to food and beverage executives, culinary professionals, wine aficionados, journalists, bloggers and culinary students. Among those presenting: AWC Philippines, Titania Wine Cellar, Philippine Wine Exchange, Happy Living Philippines, Don Revy Philippines, Future Trade Inc. and Sommelier Selection Inc. Glassware Sponsor is Garden Barn and Schott Zwiesel Philippines.