Elevating the Event Experience Through the Art of Hospitality and Mixology
When then-24-year-old Jeffrey Dadivas began brainstorming for a bar catering service, little did he know he would stumble on a goldmine. An idea born out of necessity mixed with curiosity, as Dadivas recounts his story, it began when he realized the bar industry may have gotten stuck on the same concepts over the years—and the field was wide open for something fresh. At the jump, he wanted to incorporate elements from the hospitality industry into the bar business with an additional twist: take the upscale bar experience remotely, following a catering service format. This is how Manila Craft Mixes & Brews was born.
The Vision and Growth of Manila Craft
For Dadivas, grounding any ambition with his main purpose was crucial to starting Manila Craft on the right foot. He was curious about which drinks would be memorable enough to go hand-in-hand with these once-in-a-lifetime events, believing that “at parties, most people remember two things: how much fun they had and the drinks they had.” Lessons learned through his career in hospitality were his guiding light, teaching him to put the guest experience above everything else. Being attuned to guest preferences and adjusting to them accordingly is the subtle yet impactful skill he and his team have acquired; it’s the glue that holds together their quality drinks and the elegant setup Manila Craft has become known for.
Today, at 29, he runs Manila Craft with his best friend and business partner, Karlo Aquino, along with a full team. They’ve gone on to cater for premier events, luxe gatherings, and celebrity weddings. Name a special occasion and know it can be elevated with Manila Craft, where the art of hospitality and the art of mixology meet. Every drink on the menu, which features Manila Craft Signatures & Classics, is decided on with intention.
Diverse Mobile Bar Service Packages
In the industry, various mobile bar providers offer different structures to suit the needs of any celebration. For instance, services can range from unlimited consumption to specific drink counts. Below is a summary of common service formats based on industry standards like those from Uniqueverse Mobile Bar and Mixed Mobile Bar:
- Unlimited Package (Shot until you drop): In this package, the cost depends on the number of guests as there will be no limit on how many drinks to be dispensed. Ideal for festive type of events like weddings, debuts, and corporate launchings.
- Consumable Package: The cost of the package depends on the number of drinks and not on the number of the guests. In this package the client has control on how many drinks will be served and can add more drinks on the spot.
- Cash Bar Service: A service ideal for concerts and other big events. The bar will serve drinks on a cash basis, which may apply to events where the bar cost is not included in the participants' fee.
- Standard Sample Package (Approx. P7,500): Often includes professional bartenders, a portable lighted bar, and a selection of cocktails and shooters (e.g., 10 choices of drinks, up to 100 servings of cocktails and 200 servings of shooters) served within a five-hour open bar period.
Specialty Coffee Bars: A Growing Trend
One trend that’s brewing is the inclusion of specialty coffee bars at wedding receptions, and Bloomingdales Coffee is leading the way in this niche. Their mobile bar services offer an espresso infusion that promises to elevate your special day with every sip. Imagine the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through your reception, as your guests are treated to the finest coffee experience. This isn’t just about serving coffee; it’s about adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your celebration, ensuring that your guests remember your wedding for the delightful coffee they enjoyed.
Commitment to Excellence and Consistency
Successfully staying on the pulse of what works, Dadivas faces off today with a rather happy problem in the biz: finding out how to expand his team to meet the hot demand for his business. He emphasizes that they have to prioritize constant training since the team is growing drastically to maintain consistency in services. For Dadivas, success is not an end goal but a “great and continuous progress.” Whether it is cocktails, shooters, or coffee, the promise is to provide an excellent service and satisfaction to each guest and client.
