For the 1st time in 8 years, a female bartender will represent the Philippines in this global bartending comp

Bartending a is male-dominated profession, so when a woman takes her place as one of the best, it's always a good reason to toast and to drink.

That's exactly what Filipina bartender Kristina Tubig just did. She bested nine other bartenders to win the national Patrón Perfectionist Competition and become the Philippine representative at the global level.

Kristina is the first female bartender from the Philippines to win the Patrón Perfectionists National Finals.

Held just last November, participants went through several rounds until preliminary contestants were narrowed down to 10 and then five.

Kristina, a mixologist at Southbank Cafe + Lounge, won the national competition held at Hola Bar, with her signature cocktail dubbed "Breaking Norms."

Kristina created her winning cocktail using a mix of classic methods and Molecular Gastronomy techniques, with tequila and pink guava as her main ingredients.

In an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News, Kristina said that her victory amplifies an important message: What men can do, women can do better.

According to the 26-year-old bartender, she's always wanted to show what women can do because men mainly dominate the bartending industry.

"After the competition, many of my friends told me they were very proud that, finally, there's a female winner," Kristina said via Zoom.

"Some of them even got inspired to join the competition next year," Kristina added.

Aside from her victory, Kristina said that the Patrón Perfectionist program has allowed her to beat her fear of joining live competitions.

"It's a good start for me as a shy person. I unlocked my fear of speaking in front of other people," she said.

A little less than three months after winning the contest, Kristina said it feels surreal that people are coming to Southbank Cafe + Lounge asking to try her creations.

"I used to just be at the back of the bar, keeping a low profile, but now, people are looking for me and asking for my drinks," she said with a wide grin.

In March, Kristina is set to fly to Mexico and compete in the Patrón Perfectionists Global Finals as the Philippine representative in Patrón hacienda in Jalisco.

As for the drinks she'll be making, Kristina said that her lips are sealed… for now.

Best of luck, Kristina! Tagay! — LA, GMA Integrated News