Filipinos Find Home in a Cocktail at This Bar in Macau

Fact: You can find Filipinos everywhere outside the country. This becomes especially clear once you land in Macau, whether by ferry or by land from Hong Kong or via a direct flight from Manila. You'll overhear a language you recognize, see familiar-looking faces pass by, and sense a distinct energy you cannot mistake for anyone other than someone from the Philippines. And instantly, you feel at home.

This is not surprising at all because according to the Macau government website, Filipinos are the leading visitors not only from Southeast Asia but are considered the top international tourists, with an impressive 493,399 people who explored this special administrative region throughout the entire year of 2024. This number represents a significant contribution to the 66 percent year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals.

With such a large volume of Filipino visitors, the demand for quality accommodations is undoubtedly high. One impressive property often praised by online reviewers is Wynn Palace, located in Cotai. Opened in August 2016, this 28-story integrated resort features 1,706 rooms, approximately 10,000 square meters of luxury retail space, an eight-acre performance lake with a fountain show, and the largest spa in Macau.

With 15 food and beverage concepts inside, including several Michelin-starred restaurants, it is regarded as the hotel with the most Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants. And as one strolls through its grand corridors, it must not come as a surprise that a significant number of Filipinos are in sight, both as guests and employees.

Signage outside Wing Lei Bar

'Limitless Cocktails'

A recent event was celebrated at the property when its flagship bar, Wing Lei, was relaunched to the public, showcasing a bold upgrade both in its interiors and beverage offerings. The overhauled bar is glittering and elegant like a jewel box. Guests will be impressed by its European-style mirrors, an 18th-century crystal chandelier, and semi-precious stones shimmering on the walls.

The newly renovated space offers a new beverage program courtesy of industry veteran Mark Lloyd, the head of mixology and bar operations. A native of Scotland, Lloyd deeply appreciates Asian culture as he has been living in this region for 15 years now and has immersed himself in the cities of Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

Pandantini, Wing Lei Bar's modern take on the timeless Martini

At Wing Lei, he introduces the philosophy of “limitless cocktails,” an innovative approach anchored in sustainability that promises every guest, whether novice or seasoned, an unmatched bar experience. Lloyd developed reimagined takes on classics like the Sidecar, a Cognac-based drink that is Croissant-washed with Cointreau and Yuzu Honey Syrup. There’s also a modern take on the timeless Martini called Pandantini, which has white chocolate-washed pandan vodka, raspberry, jackfruit, and grapefruit. For those seeking a strong finish, the recommended cocktail creation is the Cola Cube, crafted with bourbon whiskey, Penja pepper, and cola bitters. Despite the drinks being revolutionary, they exhibit balance and precision, primarily influenced by Lloyd’s industrial chemistry and distilling background.

Sidecar, a Cognac-based drink that is croissant-washed with Cointreau and Yuzu Honey Syrup

Another distinguishing mark of the new Wing Lei is its emphasis on personalized service. This is not merely a bar showcasing its new look and well-crafted cocktails, but it represents a significant shift in how hotel bars engage with their customers.

Lloyd believes that bartenders are the guests’ tour guides, and a concrete example of this is his enthusiasm for introducing an Off Menu bespoke creation. Guided by his four signature questions, he will ask about one’s flavor choices, appetite for adventure, spirit of choice, and allergy restrictions, all in the of serving the perfect drink.

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Filipino Pride

Lloyd is also a visionary, as evident in his foresight and strategic thinking in assembling his team. Currently, he has at least two Filipinos on his team to carry out his brand of service. Filipinos worldwide are known for their hospitality, and having them on board is a surefire way to capture the hearts of cocktail lovers.

Bartender Emmanuel Gayondato

We first met Emmanuel Gayondato, who has been an employee of Wynn Palace for eight years. He started in back-of-house operations and is now one of the client-facing staff responsible for mixing and serving drinks. When asked about the biggest advantage of having Filipinos in the beverage industry, he said, “We are observant, and we put ourselves in the shoes of the guests so we can understand what they truly need.”

Serving fellow Filipinos at the bar and exceeding their expectations was a special experience for him. He shared his knowledge about the attractions available in the hotel, recommended various restaurants to book, and crafted personalized cocktails based on customers’ requests. Emmanuel made a popcorn-flavored cocktail with ube and mango that left them delighted. “I am proud that we are being known for our service at the bar and have repeat guests. I apply my experience from my previous jobs in the Philippines, and the guests appreciate it,” he added.

Wing Lei Bar's Beverage Team Leader Richard Alfaro

Then there’s Richard Alfaro, who has been working for Wynn since 2007 and is now the Beverage Team Leader, second in command to Lloyd. What he shared was truly inspiring: “We Filipinos are naturally hospitable; it's in our blood and in our culture. I show my great service to the guests by just being natural. Natural feels genuine, and genuine feels welcoming.” He went on to say that Filipinos are known for their strong family-oriented values, and he welcomes customers as if they were his visitors to his own home. He also shared that he is good at reading people and their body language. “I usually know what my guests need even before they ask for it,” he spoke of his unique skill.

Cola Cube is crafted with bourbon whiskey, Penja pepper, and cola bitters

'Flair Meets Authenticity'

Through its relaunch, Wing Lei Bar has strategically redefined its position, offering patrons an opulent bar experience without the usual rigid atmosphere. Embracing the motto "Flair meets authenticity," the bar prioritizes establishing warm and genuine connections with guests. They believe excellence is subjective, shaped by personal preferences, yet consistently aim to make each encounter memorable and authentic.

With Lloyd’s track record in the bar industry, supported by capable Filipino bartenders, a seat at this celebrated bar will undoubtedly be one for the books. For Filipinos, every sip offers a taste of home, making this truly our bar away from home.