Raffles Makati and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor are collaborating on a two-part bar takeover series that celebrates the cocktail traditions of the Philippines and Cambodia through guest bartender exchanges at two of the region’s best-known hotel bars.
Titled “Philippines to Cambodia x Cambodia to Philippines,” the collaboration is being held in partnership with Maison Ferrand, Moonshine Cambodia, Citadelle, and Planteray.
The first event takes place on July 18 at the Elephant Bar in Siem Reap, where Kristian Torres, head bartender at Long Bar at Raffles Makati, will present a menu of cocktails that reinterpret classic recipes using Filipino flavors and locally inspired ingredients. Known for his technical approach and narrative-driven creations, Torres will bring a taste of the Philippines to Cambodia.
Cambodian Flavors Come to Manila
The exchange continues on August 14, when the Elephant Bar team travels to Manila for a guest takeover at Long Bar in Raffles Makati.
Leading the event is Nisha, Raffles Gin Butler at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, whose expertise in gin and contemporary mixology has earned recognition in Cambodia, including a finalist finish in the 2025 Campari Red Hands Cambodia Competition. During the evening, Nisha will introduce guests to cocktails inspired by Cambodian heritage, combining local ingredients with Maison Ferrand spirits.
“It is an honour to represent Elephant Bar and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor at Raffles Makati,” said Nisha.
“Through gin and the rich flavours of Cambodia, I look forward to creating moments that connect our two vibrant cultures – one cocktail at a time.”
Among the featured cocktails is Berry Suspicious, a gin-based creation made with Citadelle Rouge Gin, crème de fraise, Kampot pepper syrup, strawberry and basil purée, and topped with a signature foam.
Celebrating a Shared Hospitality Legacy
The two-part series highlights the shared heritage of the Raffles brand while giving guests an opportunity to experience the distinctive cocktail cultures of Cambodia and the Philippines through the work of their bartenders.
By exchanging talent between Siem Reap and Manila, the collaboration also showcases how local ingredients and regional traditions continue to shape contemporary cocktail experiences across Southeast Asia.
In Summary
Raffles Makati and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor will host a reciprocal bar takeover series featuring guest bartenders Kristian Torres and Nisha. The events celebrate the cocktail traditions of the Philippines and Cambodia through creative mixology, local ingredients, and the shared heritage of the Raffles brand.