Newport World Resorts’ Edu Zamora crowned Espolòn Tequila Cocktail Fight champion

Newport World Resorts Director of Mixology Edu Zamora (center) celebrates his Espolòn Tequila Cocktail Fight championship alongside The Whisky Library’s Jezza Solano (center left), who advanced to the top eight, as well as (l-r) Raymart Besmonte and Vanessa Mae Daroca of Casa Buenas, and Christopher Rey of Sonata Lounge.

Newport World Resorts Head of Mixology Edu Zamora emerged as champion of the Espolòn Tequila Cocktail Fight on August 17, besting a field of close to a hundred bartenders from bars across the Philippines. First launched in New York City in 2013, Espolòn Cocktail Fights is a live, head-to-head contest that challenges bartenders to create and execute cocktails under pressure. It has since grown into an international platform, with national champions earning a place at the Espolòn Cocktail Fights World Championship in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Philippine leg tested sensory awareness, pouring precision, knowledge of classic cocktails, creativity, speed, and service. Zamora and Jezza Solano of The Whisky Library at Newport World Resorts, home to Manila’s largest whisky collection, advanced to the top eight after completing a blind nosing challenge, a free-pour precision test, and a race to prepare Grand Margaritas.

Newport World Resorts’ Head of Mixology’s performance secured the championship and the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the global finals in Mexico. “Several years ago, I had the privilege of representing Singapore in a global bartending competition. I was very proud of that experience, but this one feels completely different because this time, I get to represent my own home—the Philippines,” said Zamora.

The Newport World Resorts contingent also included Raymart Besmonte and Vanessa Mae Daroca of Casa Buenas, Newport World Resorts’ signature Filipino restaurant; and Christopher Rey of Sonata Lounge, the integrated resorts’ cocktail lounge. Their participation brought together the beverage talent behind three of the property’s distinctive dining and nightlife destinations.

First established as the pioneer integrated resort in the Philippines in 2009, Newport World Resorts encompasses a newer and bigger world of extraordinary thrills within the bustling Newport City community. It is a one-stop, non-stop casino, hotels, and entertainment complex comprising two main wings, Newport Grand Wing and Newport Garden Wing that feature a wide array of gaming thrills and an innovative EPIC REWARDS program for members.

Centrally located within a prime tourism spot, right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Newport World Resorts boasts of the highest hotel room key count in a single property with five international hotel brands, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, SHERATON Manila Hotel, HOTEL OKURA Manila, HILTON Hotel Manila, and HOLIDAY INN Express Manila-Newport City. The sprawling property also features a wide range of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) venues, including a three-story convention center that houses the country’s largest hotel ballroom, the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

At Newport World Resorts, entertainment and lifestyle options abound. The award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater seats over 1,700 audiences for live entertainment from plays and musicals to concerts and amazing performances. Likewise, the Newport Grand Wing’s The Grand Bar and Lounge and the Newport Garden Wing’s Bar 360 and El Calle Food and Music Hall provide nightly live entertainment for guests and patrons. The Newport Mall features international luxury brands and the state-of-the-art Newport Cinemas. Also within Newport City, are over 50 restaurants and dining outlets offering a diverse selection of local and international cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and international chefs.