Name: Angelo Gerard dela Cruz
Position: F&B Expert/Bartender
Hotel: Marriott Manila Hotel
Dream destination: Singapore, Australia, Canada, and Europe — because these are home to some of the best bars in the world.
Drink or treat of choice: Depending on the time of day, I always begin with a cup of coffee, typically a nicely pulled espresso. By midday, I switch to either an iced Americano or a cappuccino. Whenever I visit a bar, I have only two go-to drinks: an Old Fashioned or a Negroni. As for my nightcap, it’s always a beer.
Meet Angelo, more fondly known as Gelo: an award-winning senior bartender at Marriott Manila Hotel’s Greatroom and Still Tea & Whiskey Lounge.
In 2016, Gelo began his Marriott journey as an outsourced food and beverage server at Marriott Café, the all-day dining restaurant of Marriott Manila Hotel. He was then hired full-time in 2018 handling the bar operations of the same outlet. His spark for bartending was first ignited during college when he was captivated by a flair bartending performance. As someone who loves experimenting with flavors and values creativity, he quickly became fascinated with the art of bartending and mixology.
During his eight-year career, he found his specialization in mixology. Loving the autonomy to be creative and diverse, Gelo enjoys expressing himself through every cocktail he concocts.
“I believe every drink should have a purpose – a story behind it. That’s what gives it meaning and adds value to the experience,” says Gelo.
Together with his team, Gelo seeks to consistently elevate the level of bartending to create and refine drinks tailored to suit every palate, ensuring that everyone — no matter their preferences — feels welcome.
In November last year, Gelo took up the challenge to compete in the inaugural APEC Rising Stars Bartending Competition. Over the six-month contest, he showcased an exceptional blend of Filipino culture and sustainability, crafting cocktails that carried a narrative deeply rooted in tradition. In a dazzling display of passion for mixology and creative storytelling, Gelo earned a well-deserved spot on the podium while showcasing the unique charm of the Philippines on the global stage.
If you ever find yourself at Marriott Manila Hotel, don’t miss the chance to savor Gelo’s fantastical creations where every sip is designed to tell a story and every ingredient a tribute to his Filipino heritage! Until then, dive into the tale of this award-winning bartender’s remarkable journey with Marriott.
→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott
Tell us about your Marriott career journey.
I’ve been with Marriott for almost eight years. I started as a casual employee for Marriott Café at the Manila Marriott Hotel, and eventually became a service captain for outsourced associates. I also had the privilege of helping the Manila Life Café (previously part of Manila Marriott Hotel’s F&B offerings) team prepare for the outlet’s opening.
Fast forward: I was hired as a bartender for the Marriott Café at Manila Marriott Hotel. Then the pandemic hit. During that time, we opened an alfresco dining and street food booth called Parklet.
Post-pandemic, I was part of a three-way rotation, which led to my assignment at the Marriott Grand Ballroom restaurants, assigned to Crema, Mian & Allegro, Manila Life Café, and event kiosks. During this period, we established a pop-up coffee and pastry kiosk at Marriott Grand Ballrooms during its official opening.
In 2023, I was transferred to the lounges and pool bars, spending most of my time at the Greatroom. That same year, I completed two task force assignments: one at The Westin Manila in Ortigas and another at Four Points by Sheraton Puerto Princesa Palawan.
Since joining Marriott, I’ve had numerous opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve unlocked skills I never thought I was capable of; traveled more than ever before; met incredible people; and experienced diverse cultures — all of which have made this journey exciting and rewarding.
What attracted you to want to work at Marriott?
Marriott is a renowned company that I believe many professionals aspire to work for. The properties are luxurious, the service is exceptional, the talent is abundant, and the people are warm and friendly. Like many others, I worked hard and did my best to prepare for the opportunity to join this company — and here I am today.
How would you describe your experience as a Marriott associate?
Being a Marriott associate is a challenging yet fulfilling experience. The pace is exhilarating, and there’s always something happening around the corner. The team constantly pushes each other to grow and improve. What I love most about being part of Marriott is the supportive and encouraging people I work with. They’re always willing to lend a helping hand, which is a true testament to the spirit of teamwork.
How has Marriott supported you as a bartender and artisan?
Marriott and support go hand in hand; it’s ingrained in the company’s culture. One of the biggest sources of support I’ve received is from my direct manager, Ms Kaye Varona-Alday. She consistently backs my ideas and finds ways to acquire the equipment we need for operations and experiments. She also ensures we’re sent to events and training sessions to keep up with trends and new techniques, helping us stay competitive. Her guidance — reminding us of objectives and priorities — keeps us aligned and focused.
Tell us about your experience taking part in the first-ever APEC Rising Star Beverage Competition! How did this opportunity come about, and what was it like to be a part of this experience?
The Rising Star Competition was a tough yet incredibly rewarding experience. There were multiple rounds of competition at property level, market, and then regional, and the level of competition was high. It was challenging, but also educational, exciting, and fun.
The participants were exceptionally talented, but kudos to the event facilitators for organizing the program seamlessly. They made us feel less like competitors and more like invited participants showcasing our skills and knowledge. The experience left me inspired to elevate our bars and strive for competitiveness not just locally, but internationally.
What is the most unusual or surprising ingredient you have ever used in a cocktail?
Beetroot is the most challenging ingredient I’ve ever worked with — which was what I picked to use during the competition. Prior to that, I had never used it in a cocktail, nor did I even know what it tasted like. However, I thrive on challenges, so I embraced it wholeheartedly. It was incredibly rewarding to see the judges love the result, and it reaffirmed my belief in stepping out of my comfort zone.
Proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment so far was winning an award in the Rising Star Competition. Knowing how talented the other participants were, I didn’t expect it and was just grateful to be a part of the event. I’ve always told myself that what I know is never enough — that I need to push harder, do better, and work smarter. Looking back, I realized I’ve grown so much compared to who I was a year ago. While there’s still so much to learn, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Competing against my past self and becoming better than I was is a constant goal — and that’s what makes me proud.
Share with us what inspires you when creating drinks and how you keep your creative edge in bartending.
I’ve always been passionate about sustainability, Filipino flavors, and storytelling. For me, innovation and resourcefulness are second nature, and sustainability aligns perfectly with these values. It’s about maximizing every ingredient’s potential and experimenting to achieve something extraordinary.
I always say, “Push Filipino flavors forward.” The Philippines offers so many promising products that only need the right support and techniques to draw out their full potential. I believe every drink should have a purpose — a story behind it. That’s what gives it meaning and adds value to the experience. For me, every drink must embody sustainability, Filipino flavors, and a compelling story.
Any advice for incoming Marriott associates?
Always be kind but stay smart. Be open to new ideas and remain humble. Find a good mentor, and don’t hesitate to share your knowledge. Allow yourself to make mistakes, but make sure to learn from them. Discover something you love and never tire of doing, then practice it until you perfect it.
Keep learning; it’s a lifelong process. Work hard or work smart, but always find a purpose. Live your life fully. Reward yourself every now and then, travel often, and find joy in the little things.
→ Marriott Is Hiring! Find What You’re Looking For in a Career
