Horatio’s Curious Companions Arrives in Manila with Bar by EAST

Experience cocktails inspired by Philippine culture, memories and everyday rituals

crafted by Rian Asiddao of Bar by EAST.

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Horatio of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS, 圣淘沙名胜世界) continues its journey of spirit discovery with the next edition of Horatio’s Curious Companions, this time setting its sights on the Pearl of the Orient—Manila.

Bar by EASTPHOTO CREDIT: Bar by EAST.

Over two nights—Wednesday, 18 March and Thursday, 19 March—from 8pm to 11pm, Horatio welcomes its first guest bartender from The Philippines: Rian Asiddao of Bar by EAST. An accidental award-winning bar, Bar by EAST has been featured on 50 Best Discovery and recognised in Tatler Philippines’ Best 20 Bars 2025. An architectural firm by day and a bar by night, Bar by EAST has emerged as a leading voice in The Philippines’ contemporary cocktail scene, known for its inventive, playful cocktails rooted in Filipino flavours and sensibilities.

For the evening, Rian will present four cocktails inspired by Philippine culture, memories, and everyday life. From the Wintermelon Highball, reflecting Marikina’s vibrant milk tea and boba culture, to Bear by East, a playful homage to childhood sweets and corner stores, and Binibini, which celebrates Filipino citrus and herbs. In line with the Horatio’s Curious Companions series, he will also bring Manille Liqueur de Calamansi, a spirit from his hometown produced by Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the oldest distillery in The Philippines, adding a distinctly local touch to the tasting.

From left to right: Wintermelon Highball, Bear by East and Barreled by EastPHOTO CREDIT: Bar by EAST.

For this edition of Horatio’s Curious Companions, guests can expect three signature cocktails from Rian alongside a secret password-only creation revealed only to those who follow the trail of clues on Horatio’s Instagram (@thehoratiosingapore) 48hrs prior to the event. All cocktails for the evening will be priced at S$20.

• Wintermelon Highball — Inspired by Marikina’s milk tea culture, where boba cups pass from hand to hand on every street, the Wintermelon Highball reshapes a childhood favourite into something crisp and refined. Wintermelon and pearls are lifted into a refreshing highball, while Scotch adds quiet depth and tonic sharpens the edges. Finished with a playful dusting of plum powder, the drink balances familiarity with restraint—Manila’s everyday comfort, retold through the language of the bar.

  
  

• Bear by East — A tribute to sari-sari shops and after-school rewards, Bear by EAST transforms gummy bears into a bright, playful highball that carries childhood joy into adulthood. Vodka infused with candy sweetness is lifted with citrus and soda, creating a drink that feels light, carefree and deliberately uncomplicated. Sweet, nostalgic and quietly clever, it reflects Rian’s belief that not all great cocktails need gravity, some only need memory.

  
  

• Barreled by East — Born from instinct, this cocktail celebrates the beauty of accident. When bourbon, mezcal, Campari, Aperol and vermouth are brought together, contrast gives way to unexpected harmony. Finished with chocolate bitters, the drink is bold yet composed, a reflection of Rian’s intuitive approach behind the bar, where discovery often happens when control is loosened and the process is allowed to unfold naturally.

  
  

As a curious traveller of the world’s spirits, Horatio continues his journey with each edition of Curious Companions, discovering unique flavours and stories from every destination. Following Manila, guests can look forward to future stops in Japan and Bangkok. 

Reservations for Horatio’s Curious Companions: Bar by EAST can be made via the website here.