For one night only on Thursday, 16 July, ANTI:DOTE at Fairmont Singapore welcomes Gabriel Carlos, Co-Founder of The Basement Cebu, back to the city for an exclusive guest shift showcasing the vibrant flavours, ingredients and cocktail culture of the Philippines.
Hosted by newly appointed Head Mixologist Adonis Endozo Reyes alongside Outlet Manager Nicola Fenu, the collaboration reunites two Filipino bartenders whose careers were shaped in Singapore before taking them in different directions. While Adonis now leads ANTI:DOTE’s cocktail programme, Gabriel returned to his home city of Cebu to open The Basement, where he is helping shape a new generation of cocktail culture in the Philippines.
A familiar face behind some of Singapore’s leading cocktail bars, including the award-winning Manhattan Bar, Gabriel returned home to Cebu with a mission to make cocktails more accessible for local drinkers. Rather than challenging local drinkers with unfamiliar flavour profiles, he looked to classic cocktails they already recognised, reinterpreting them with ingredients and botanicals unique to Cebu. The result is a collection of drinks that feels both familiar and distinctly local, while showcasing the island’s produce and identity to international visitors.
Sponsored by Código 1530 Tequila, a premium tequila and mezcal brand crafted in Jalisco, Mexico using time-honoured production methods and made without added chemicals, flavourings or sweeteners, the guest shift features four signature cocktails (S$24++ each) inspired by Cebu’s history, produce and culinary traditions.
Carbon, named after Cebu’s largest market and the oldest in the Visayas, reimagines the classic Paloma with Código 1530 Rosa Tequila, native lomboy fruit, timur pepper, elderflower and grapefruit soda.
Cariñosa celebrates the Philippines’ exceptionally sweet Señorita banana, pairing Código 1530 Blanco Tequila and Código 1530 Mezcal Artesenal with Señorita banana liqueur, rosso vermouth and chocolate bitters in a contemporary take on the Manhattan and Rosita.
Ensalada, inspired by the Filipino green mango salad traditionally made with unripe mango and tomato, gives the Margarita a savoury twist with green mango, tomato, basil and coriander.
Completing the line-up is Lato, named after the sea grapes that are a staple of Visayan cuisine, transforming the Old Fashioned with Código 1530 Mezcal Artesenal, seaweed, miso and umami bitters.
Rather than focusing on cocktails alone, ANTI:DOTE has created an exclusive menu of Filipino-inspired bar bites, bringing the country’s rich culinary heritage to the table alongside Gabriel’s cocktails. Guests can enjoy Lumpia ($18++), the Philippines’ iconic crisp spring rolls served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce; Lechon Kawali ($20++), crispy pork paired with punchy spiced vinegar; Corned Beef Pandesal ($16++), featuring tender corned beef nestled inside the Philippines’ signature soft bread roll and Turon Fritters ($20++), filled with caramelised banana and jackfruit and served with dulce de leche for a sweet finish.
Together, the cocktails and accompanying menu offer guests an immersive taste of the Philippines, celebrating the country’s vibrant ingredients, culinary traditions and warm hospitality through a one-night-only collaboration between two bartenders connected by their shared heritage and years spent working in Singapore.
