Oto is an intimate cocktail lounge in the heart of Poblacion, Makati, Manila, the Philippines. Its name, meaning “sound” in Japanese, reflects its identity as a space where crafted mixology meets a unique musical experience.
Since 2019, Oto has been recognised on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. The bar offers a creative menu ranging from classic cocktails like the daiquiri and martini to signature creations such as the “Bacon Old Fashioned” and “Breakfast Martini.” With an atmosphere enhanced by curated vinyl music, Oto delivers a sensory experience for cocktail enthusiasts and night owls alike.
How did you get into bartending/mixology, despite having engineering degrees?
I previously worked in several industries including construction, water engineering, sales, marketing — even pottery, though I never lasted in any one of them. I guess I was struggling to find something that I was passionate about. But I did realise that I love working with my hands. I liked creating things and instantly seeing the result. So I took up bartending. Three years in and I am still in love with every aspect of it. I have never looked back.
It is said that Oto ‘shapes a bar culture that blends the art of mixology with the rich musical history that inspires each drink’. Can you elaborate on this?
Oto takes its name from the Japanese word for sound and we have an extensive vinyl collection and music programme. We incorporate that theme into our cocktail menu, which is based on musical eras and the corresponding cocktail trends at the time.
How are your menus crafted, how often do they change and what inspires them?
The team at Oto are like a family and our menus are a collaborative effort among us all. We always make sure that our drinks are up to our own standards and we stay fully aligned when developing menus. Our current menu is about music and cocktail trends in specific eras, and our next menu will be about Remixes & Remasters. The idea of this will be to explore classic cocktail twists — or ‘remixes’.
What is your signature drink/s and how did craft it?
One is the Grey Poupon. This drink is inspired by early 2000s hip-hop, where the dijon mustard brand ‘Grey Poupon’ was widely referenced in rap as a symbol of luxury. Likewise with the French brandy Cognac. I incorporated both these ingredients — along with jalapeño peppers, passionfruit, vanilla and lime juice — to create a twist on the penicillin (a drink that was super popular in this era).
In an industry dominated by men, how do you make sure you are seen and heard?
Historically this is true but it’s been great to see more and more females succeeding in the industry. I don’t categorise myself — or my peers — as ‘female bartenders’, but simply ‘bartenders’. The scene in SE Asia has now evolved to a point where this can be a reality.
What’s next for Alex Javier?
I have recently taken on the role of Bar Manager at Oto and so I’d like to support my team in every way I can to help them achieve their goals. I will also continue to fly the flag for Luisita Rum in my role as a brand ambassador.