“I like to travel. I like to experience local food and local ingredients. The best place for me to go is the market because that’s the place where I get inspiration.”

During his tenure, he was instrumental in achieving notable accolades, including rankings in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and recognition by Tales of the Cocktail Top 10. Renowned for his innovative approach to mixology, Paulo has consistently curated award-winning beverage programs while inspiring and leading exceptional teams to deliver unparalleled guest experiences.

Paulo’s journey began humbly at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia in Singapore, where he started at the housekeeping department to eventually landing a role in F&B. This early chapter marked the beginning of his dedication to mastering the art of bartending. His motivation as a bartender began with his fascination for flairtending—grandiose movements combined with an engaging sense of showmanship. In the Philippines, it’s common for bartenders to start their careers as flairtenders, and this unique approach to bartending taught Paulo that there are countless ingredients to work with, all leading to one outcome: a liquid masterpiece. Over time, he became captivated by the technicality and chemistry behind creating cocktails—not just to make them look appealing, but also to ensure they deliver consistent and flavorful experiences. Paulo draws inspiration from renowned establishments like Mahaniyom in Bangkok and The Old Man in Hong Kong, aiming to use food as a platform for his innovative drinks.

Paulo first visited The St. Regis Bar Jakarta during its pre-opening, when he helped train the opening team. He brings familiarity and expertise to the role. Why Jakarta, you may ask? “Jakarta is an emerging cocktail destination, with the potential to stand alongside regional hotspots like Singapore and Bangkok,” Paulo replies. He is determined to contribute to Jakarta’s growing cocktail scene, immersing himself in the local culture while leaving his mark on the industry.

What struck Paulo most about Jakarta’s bar industry was its tight-knit community. During his first guest shift, he was amazed by the camaraderie, with industry professionals from all corners coming to show their support. This sense of unity fueled his desire to become part of Jakarta’s vibrant cocktail culture.

Paulo’s approach to mixology is grounded on creativity and experimentation. He takes inspiration from market visits, working with unexpected ingredients to craft flavors that challenge and delight the palate. While he’s curious about how adventurous Indonesian patrons will be, he’s excited to explore new possibilities and create memorable experiences.

Paulo’s first priority in his new role is to elevate his team. He is committed to ensuring their talents and hard work are recognized, helping them earn well-deserved praise and accolades while guiding them toward international recognition. His second aspiration is to raise St. Regis Bar Jakarta’s reputation, delivering world-class cocktails and hospitality that could place it among Asia’s if not the world’s best bars. With Paulo at the helm, the St. Regis Bar Jakarta is poised for a renaissance, blending innovation, culture, and community in every glass.