Don Papa Rum invites you to travel back in time, not through photo albums or playlists, but through your glass. Tres Papas, the rum brand’s signature bartender series returns with three unforgettable nights of cocktails, craftsmanship and stories.

This year’s theme, Nostalgia, explores how flavors can spark cherished memories, reimagining the past with a cheeky, flavorful twist.

 Childhood treats to first tastes 

First launched in 2019, Tres Papas brings together some of the region’s most celebrated bartenders for a one-night-only guest shift, each pairing Don Papa’s versatility with their own signature flair. The 2025 edition expands that concept, turning the bar into a time machine where every cocktail becomes a portal to moments worth remembering — from childhood treats to first tastes of freedom, to flavors that feel like home.

With nostalgia setting the stage, Tres Papas 2025 opened with its first unforgettable night at The Curator in Manila on 24 October, the beginning of a three-part journey across Asia’s cocktail scene.

For the kickoff, the trio behind the bar consisted of Vince Uy of The Curator, Audrey Gustilo of Don Papa Rum and guest bartender Bas Suppawat Nitsanga from Bangkok’s famed Teens of Thailand. Known for bold creativity and playful twists, they crafted cocktails designed to awaken memory and spark joy.

Vince welcomed guests with two playful creations that captured the warmth of homegrown Filipino nostalgia. His Taho de Presa is a memory of the good times going to Baguio, enjoying a classic Filipino dessert we all grew up with and loved. It’s sweet, a little playful, and feels like that comforting taste of home… simple moments turned into something special, used Don Papa’s signature vanilla and honey notes to reimagine a familiar comfort in a refined glass. His second, Pandan sa Galo Street, was a cheeky nod to bright, nostalgic, and a little bit of joy you can sip on, elevated with Don Papa’s fruit-forward character.

From Bangkok, Pek brought his daring, no-rules energy to Manila, serving two drinks that blurred the line between memory and mischief. His Rum Sawa riffed on his memories of Chinatown, giving

it a bold adult twist with Don Papa’s depth. His Wabi Sabi bridges Bangkok’s street culture with Don Papa’s playful cheekiness.

Finally, Audrey tied the evening together with two signature Don Papa creations. Her Dino Don, highlighted the rum’s citrus and candied fruit notes, inspired by her memories with Milo as a staple in Filipino homes. Her Butter Coconut Martini leaned into Don Papa’s rich depth, offering a contemplative drink meant to evoke.

The night proved to be more than just a guest shift... it was a sensory time machine, where each cocktail told a story and reminded guests that the most unforgettable flavors aren’t just tasted, they’re felt. Episode 1 set the tone: Tres Papas isn’t simply about cocktails, but about bringing memories to life one glass at a time.

Nostalgia in a sip

Tres Papas 2025 continues its nostalgic journey with two more nights that promise to be equally unforgettable.

The second stop heads to Southbank BGC, with host bartender Tina Tubig joining Audrey Gustilo and Kwan Ponkamon from Bangkok’s Independence: a bar known for weaving E-Sarn flavors into inventive cocktails. Expect bold, soulful drinks that shine with Bangkok’s late-night energy. 

Closing the series is David Ong at Gaea, alongside Audrey Gustilo and Alex Kharitonkina from Sri Lanka’s Kaiyo, famed for its farm-to-bar philosophy. 

With Tres Papas 2025, Don Papa Rum reminds us that cocktails are never just about what’s in the glass... they’re about the memories, stories and feelings they stir. From Manila to Bangkok to Sri Lanka, this year’s series is set to bring nostalgia to life in surprising, flavorful ways.... proof that sometimes the sweetest way forward is by savoring a sip from the past.