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Problem Child x Virtu Tokyo

Cyrene De La Rosa

Just a few years ago, cocktail enthusiasts and fellow barflies often had to fly to Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, or Tokyo to experience Asia’s top bars. Today, Manila is increasingly becoming part of that circuit, with international guest shifts and bar takeovers bringing award-winning bartenders directly to Filipino audiences.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783323151060IMG_7811.jpg" style="width:650px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Kyoka Ogawa of Virtù Tokyo. Jeeves de Vera"/>Kyoka Ogawa of Virtù Tokyo. Jeeves de Vera</div>For one night, Problem Child — one of Manila’s top new bars — traded Manila for Tokyo as Maya Black, together with Visa, brought ‘Tokyo Shift’ to the city last June 25 through an exclusive guest shift headlined by Kyoka Ogawa of Virtù Tokyo.For cocktail enthusiasts and fellow barflies, evenings like these are few and far between. Instead of flying to Japan — and somehow securing a coveted seat at one of its most celebrated bars, many of which are notoriously difficult to book (or, in the case of Virtù Tokyo, don’t accept reservations at all) — guests were treated to a rare glimpse of Virtù’s signature style right here in Manila.Known for its refined, technically precise cocktails, Virtù Tokyo — currently ranked No. 18 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 and No. 45 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026 — has built a reputation as one of Japan’s leading cocktail destinations. Through Ogawa’s takeover, that meticulous approach to bartending was on full display. Every cocktail reflected the balance, restraint, and attention to detail that have earned Virtù a loyal following among cocktail aficionados across Asia. More than simply serving drinks, the experience offered a glimpse into the philosophy and craftsmanship behind one of the region’s most respected bars.The evening unfolded alongside DJ sets by CRWN and Thrones, giving the room a lively yet laid-back energy as guests made their way through cocktails inspired by Virtù’s acclaimed program. Maya Black Visa cardholders also enjoyed exclusive privileges throughout the night, including bonus Maya Miles on their purchases, adding another thoughtful layer to the experience.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1783323004483IMG_7796.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Virtu’s Kyok​​​​​a Ogawa with the Problem Child team of Patrick Leyble, Wendy Esteban and Kevin Corrales. Handout"/>Virtu’s Kyoka Ogawa with the Problem Child team of Patrick Leyble, Wendy Esteban and Kevin Corrales. Handout</div>As midnight drew closer, the guest shift seamlessly transitioned into an after-party led by Margachi. An open bar featuring Maya Black and Visa signature cocktails kept conversations flowing and the dance floor busy, proving that the best nights are often the ones where nobody is in a hurry to leave.Beyond the cocktails, ‘Tokyo Shift’ underscored just how far Manila’s cocktail scene has come. International guest shifts are no longer a novelty but events local drinkers actively anticipate, offering opportunities to experience world-class bartending styles without leaving the country. Collaborations like this continue to bridge that gap, and having brands such as Maya Black and Visa support these initiatives makes those experiences more accessible to Filipino audiences.And the momentum isn’t slowing down. Manila’s run of international guest shifts continues on Thursday, July 9, when Kakure SG — a Japanese cocktail bar from Singapore — takes over The Curator, giving local cocktail enthusiasts yet another opportunity to experience an acclaimed bar from abroad without leaving the country. If anything, it’s another sign that Manila is steadily cementing its place on Asia’s ever-evolving cocktail map.

For one night, Problem Child — one of Manila’s top new bars — traded Manila for Tokyo as Maya Black, together with Visa, brought ‘Tokyo Shift’ to the city through an exclusive guest shift headlined by Kyoka Ogawa of Virtù Tokyo.

For one night, Problem Child — one of Manila’s top new bars — traded Manila for Tokyo as Maya Black, together with Visa, brought ‘Tokyo Shift’ to the city through an exclusive guest shift headlined by Kyoka Ogawa of Virtù Tokyo.

Japan's Virtù Tokyo brings award-winning cocktails to Manila

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Japan's Virtù Tokyo brings award-winning cocktails to Manila

Cyrene De La Rosa

Published July 06, 2026 05:10 PM PHT

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