Rose Amor on the Cost of Becoming a Bartender (Manila)

Starting out behind the bar isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. For Rose Amor of AKA in Quezon City, Manila, the reality is that low starting wages and the high cost of cocktails can make it difficult for young bartenders to develop their skills.

When a single drink can eat into a significant chunk of your daily pay, learning through tasting and experimentation isn't always easy. And this isn't a career for those looking for quick returns.

Building your knowledge, refining your craft, and finding your place in the industry takes time. It can be years before you feel truly comfortable in your career. But that's part of the journey — and one worth understanding before stepping behind the bar.