Regina Troy Barrios

Only One Philippine Bar Made Asia's 50 Best Bars This Year. It's Problem Child

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The Philippines has a new bar to celebrate. Makati&#x27;s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/problemchild_ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Problem Child</a> has been named The Best Bar in the Philippines and landed at No. 44 on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/50bestbars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars 2026</a>, making it the country&#x27;s highest-ranked bar this year. The results were announced Tuesday night at the awards ceremony in Macau.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17852434800791.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Problem Child just cracked Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars | Photo: 50 Best Bars</div>The ranking marks a remarkable debut for the Makati newcomer, which opened only in September 2025. Founded by Kevin Corales, Patrick Leyble Jr., and Wendy Esteban, Problem Child quickly built a reputation for doing things differently. Instead of sticking to a fixed identity, the team reinvents the bar every few months—from the cocktail menu and flavor profiles to the uniforms and overall concept—while pairing technical drinks with an atmosphere that feels playful rather than precious.This is the first time Problem Child has appeared on Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars list, and it arrives straight into the Top 50. <a href="https://metro.style/food/2026/7/14/only-one-philippine-bar-made-asia-s-50-best-extended-list-it-s-in-makati-1608" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The extended 51–100 list, released earlier this month, also brought good news for the Philippines, with The Spirits Library making its debut at No. 98</a>.Launched in 2016, Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars is regarded as one of the cocktail industry&#x27;s most influential rankings. Voted on by hundreds of bartenders, drinks writers, educators, and cocktail experts from across the region, the annual list has become a global benchmark for excellence in hospitality, creativity, and drinks culture, often shaping international travel and bar-hopping itineraries.

Problem Child has made its debut on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 at No. 44, becoming the highest-ranked Philippine bar this year while also being named the Best Bar in the Philippines.

Problem Child has made its debut on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 at No. 44, becoming the highest-ranked Philippine bar this year while also being named the Best Bar in the Philippines.

Only One Philippine Bar Made Asia's 50 Best Bars This Year. It's Problem Child

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Only One Philippine Bar Made Asia's 50 Best Bars This Year. It's Problem Child

Troy Barrios

Published July 28, 2026 09:05 PM PHT

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