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Kalel Demetrio

Kalel Demetrio is a Filipino mixologist and forager known as the Liquido Maestro, best known for co-founding Agimat: Foraging Bar and Kitchen and Destileria Barako.

Indigenous-ingredient-driven Filipino craft cocktails rooted in foraging and cultural storytelling. This profile looks at Kalel’s background, career and signature approach.

Manila, Philippines
Manila, Philippines. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA.

TL;DR

  • Filipino
  • Known for co-founding Agimat: Foraging Bar and Kitchen and Destileria Barako
  • He co-founded Agimat: Foraging Bar and Kitchen, billed as the country’s first foraging resto-bar.
  • He develops local craft spirits and liqueurs, including products under Destileria Barako.
  • Indigenous-ingredient-driven Filipino craft cocktails rooted in foraging and cultural storytelling.

Kalel Demetrio key facts

NameKalel Demetrio
Nationality / originFilipino
Known forco-founding Agimat: Foraging Bar and Kitchen and Destileria Barako
LocationManila, Philippines
StyleIndigenous-ingredient-driven Filipino craft cocktails rooted in foraging and cultural storytelling.

Background and career

He is from Tondo, Manila, and rose from restaurant staff to a leading craft-cocktail figure. He co-founded Agimat: Foraging Bar and Kitchen, billed as the country’s first foraging resto-bar.

Recognition and legacy

He personally forages indigenous botanicals and fruits to use in his drinks. He develops local craft spirits and liqueurs, including products under Destileria Barako.

Refined fine-dining plating
Fine dining. Photo: cyclonebill, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA.

Signature style

Indigenous-ingredient-driven Filipino craft cocktails rooted in foraging and cultural storytelling. It is an approach that has made Kalel a distinctive figure in the food world.

Kalel in context

Kalel Demetrio is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Him Uy de Baron and Heny Sison.

Follow Kalel Demetrio

Kalel Demetrio – profile

Kalel Demetrio FAQ

Who is Kalel Demetrio?
A Filipino mixologist and forager known as the Liquido Maestro.

Where is Kalel based?
Manila, Philippines.

What is Kalel known for?
Co-founding Agimat: Foraging Bar and Kitchen and Destileria Barako.

What is a notable fact about Kalel?
He is from Tondo, Manila, and rose from restaurant staff to a leading craft-cocktail figure.

What is Kalel’s style?
Indigenous-ingredient-driven Filipino craft cocktails rooted in foraging and cultural storytelling.

A lifelong food-industry professional and the writer behind Pickup Table 4 — a chef, waiter and restaurant owner who today invests in restaurants and food projects. A dedicated foodie with a deep love of chefs and culinary culture, profiling the people who shape how the world eats.