The Curator bar stepped into the international spotlight sometime in July 2023 by securing the No. 34 spot on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bar list. This significant achievement, celebrated at the Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong, also brought home the Best Bar in the Philippines award.
Amid this achievement following another challenging year, David wasted no time in continuing to promote the country's bar industry while relaying his journey and dedication to its ongoing evolution. Early this year, various industries, including cafes and bars, experienced a strong rebound, signaling a more optimistic outlook in achieving pre-pandemic numbers.
By 2019, David's influence extended beyond The Curator, with his bar in Poblacion called Oto also earning a spot on the list."Our entire philosophy shifted from putting the Philippines on the map to inviting people to come and explore the Philippines, and that's our goal now more than ever," he further emphasized.