There's really more to running a bar than loving the nightlife and wanting very much to boogie.

If you ask successful restaurant-and-bar maven Christine San Diego, there is a lot more to it than that. As the general manager of nightspots such as Absinth - which is just going strong as popular hangout in Greenbelt - she doesn't hesitate to list down all of the responsibilities from menu planning All in all, Christine says it's about "making sure guests are happy and service is excellent, ensuring overall appearance of place is good." Despite being the boss, Christine doesn't think twice about getting behind the bar to tend her patrons or even "waitering" when she's understaffed.

Before Absinth, this single mother put up Bistro 110. "I was actually more interested in the restaurant business," says Christine, "when we opened Bistro 110 that was what its main concept was but because we wanted to maximize our profits we decided to turn it into a bar in the evenings. That was what got me interested." Still up and running on Carlos Palanca St. in Makati, Bistro 110 gave Christine the idea of putting up Flute Wine Bar in Salcedo Village - a pioneering establishment in that area. Aside from
Absinth, she currently also manages Juice Bar in Boracay. As if that weren't enough, she also has a real estate company.

Ironically enough, Christine wasn't always into the nightlife. She waited until she was the ripe old age of 22 before she took her first drink on a night out with her cousins. It was a good experience, she says. "All our night outs were always fun," recalls Christine.

Characteristically, Christine works to make sure that that her customers get nothing less than that experience every time.

"I like meeting people and making them happy through my food, drinks and music," answers Christine when asked about what gets her excited about what she does. "I would never work for anything I didn't like unless it is necessary. "The work I do is very satisfying and fulfilling."

She admits though that, "it is hard to run a business that everyone thinks has a low mortality rate." According to her, "competition is quite tough but I'm so lucky to still be in this for 8 years."

During vacations, Christine enjoys diving, which very much in keeping with her adventurous side. Its during these times - floating in a different environment - that allows her to detach and reflect.

When asked if she worries that her hectic schedule will takes its toll, Christine shrugs her shoulders and says, "sometimes." She adds, "I'm not getting any younger. This life is sometimes too fast paced for me."

But Christine isn't slowing down anytime soon. "I think I have a lot more to offer in this business. People can learn a lot from me." In fact, she's not resting on her well-deserved laurels.

"I am thinking of opening more restaurants, bars and probably a club, not just in Makati."

"Passion and competence." That's her secret. "One has to love to work and enjoy at the same time," she explains and this is what keeper her going. After all, women - like girls - just wanna have fun.