Benedicto Gascon Supnet

Benny was born on 9/28/27 in Orence Narvacan, Ilocus Sur, Philippines, the fourth child of Felipe and Enrica Supnet. A determined, brave, courageous and feisty young man, he served as a guerrilla soldier for the Philippines during World War II at the age of 15.

After the war, the Filipinos were being recruited to work as sugar cane laborers in Kauai. In pursuit of a better life and paving the way for his siblings, Benny signed up for employment and traveled with the Sakada group aboard the Maunawili in 1946.

Benny realized that working in the sugar cane industry was not his calling and moved to the island of Oahu where he found residency in the bachelors’ quarters on Hobron Lane in Waikiki. He started work at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in the housekeeping department, then later worked as a waiter at Don the Beachcomber. Under the tutelage of Don Beach, he learned the art of mixing tropical drinks and pursued a career as a bartender which then became the foundation of Benny's fame as master mixologist in Waikiki. Starting with a little blue drink called the Blue Lagoon, later to become a favorite and popular Blue Hawaii. Being successful in his art of bartending, Benny was sent to Las Vegas as part of the team to open the Aku Aku restaurant at the Stardust Hotel in 1959. After a year, he later returned to Hawaii. With an opportunity knocking on his door, Benny was hired by William Mau to help open the iconic Top of Waikiki in 1965 of which Benny designed the bar in the revolving restaurant, and worked there for 25 years until his retirement.

During his bartending career, Benny was considered an ambassador, bartender extraordinaire. He was a member of the United States Bartender's Guild, and served as President for the Hawaii Chapter. He competed internationally with fellow mixologists, and was a mentor to many bartenders entering this field. He met many people from around the world and made many life long friends along the way.

Benny met the love of his life, Estrella Calaycay, at a social gathering in 1950, and married on January 21, 1951. As his family grew, Benny also paved the way for his siblings to come to the U. S. He has been a central figure in the family as many relatives often turned to him for guidance and advice. Family and friends were blessed with his kindness and generosity and always making people feel at ease.

He is survived by:

Estrella Supnet, wife; Benny Supnet (Winnie), son; daughters - Linda Gabriel, Brenda Supnet, Cindy Casaquit, Lisa Cornelio (Stacy); Rosalina Sanidad, sister; grandchildren – Brandon Gabriel, Bryson Gabriel, Noah Casaquit, Tanya Casaquit, Shane Cornelio, Amanda Cornelio, Alexus Cornelio, Christian Supnet, Cheyrelle Supnet, Benjamin Supnet; great grandchildren - Kanoe