The best of Filipino baristas gathered once again for the annual Philippine Grand Barista Cup and Grand Latte Art Throw down by Allegro Beverage Corporation where finalists had to prove their espresso and latté-making skills. Held last September 12-13 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the 13th PGBC has been a success.
This is my first time to witness a barista contest and it was certainly unlike any other as they’ve been entertaining audiences too with some fun games like my all-time fave “Bring Me.” Before this grand finals event, I was also invited last September 5 in their Milk Lab Challenge where the 6 finalists had a pre-face off, creating 3 drinks for the judges. There was also a showdown on latte art creation.
This year’s event placed champion baristas from different cafes in different places of the Philippines. The finalists had to strive to balance acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and aromatics of coffee. During the presentation, participants were also asked to explain why they chose their particular coffee creation as well as the basic roast profile, major taste elements, espresso blend structure, other ingredients, and the philosophy behind the drinks served.
Entries were judged according to taste, presentation, and the baristas’ technical skills.
The 13thPhilippine Grand Barista Cup required baristas to prepare 3 kinds of concoctions under the following categories: Espresso, Cappuccino and their own six beverages. After the competition, the following winners were declared:
2nd Runner up– Karl ZourielLat, an independent competitor from Makati
1st Runner up– John Richard Co of Chapter Coffee Roastery and Café
Grand Winner – JC Landicho of Magnum Opus
The grand champion took home prices including a PGBC trophy, P100,000-worth Franke fully automated espresso/cappuccino machine, Expobar Barista kit worth P15,000, and a coffee class at the UGC Coffee Academy and Local Coffee Appreciation and Farm tour in Atok, Benguet by Beviamo Coffee and Beverages. He also got several Milk Lab products and buffet vouchers from Marriott Manila.
The event is organized by Allegro Beverage Corporation, the exclusive Philippine distributor of Expobar espresso machines, DaVinci Gourmet Syrups and Sauces, and CaffeMoak.
The event’s goals are to promote the profession and to help develop world-class Pinoy talents.It is also meant to standardize the preparation and processing of espresso-based drinks like cafe latte, cafe mocha, cappuccino, and espresso.
This year’s panel of judges consists of masters and experts from other countries including Mr. Marco Poidamani, Mr. Fabian Fredriksson, Mr. Tristan Destura and Mr. Fernando Menendez. Local Experts such as Mr. Sherwin Halasan, and Mr. Ernie Mesina.
Allegro Beverage Corporation partnered with several sponsors to make the 13th Philippine Grand Barista Cup possible. These sponsors include Exposer Espresso Machine, Mahlkonig Grinder, Franke Coffee System, Moan Italian Coffee, Allegro Gourmet Syrup, Milk Lab, UCC Philippines, UCC Coffee Academy, BDO, Lotus Bischoff and Far Eastern University.