MANILA, Philippines - SM Homeworld and Krups recently celebrated the art of coffee making with “Coffee Talk, a Latte Art Workshop” at the SM Megamall Prestige Lounge. The event brought together coffee lovers of all ages, who not only enjoyed a good brew, but also learned to create in a cup.
Mike Canlas, one of the country’s top baristas and an instructor at the Philippine Barista and Coffee Academy, taught participants the various styles and techniques of latte art, showing them how to make three hearts in chocolate sauces, classic rosetta leaf designs; as well as swans and butterflies.
He demonstrated free pouring and etching techniques using chocolate sauces and syrups in two batches — to members of the Coffeebreaks Fellowship in Quezon City, as well as students who engaged in creative competition. Mary Tan won the top prize in the Coffeebreaks batch with her spiderweb latte art design; while Aldrin Lumban, a college student from the Lyceum of the Philippines, was the winner of the student group with his Casper the Friendly Ghost etching. They both received gift packs from Krups and other sponsors.
Sunshine Plata, the first Filipina coffee painter, also graced the event and gave an inspirational talk. Using both brewed and instant coffee in her paintings, this UST graduate has brought great honor to our country. “Fairy of Sorrows,” one of her paintings, was featured in the Martha Stewart Show; while her life and works were published in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. She encouraged both young and old to be creative and resourceful in every craft or art they are into.
Guests also had a chance to see the latest Krups products up close. These include the Espresso Machine, which has a precise tamping system that compresses the coffee grounds perfectly. Its thermoblock system heats up water to a perfect 92°F, ensuring that every cup is made at the right temperature. It also has an integrated milk frother system that makes not just perfect espressos but also perfect lattes and cappuccinos in every cup.
The latest Krups Kitchen Line and Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker Line are available at the Homeworld Department at selected SM Department Stores.