Top Philippine baristas face off
MANILA, Philippines - The Grand Barista Cup, the search for the best barista in the country, will be held on Jan. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Main Mall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Organized by Allegro Beverage Corporation, the competition, now in its third year, continues to develop the growth and quality of the barista profession in the country.
Hosted by Wilma Doesnt of The Sweet Life, the Grand Barista Cup promises to be an engaging show with games and prizes from Equal Low-Calorie Sweetener, Nokia, Timex and Monin Syrups and Sauces.
As a special treat, two special coffee concoctions will be demonstrated and served to the audience courtesy of Equal Low-Calorie Sweetener.
Finalists from Makati Shangri-La, The Peninsula Manila, Bo’s Coffee, The Coffee Beanery, UCC Café, Krispy Kreme and Lyceum of the Philippines will present their coffee-making skills live.
The grand champion will represent the country in the Asian Barista Championship, which will be held this April in Singapore. Other winners will receive special gift packs and cash prizes.
The panel of judges is composed of international and local coffee enthusiasts. They are Ross Bright, judge of the World Barista Championship and master of Spinelli Coffee from Singapore; Giuseppe Ventura, export manager of Caffe Moak from Italy; Cedric Clouzeau, managing director of Monin from France; Huber Young, president of UCC Coffee; Manny Torrejon, president of Specialty Coffee Association of the Philippines; Robert Pengson, president of Global Culinary Academy and host of Chefs To Go; and Len Reyes, master roaster of Gourmet Farms.
The Grand Barista Cup cultivates a stronger appreciation of specialty coffee and enhances the image of the Philippine gourmet coffee. The competition is endorsed by the Philippine Coffee Board, The Specialty Coffee Association of the Philippines, and the Asian Barista Championship in Singapore.
