Success of The 13th Philippine Grand Barista Cup 2019

If you're a coffee lover, barista or just curious about preparing coffee, here's an update about the Philippine Barista Cup on its 13th year now. The competition was held last September 13, 2019 at The World Trade Center. It's my second year to watch the challenging competition and I witnessed how competitive these young baristas are. Some may think that it's just a simple thing to do—grind, brew, add creamer, but what can be surprising is how being a barista can be a real test on being a real barista. It may look simple to do, but it's not.

Once again, Allegro Beverage Corporation gathered the best of the best baristas from different coffee shops, restaurants, schools, and hotels to battle as the 13th Philippine Grand Barista Champion. The competition showed how creative and persevering these baristas when it comes to their love and passion. It is not surprising to see even college students are excellent with the mix and match of flavors with coffee.

Preceding the main Barista Cup event, a Milk Lab Challenge was held involving the six Grand Barista Finalist. Three drinks were created for the judges, and one winner was awarded Php3,000 for his exceptional creativity and skills.

The panel of judges who are experts and champions in the coffee industry came all the way from different countries – Mr. Marco Poidamani, Mr. Fabian Fredriksson, Mr. Tristan Destura and Mr. Fernando Menendez. Our local experts Mr. Sherwin Halasan and Mr. Ernie Mesina were the Technical judges.

The finalists were asked to make 3 beverages – espresso, cappuccino, and their own concoction. The judges came to a decision and announced the top 3 coffee makers:

2nd Runner-up: Karl Zouriel Lat (Independent Competitor from Makati)

1st Runner-up:  John Richard Co (Chapter Coffee Roastery and Café)

Grand Winner:  JC Landicho (Magnus Opus)

 

Allegro Beverage Corporation, the most preferred coffee solution, finalized the The 13th Philippine Grand Barista Cup 2019 with the awarding ceremony and fun photo opportunity.

The 13th PGBC was made possible by the following sponsors:
Exposer Espresso Machine • Mahlkonig Grinder • Franke Coffee System • Moan Italian Coffee • Allegro Gourmet Syrup • Milk Lab • UCC Philippines • UCC Coffee Academy • BDO • Lotus Bischoff • Far Eastern University

Congratulations to all the winners and participants!