The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled Monaco Strip yesterday as eight
talented baristas—including one food prep staff—competed in Figaro’s highly
anticipated 5th Annual Art of Coffee competition.
Representing various Figaro stores, contestants demonstrated their mastery of coffee
preparation, artistic presentation, and flavor development before a distinguished panel
of judges.
Elite Eight Showcase Their Craft
Eight finalists earned their spots through preliminary rounds: Jeliver Guererro and
Jorenjo Vailoces (Shangri-La), Melody Meera (Sto. Tomas, Batangas), Earl Justin
Tiamzon and Ricardo Alfonso (Theaterzone), John Dredd Tubino and Jerome
Magbanua (Highstreet), and RC Regio (Pagbilao, Quezon Province).
Guererro claimed the championship with his innovative Dewberry Latte creation, while
Meera’s “Latt’k” earned first runner-up and Magbanua’s “Summer Escape” secured
second runner-up honors.
Expert Panel Evaluates Top Talent
Seven judges—divided between visual sensory and technical categories—evaluated the
competitors. The visual sensory panel included Justin Liu, Chairman of Figaro Coffee
Systems; decorated latte art champion Rodel Sanoy; Special Project Director Nancy
Troyo; and Consultant Anthony Dy.
Technical assessment came from Alex Rivera (Training and Development Supervisor,
Barista Cup 2013 2nd Runner Up), Ian Lester Matela (Product Innovation Supervisor
and multiple Figaro competition champion), and Joshua Earnshaw (Training and
Development Officer, Art of Coffee 2024 Champion).
Raising the Bar for Coffee Excellence
This annual competition underscores Figaro Coffee Group’s commitment to cultivating
barista excellence and elevating Filipino coffee culture.
“We do this to motivate our baristas to improve their skills, showcase their talents, and
also share their knowledge with others, and most importantly—to have fun!” said Liu.
For Liu, these events serve a broader purpose: “The important thing for our baristas is
to tap into their creativity, the creation of quality, innovative drinks, and also learn how
local and international coffee competitions work.” He added that the Art of Coffee is
patterned after global competitions, with the winner representing Figaro in future meets.
As judges deliberated, one reality became clear: whoever claimed the crown, Figaro’s
dedication to coffee excellence continues raising the industry standard across the
Philippines.
