BANGKOK, Thailand — Two highly skilled coffee-making groups from the Philippines represented the nation on the international stage at the ASEAN Barista Championship 2025 held here.
Among them was Team Davao’s Finest, a first-time competitor in the prestigious event.
During the competition, Team Davao’s Finest showcased exceptional coffee-making skills and the strong sense of camaraderie that defines their regional coffee community.
Composed of Joefel Manlod, Wendil Sollano, Rovie Kristel Jabines, and Joenar Bryan Ponce, the team shared their experiences competing on the global stage. Before the event, they sat down with the Philippine press for an intimate interview.
“It’s an honor to be here, but the pressure is real. We know we’re carrying the support of so many people back home, and that pushes us to give our best,” said Joefel.
From Regionals to the International Stage
The road to the ASEAN Barista Championship was anything but easy. Team Davao’s Finest first competed in regional qualifiers in Cebu last October, where they secured a spot in the national finals in February. After months of intense training, they emerged as the Philippine representatives.
“We started preparing as early as September, leading up to the Cebu leg. Then, we had about a month to gear up for the international stage,” Joefel explained.
Despite being new to the ASEAN competition, the team was no stranger to high-level barista contests. Their preparation involved three to four practice sessions per week, often late at night, all while balancing their full-time jobs in Davao’s vibrant coffee industry.
“After our shifts, we’d practice from 8 or 9 p.m. until past midnight. Every detail mattered—from speed and accuracy to sensory calibration,” the group shared.
More Than Just a Team
For Team Davao’s Finest, competing in an international tournament was about more than just personal achievement—it was about representing the collective spirit of Davao’s coffee community.
“We’re not just representing our individual brands—we’re bringing the entire Davao coffee community with us. This isn’t about rivalry between coffee shops. It’s about showing that Davao baristas can work together as one,” Joefel added.
The team consisted of baristas from Perch Coffee Roasters, 4th Street, Kanto, and Ideal Coffee, each selected for their unique strengths—sensory expertise, latte art, speed, and quality control—ensuring a seamless performance.
“Each competition mimics the real-world setup of a fast-paced coffee shop. We’re expected to produce 15 drinks in 10 minutes in the first round, and if we advance, 20 drinks in 15 minutes for the semifinals,” Rovie explained.
The Challenges of Competing Abroad
Even with rigorous training, competing outside the Philippines came with new hurdles. The biggest challenge? Adjusting to unfamiliar ingredients and equipment.
“Back home, we didn’t have access to the official beans, milk, and espresso machines used in the competition. This was our first time tasting the actual coffee and calibrating our recipes accordingly,” they explained.
With a surprise menu and customer-style requests, adaptability became their greatest weapon.
“Filipino baristas are known for their skill and competitiveness, but sometimes we hold back in international settings. This time, we pushed ourselves to be more assertive, to own our craft,” they said.
Falling Short, But Not Defeated
Despite their hard work and preparation, Team Davao’s Finest was eliminated in the semifinals, falling just short of the championship round. However, the team remains proud of their journey and the opportunity to represent the Philippines on a global stage.
More Than Winning
Though their competition run ended earlier than expected, the team is bringing home something far more valuable—experience, lessons, and inspiration for future generations of Filipino baristas.
“We came here not just to compete, but to learn, to grow, and to prove that Filipino baristas can excel internationally. Win or lose, this experience is something we’ll take home to inspire the next generation of Davao baristas,” the group shared.
As they stepped onto the ASEAN Barista Championship stage, Team Davao’s Finest didn’t just make coffee—they made history.
