The Philippines showcased the versatility of its coffee craft on the regional stage, finishing fourth at the Asia Pacific leg of the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2025–26 in Singapore.
Competing during Food & Hospitality Asia, Filipino barista John Joseph C. San Juan delivered a performance that combined technical precision with creative storytelling, placing the country just outside the podium among eight national champions. His routine highlighted the evolution of Philippine coffee, weaving local flavors into a modern specialty framework.
San Juan’s signature lineup leaned into tropical and nostalgic notes. He presented an ube-based creation featuring clarified halo-halo and banana cream, alongside a milk-washed espresso layered with mango, peach, and passionfruit—demonstrating both range and a distinct sense of identity.
Top honors went to Hasting Ng of Hong Kong, who secured a spot at the Global Final of World of Coffee Bangkok 2026 on May 9. Tuan Hai Khu of Vietnam finished first runner-up, while Michael Reinhard of Indonesia took second runner-up.
Despite missing the podium, the Philippine entry stood out for its interpretation of the competition theme, “Espresso Your Flavour,” which emphasizes individuality in coffee-making.
Judges scored competitors on taste, presentation, workflow, and consistency across multiple stages—from digital preliminaries to national and regional rounds.
The fourth-place finish underscores a maturing Philippine coffee scene—one increasingly capable of translating local character into globally competitive craft.
