Kevin Israel Fortu, reigning Philippine National Barista Champion, represented the Philippines in the recently concluded 2014 World Barista Championship (WBC), the world’s preeminent coffee competition. The 2014 competition took place at the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe’s World of Coffee Event, June 9 to 12 in Rimini, Italy. Fortu competed against 54 National Champions from all over the world to vie for the much coveted 2014 WBC title.
“It was such a huge responsibility for me to portray the Philippines in Barista culture and to put up a good performance for the 2014 World Barista Championship. It was a long journey and preparation on my part, and I hope that I made our country proud by giving a creditable performance in the event,” noted Kevin Israel Fortu, reigning Philippine National Barista Champion.
“Kevin’s participation in WBC gave an excellent exposure for our coffee industry, especially since it is the first time for the Philippines to join the world’s most prestigious coffee competition. This was a remarkable event for Filipino Baristas and our industry in general, which had certainly inspired us to help organise and support the Philippine National Barista Championship,” said Leo de Leon, President and General Manager of Allegro Beverage Corporation, official organisers of the 2nd Philippine National Barista Championship.
“WBC aims to continuously promote the Barista profession and encourage as many countries as possible to get involved supporting their Barista community,” commented Cynthia Ludviksen, Managing Director of World Coffee Events. “The addition of Philippines in this year’s competition signified the progressing interest and development of specialty coffee in that market. WBC continues to grow each year and we are thrilled to see on how it is impacting the specialty coffee community around the world,” Ms. Ludviksen added.
The Philippine National Barista Championship (PNBC), the only barista competition in the Philippines sanctioned by World Coffee Events, encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso beverage preparation and service. This 2014 competition is organized by Allegro Beverage Corporation in partnership with the Association of Filipino Baristas Inc., licensed national body of World Coffee Events in the Philippines. Resorts World Manila is the exclusive platinum sponsor for the 2nd Philippine National Barista Championship while Treston International College is the gold sponsor.
For more information, visit the official competition website www.philippinenationalbaristachampionship.com.
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