Women Who Pour: The first ever Philippine Women's Latte Art Throwdown
25 competitors. 5 rounds. 1 champion.
by Coffee Crawl Series Team
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In celebration of Women’s Month, Commune and Latte Art Philippines in partnership with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) has brought the first women’s latte art throwdown to local shore. Apart from putting the spotlight on local female talent in the coffee industry, the event is also held for the benefit of an organic coffee farmer from Benguet.
Felisa Damilo, fondly known as Manang Felisa, is one of the pioneers in organic coffee farming in her region. Two years ago, her husband Mang Mario suffered a stroke and was bedridden. Since then, Manang Felisa has been the only one tending to the farm — their only source of income. She needs to raise 100,000 pesos for her husband’s treatment and rehabilitation so that in time, they can work together on their farm again.
The throwdown had a total of 25 participants and through 5 rounds, one champion emerged — Marimar. Read about Marimar’s and her fellow finalists’ coffee journey and be inspired.
Rhea May Barrera, semi-finalist
Caravan Black Coffee Company
How did you end up in the coffee industry?
“Actually, being a barista was not my first choice of profession. When I was studying HRS I was interested in baking. When I graduated, I applied in a commercial coffee company as a commissary staff but unfortunately, they were not hiring and they told me the only position open is for a barista. So I accepted it even though I really didn’t have any idea about being a barista. And that’s how I end up in the coffee industry.”
What’s it like to be a barista in a mostly-male dominated industry? Do you think being female has affected your career whether positively or negatively?
“Being a barista in this industry that is mostly dominated by males doesn’t affect me nor my career. I see this as an opportunity to prove that we, females are talented and highly competent. I am grateful to be part of the 1st women’s Philippine latte art [throwdown], I hope this is just the beginning in highlighting the women’s strengths and capabilities.”
Describe your 1st competition experience.
“My first competition was called ” Pour for Marawi ” which was also for a cause. I was very nervous at that time but I was also excited to meet new baristas who can also share their coffee journey. That time I was not aiming to win or to go to the next round — all I wanted was to execute my pour properly. But I didn’t expect that I will go to the next round and made it up until the 3rd round. At that point, I was very happy and still couldn’t believe that I made it so far. With that experience, I became very inspired to practice not just latte art and also to learn more about coffee because the taste of coffee is more important than latte art.”
What are your future plans as a coffee professional? What else would you like to learn coffee-wise?
“As of now I just want to enhance my talent not just in latte art but also my palate to taste even more the profiles of the different beans. Coffee is such a broad industry, we can explore and learn a lot of things. Great coffee comes in a great cup. Just keep brewing. Cheers”
Maricar Sugapong, semi-finalist
Independent
How did you end up in the coffee industry?
“I am in the coffee industry now because of a business project/feasibility study way back in my college days. My team and I used coffee as our main product and we were awarded as the Most Promising Business Plan. Back then I couldn’t understand what Arabica, Robusta, etc. were. I was confused and curious about it. So when I graduated I decided to work in a coffee shop. Because of that business plan I felt like I was destined to be in this industry. As time goes by I am happy and satisfied every time I make a good cuppa, I knew then that I made the right choice in my career.”
What’s it like to be a barista in a mostly-male dominated industry? Do you think being female has affected your career whether positively or negatively?
“I think it’s cool being in a mostly male-dominated industry. Female baristas are growing and it only means, women can do anything that men can do. And the best thing about it is, we, women, inspire people as well.”
What made you interested in latte art? Describe your latte art journey.
“I was amazed seeing other baristas doing latte art, so I got interested and learned how to do the basics (but not the proper way) by watching latte art videos and tutorials. My latte art skills improved when I entered the specialty coffee industry. I was mentored properly from steaming to pouring. But even if I already know the basics, I didn’t stop there. I kept watching latte art videos and learning some advanced techniques. And of course, I wouldn’t know how to execute those techniques if I didn’t practice.”
Describe your 1st competition experience.
“I first joined a latte art throwdown organized by Barista Depot in 2016 at the World Trade Center. I was nervous and scared, which I guess is normal for a first-timer. There were lots of good latte artists and most are men. I made it to the second round, it was a fun and great experience and I even got solid support from my colleagues and the best part was they believed in me. I think everyone should remind themselves that they also have to believe that they can.”
What are your future plans as a coffee professional? What else would you like to learn coffee-wise?
“Being in the coffee industry is a never-ending journey and I want to learn more and strive for more experiences like coffee farming. I also want to join other competitions like the brewers/barista cup, I’m even looking forward to having my own cafe. But for now, one step at a time… and everything else will follow.”
Riza Yala, 2nd place
Cafe owner
How did you end up in the coffee industry?
“I worked at Bo’s Coffee for almost 2 years, 9 months as a barista at La Maestra Cafe — the owner of this shop was my professor in college and I was able to help them to put up a business that’s running until now. My last job was in Zoo Coffee as part of the opening team in Megamall.
In Bo’s Coffee, the 1st operation manager of the company commended me on my 1st month. He ordered a small hot americano and I didn’t have any idea that was my turning point. He told me that 1st time “daw” may nag serve sa kanya na trainee na with crema ang hot americano on top, usually when he orders americano, it was in a substandard in a way . A few months later I was designated as senior cashier manager at SM Manila and after few months again, they assigned me as the OIC of the store in SM San Lazaro where I was able to create my own team. Yung nakikita kong reason why these things happen is because like Jesus said in Luke 10:16, If you are faithful in small things you will be faithful in large ones. And in Jeremiah 29:11, that HE will prosper me in the future.”
What made you interested in latte art? Describe your latte art journey.
“When I serve a latte with art to our guest and they captured it and they post it on social media, I feel so grateful and fulfilled.
I started to watched throwdowns and my idols were Filipino artists like Ms Ciomai Eson, JP Perez, Christian Alvarez, etc. I was so addicted with the latte art until dumating sa point na I was the one who was able to forecast our stocks in the store and almost my whole shift on duty nag la latte art lang kami as in.”
Describe your 1st competition experience.
“My 1st throwdown was in Aposento on September 2016. I joined because I wanted to experience what it was like. Hanggang 1st round lang pero ang saya.”
What are your future plans as a coffee professional? What else would you like to learn coffee-wise?
“I desire to have a specialty coffee shop someday, where I am the one who will process the beans. I want to experience planting the seeds. I want to learn new things as much as I can and I am excited to share my knowledge with others for free. I wasn’t able to take those courses for coffee because of money. They are too expensive but I know all are worth it.”
Marimar B. Amamangpang, 1st Women’s Philippine Latte Art Throwdown Champion
Independent
How did you end up in the coffee industry?
“Well, I saw this commercial one time on TV that there is a scholarship for barista training and without hesitation (and since I love coffee), I just went and signed up for this training. The rest is history.”
What’s it like to be a barista in a mostly-male dominated industry? Do you think being female has affected your career whether positively or negatively?
“At first it was intimidating but as time passes you just go with the flow, you get to make new friends, knowledge, and also experience. Overall, it positively influenced me to become more passionate about what I love and that’s to make coffee.”
What made you interested in latte art? Describe your latte art journey.
“I think every now and then, baristas need to learn a thing or two about making art in coffee. For me, right after our training years ago, I was fascinated with these videos where they are making superbly great art and I wanted to also try it. So I started practicing every day. No wonder we almost run out of milk every day! Hahah!”
Describe your 1st competition experience
“I first joined a competition 2 years ago in Butuan City. The only thing I was feeling at the time is pure nervousness and butterflies in my tummy. Since then, I always get that tense and tingling sensation every time I join various competitions.”
What are your future plans as a coffee professional? What else would you like to learn coffee-wise?
“I want to travel abroad. Maybe to meet new people in our profession with the same passion as ours to learn new knowledge and also to gain more confidence and experience.”
Women have been a huge force in the coffee industry for many years — from the farms to behind the brew bars. Present but under-represented. In recent years, we are seeing and hearing more from these women, thanks to the initiatives of organizations like the IWCA. Perhaps, the most uplifting part of the first Philippine Women’s Latte Art Throwdown is not only witnessing the women in coffee grow in their talents but experiencing the support of the coffee community as a whole — men included.
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