DULDULAO DOT NET This Day & Beyond

Category: Food & Beverages

  • A new address for stylish stays and celebrations in Quezon City: The Tribute Hotel

    A new address for stylish stays and celebrations in Quezon City: The Tribute Hotel

    The Tribute Hotel is a new address for stylish stays and celebrations in Quezon City.

    Quezon City, Philippines–Right in the heart of Tomas Morato in Quezon City, touted as the “Entertainment Capital of the Philippines,” lies The Tribute Hotel Quezon City, a chic and comfy hotel quietly making its mark as one of the city’s newest lifestyle destinations for staycations or dazzling celebrations.

    An establishment that blends comfort, thoughtful design, and a sense of ease that feels both modern, welcoming, and rejuvenating, The Tribute Hotel had its soft opening in November 2024. Since then, the hotel has been drawing attention for offering a refined yet relaxed stay experience in one of Quezon City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

    With a design that eyes both business and leisure travelers, The Tribute Hotel offers well-appointed rooms that balance function and comfort. Currently available for booking are the Deluxe Room and Superior Twin Room, both equipped with lifestyle essentials such as flat-screen TVs, unlimited Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, mini refrigerators, kettles, and complete bathroom amenities.

    Deluxe Rooms, on the other hand, come with a bathtub and the option of twin or queen beds at the same rate, while Superior Twin Rooms feature a sleek shower setup. Guests also enjoy access to the hotel’s pool, gym facilities, and breakfast for two already included in published rates. A larger Junior Suite is set to open next year, expanding the hotel’s offerings even further.

    Beyond its rooms, The Tribute Hotel positions itself as a versatile venue for gatherings of all kinds. Its three function rooms—Ibiza, Valencia, and Mallorca—are designed to host everything from intimate meetings to milestone celebrations. Ibiza, the largest at 165 square meters, can accommodate up to 120 guests, while Valencia and Mallorca offer more intimate settings for smaller groups. Banquet menus are curated by the hotel’s in-house kitchen, with flexible options tailored to different budgets and occasions.

    Adding to the hotel’s lifestyle appeal is Don Tomas, its signature restaurant, which serves Spanish fusion cuisine in a stylish yet approachable setting. Here, classic Spanish flavors are reimagined with modern touches, making it a go-to spot for both hotel guests and local diners. This holiday season, The Tribute Hotel also rolls out special Christmas buffet dinners on December 24 and 31, priced at Php 2,000 nett per person, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

    As a new player in Quezon City’s hospitality scene, The Tribute Hotel QC is carving out its niche by offering more than just a place to stay. With its central location, thoughtful amenities, flexible event spaces, and growing dining experiences, it presents itself as a destination where stays, celebrations, and everyday moments feel effortlessly well put together.

    The Tribute Hotel Quezon City is located at 99 Scout Gandia, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. For bookings and reservations, visit the hotel’s Facebook and Instagram pages, email reservations@thetributehotel.ph, or call 0977 203 3805.

    A festive peek at the hotel’s future as a social hotspot

    Over the weekend, the hotel offered a glimpse of its potential as a social hub when it hosted the annual Christmas gathering of the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), a prestigious group of some of the country’s most recognized members of the blogging community.

    The celebration unfolded as a relaxed, convivial evening—filled with shared stories, good food, and laughter—reflecting the kind of warm, community-driven experiences the hotel aims to create. Rather than a formal affair, the night felt like a reunion, made more memorable by the hotel’s attentive service and comfortable, inviting spaces.

    The FBN also extends its heartfelt thanks to all the generous sponsors for their invaluable support in making the FBN Christmas gathering a success. Their partnership, contributions, and unwavering commitment helped bring the celebration to life and created a memorable experience for everyone involved. The group truly appreciates the trust and collaboration, and will be looking forward to more meaningful partnerships in the future.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Ms. Divine Reyes

  • White Castle Whisky goes light’ with charming Ashley Rivera for 2026 calendar

    White Castle Whisky goes light’ with charming Ashley Rivera for 2026 calendar

    White Castle Whisky has announced Ashley Rivera as the 2026 White Castle Whisky Calendar Girl.

    The brand’s new Calendar Girl is a charismatic and comedic GMA Network artist, digital creator, and online and television personality

    White Castle Whisky proudly names Ashley Rivera, GMA Network artist, digital creator, and one of the country’s most recognizable online and television personalities, as the 2026 White Castle Whisky Calendar Girl. Known for her charisma, comedic ability, and screen presence, Ashley brings out a more refreshing and comical side to the calendar tradition, in line with White Castle Light Whisky’s tagline “Dapat light lang!”

    The official unveiling of the White Castle Whisky 2026 Calendar was held during a special press conference on December 19, 2025 at Rampa Drag Club, Quezon City, 3 to 6 pm.

    This moment makes Ashley the newest addition to the iconic line of White Castle models such as Evangeline Pascual, Lora Tolentino, Techie Agbayani, Carmi Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez, Cristina Gonzales, Glydel Mercado, Roxanne Ginoo, Ninong Ry, Sassa Girl, Ria Atayde, Angelie “Pench” Andanar, and more.

    This year’s calendar aims to showcase a fusion of classic White Castle allure and contemporary Filipino pop culture, with Ashley embodying confidence, charm, and the spirit of today’s empowered Filipina, while showcasing her natural wit and humor. Her selection is a testament to White Castle Whisky’s brand values of encouraging individuality, authentic expression, and lighthearted enjoyment of the moments in one’s life.

    “I’m incredibly honored and thrilled,” Ashley shares. White Castle Whisky has such an iconic place in Filipino culture. To be chosen as the 2026 calendar girl feels surreal—l’ve been dreaming about this after being inspired by Tita Carmi Martin, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we created.”

    A GMA Sparkle Artist, Ashley Rivera attracted fans as a former regular cast member of the longest-running sketch comedy and gag show Bubble Gang, and other shows on the network. Before her career in mainstream TV acting, she was famous on TikTok and YouTube for her comedic persona “Petra Mahalimuyak.*

    In 2024, she started her podcast titled Chicks 2 Go, where she hosts with fellow comedian and internet personality Hershey Neri as they talk, joke, and share random relatable stories. In one of the earlier episodes of the said podcast.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    White PR

    Ms. Lariza Garcia

  • Barique: A Premium Filipino Lambanog from Quezon Province

    Barique: A Premium Filipino Lambanog from Quezon Province

    Barique is a premium Filipino Lambanog from Quezon Province. It is more than a drink—it’s an experience of elevated Filipino heritage.

    Makes Its Debut

    Long before artisanal spirits and craft cocktails filled today’s bar menus, Filipinos were already sharing a homegrown drink steeped in tradition: lambanog. Distilled from coconut nectar and crafted across generations, lambanog has long been part of Filipino culture—passed around during celebrations, gatherings, and late-night conversations, serving as both a symbol of hospitality and a storyteller of our rural heritage. It is bold, shared, and unmistakably Filipino.

    Today, this iconic spirit has taken a bold step.

    Introducing Barique: Heritage-Crafted, Premium by Design

    Barique, proudly made in Quezon Province, reimagines the lambanog for the modern Filipino celebrations. Upholding traditional distillation methods while applying today’s quality standards, Barique elevates the traditional coconut spirit into a premium, world-class liquor.

    Smooth, sweet, and bold with a lingering warmth, Barique showcases what lambanog can become when craftsmanship, culture, and innovation come together.

    Two variants offer distinct yet refined experiences:

    ● Barique Gold – 45% ABV, ₱3,999 (750 mL)

    ● Barique Silver – 40% ABV, ₱2,599 (750 mL)

    A Versatile Spirit for Today’s Lifestyles

    Beyond being enjoyed neat, Barique is crafted to shine in today’s cocktail culture. Its clean, refined flavor profile transforms beautifully in mixes—whether in tropical highballs, elevated island-inspired cocktails, or twists on classics like the old-fashioned or gin fizz.

    Its bold yet smooth character also pairs effortlessly with food, making it ideal for Filipino dining. From grilled seafood and crispy pork dishes to rich coconut-based specialties, Barique’s warmth and sweetness enhance flavors and elevate the meal.

    “Barique is more than a drink—it’s an experience of elevated Filipino heritage. Our goal is to honor lambanog’s cultural roots while introducing a refined version that allows it to be a part of more occasions and among the choice drinks of today’s more sophisticated customers,” said Maura Pasciolco, General Manager of Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing.

    Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship and Innovation

    Barique is an addition to the line-up of products proudly made in Quezon, produced by Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Pasciolco Agri Ventures, the same company behind the well-loved Quezon’s Best products.

    As Quezon is the homeland of lambanog, Barique stands as a testament of local pride and ingenuity. It honors the drink’s cultural authenticity while elevating it through world-class distillation and sanitation standards, ensuring safety, refinement, and consistent quality at all times.

    “Because it is at a more accessible price point, Barique opens the door for more Filipinos to appreciate the craftsmanship of their very own lambanog,” said Lito Pasciolco, owner of Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing.

    A Toast to Tradition

    With every bottle, Barique invites Filipinos to celebrate both their roots and the vibrant spirit of modern Filipino life. Whether enjoyed in intimate gatherings, grand celebrations, or gifted during life’s milestones, Barique is a proud reminder that world-class spirits can be Philippine-made.

    Barique is now available online at quezonsbest.com and Lazada, and soon in Shopee and in selected retail stores nationwide, such as S&R, Landers, and Marketplace.

    More information about Barique is also available at barique-lambanog.shop.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    BARIQUE PR

    Ms. Lariza Garcia

  • Coca-Cola illuminates sites to spread bright Christmas magic nationwide

    Coca-Cola illuminates sites to spread bright Christmas magic nationwide

    Coca-Cola illuminates sites to spread bright Christmas magic nationwide this year.

    Christmas is a cherished tradition in the Philippines that embodies joy, hope, and togetherness. It’s a time when families reunite, communities come alive with parol and carols, and even the simplest gatherings become moments of magic.

    Staying true to the spirit of spreading happiness all year round, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP)—the bottling partner and official distributor of Coca-Cola products in the country—brings to life its highly anticipated annual Christmas light-up across its sites.

    This year, over 30 CCEAP sites in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shines bright with the theme “Bituin ng Pag-asa: Guiding Light for a Brighter Future.” Each lighted site serves as a beacon of festive cheer and Filipino spirit, celebrating the enduring hope that binds communities and uplifts spirits.

    This long-standing tradition honors the total beverage company’s nearly 9,000-strong workforce, whose dedication ensures that Coca-Cola products reach homes and its customers—keeping communities refreshed every single day.

    The annual Christmas light-up has turned Coca-Cola’s sites into local attractions nationwide, drawing visitors and hosting shared moments among friends and families. Among the sites are Naga, Santa Rosa, Calasiao, Iloilo, Misamis Oriental, and Davao. In Santa Rosa, the light-up complements its iconic landmark of giant Coca-Cola cans, making it a must-see destination during the holidays.

    Associates at Coca-Cola’s Calasiao Plant smile as they transform the site into a festive spectacle. This is part of CCEAP’s yearly tradition of coming together to light up their different sites to spread Christmas cheer.

    Festive lights illuminate the Coca-Cola Tarlac Distribution Center, celebrating the joy and hope that its associates bring communities year-round.

    Each light-up installation was conceptualized by CCEAP associates, and uses ornaments handcrafted using recycled and upcycled materials. These displays reflect what makes a Filipino Christmas truly special: making celebrations meaningful by finding joy in the simple act of coming together. Adding to the festive spirit, the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck continues its journey across the country, spreading the magic of Christmas wherever it goes.

    Coca-Cola’s Ilocos Plant shines bright as it’s decked with Christmas decorations conceptualized and handcrafted by Coca-Cola associates.

    In celebrating Christmas, CCEAP also honors the passion and perseverance that carried communities through challenging times, including the numerous natural disasters that the country has faced this year. CCEAP stands alongside the communities it serves in times of need by mobilizing relief efforts, ensuring the safety of its people, and delivering safe drinking water and essential supplies to those affected.

    “In every challenge Filipinos faced this year, there was always a reason to hold on to hope, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication and support of our people and the communities we serve,” said Gareth McGeown, President and CEO of CCEAP. “As we continue the Coca-Cola tradition of lighting up our sites, we aim to spark joy and serve as a beacon of hope not just for the holidays, but as we look ahead to a brighter, more promising tomorrow. Because even in the most difficult times, hope shines brightest when people come together,” added McGeown.

    Having been woven into the fabric of Filipino culture for over 113 years, CCEAP has been an integral part of Filipino festivities—from beloved beverages enjoyed during everyday occasions to delivering refreshment, sparking shared moments, and bringing an extra light to life during the holidays.

    CCEAP is locally rooted and deeply connected to the communities it serves, with products proudly made by Filipinos, for Filipinos. With a vast footprint spanning 18 manufacturing sites, and nearly 70 distribution and sales offices, CCEAP remains committed to uplifting communities nationwide all year round.

    About Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP)

    Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP)—the bottling partner and official distributor of Coca-Cola products in the Philippines — operates across 18 manufacturing facilities and almost 70 distribution centers and sales offices nationwide, offering 20 brands in its beverage portfolio and employing around 9,000 Filipinos. Formerly Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI), CCEAP is jointly owned by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) following the completed acquisition on 23 February 2024. CCEAP remains committed to its vision of refreshing Filipinos and making a difference across the Philippines through its great people, great beverages, great execution, and great partners, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of its operations.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Ms. Ericka Louise

    Media and Influencer Relations Officer

    ARDENT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

  • CDO Marks 50 Years With the Holiday’s Perfect Pair: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola

    CDO Marks 50 Years With the Holiday’s Perfect Pair: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola

    CDO celebrates 50 years with the Holiday’s Perfect Pair.

    For 50 years, CDO Foodsphere, has been part of Filipino Christmas celebrations, from Noche Buena gatherings to holiday gifting with loved ones. This year, CDO marks its golden anniversary by spotlighting two enduring symbols of the Filipino holiday table: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola.

    At the media event “Unwrapping the Holiday’s Perfect Pair” held at Manila House, CDO welcomed guests for an immersive holiday experience designed to spark creativity, connection, and celebration. The program showcased how the perfect pairing of CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola continues to make gatherings special, whether served during Noche Buena, shared at parties, or given as thoughtful gifts.

    A Three‑Part Program That Brought Christmas to Life

    Food Flight: A Flavor Journey With the Perfect Pair

    Guests enjoyed a guided tasting featuring three recipe applications using CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola, a playful but elevated showcase of how the duo can transform festive meals. The Manila House resident chef created especially for the event Holiday Ham & Pineapple Skewers with Honey Mustard Glaze, Danes Queso de Bola Truffle Croquettes, and Holiday Ham & Queso de Bola Breakfast Pandesal.

    The segment highlighted the versatility of both products, familiar enough to feel nostalgic, yet dynamic enough to inspire new traditions.

    Holiday Tablescaping: Style Meets Celebration

    Next, Laureen Uy, recognized as a fashion blogger and a leading voice in lifestyle and entertaining, showed how holiday hosting can be elevated through thoughtful tablescaping. Known for her bold combinations, refined eye for detail, and innate sense of visual storytelling, she was the perfect fit for this workshop, demonstrating how styling a table can set the tone for a warm and memorable holiday celebration.

    Her approach balanced modern aesthetics with personal warmth, layering textures and linens to instantly add depth, mixing warm neutrals with metallic accents for a festive palette, adding meaningful touches like handwritten cards and fresh herbs, and making her centerpieces the CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola.

    Laureen reminded guests that preparing a table is an act of care, more than decoration, it’s a gesture that tells loved ones they’re welcome, even before the first bite is served.

    Masterclass: Perfect Pairing Charcuterie Workshop

    The most interactive segment of the afternoon was a hands-on masterclass facilitated by Chef Marvin Agustin, who guided attendees in building their own festive charcuterie boards. While many first met him on screen, he has since become one of the country’s most celebrated restaurateurs, with multiple beloved dining concepts under his belt, including his newest restaurant that recently earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide. He emphasized that great charcuterie balances both taste and storytelling, contrasting textures, colors, and shapes arranged with intention.

    What made this segment memorable was its experiential nature, every attendee created and took home a personalized holiday board, making the workshop not only instructional but personal and fun.

    The Holiday’s Perfect Pair, More Than Traditions, A Shared Experience

    Throughout the event, CDO’s message was clear: the holiday season is about coming home, to flavors, to milestones, and to the people who matter.

    “As CDO celebrates its 50th anniversary, this moment reminds us of what matters most, Filipino families brought together by food that feels like home,” said Dr. Charmaine Ong‑Castro, Senior Vice President for Purchasing, Treasury and Corporate Governance. “Every home that welcomes CDO into their celebrations becomes part of our story, and we are grateful to be part of theirs.”

    “What we appreciate most about gatherings like today is seeing how people bring our products to life, not just through recipes, but through stories,” shared Jason Ong, Vice President for Emerging Businesses. “If these stories reach more families and inspire moments around the table this Christmas, then we know we’re creating moments that truly matter.”

    The true essence of Christmas is the joy of giving, choosing gifts that carry warmth and meaning. For many Filipino families, that joy is often expressed through food that feels personal and thoughtful. Whether it’s prepared at home or shared with others, the right pairing can instantly make the season special.

    For that special regalo, it’s the two that counts, CDO Holiday Ham, made from 100% premium whole meat of tender pork hind leg, the best cut for hams, perfectly paired with Danes Queso de Bola, with its bright red ball and creamy, indulgent flavor that brings festivity and nostalgia to every holiday table, the kind of rich, familiar taste that instantly reminds you that Christmas has arrived.

    “We invite everyone to rediscover why this holiday pairing continues to hold its place at the center of Filipino celebrations. Every family celebrates Christmas differently, but this simple Holiday pairing remains constant, one that brings comfort, familiarity, and connection,” said Marketing Manager Janna Ong‑Santos.

    A Christmas Celebration Through and Through

    Beyond the three signature segments, guests enjoyed a full Christmas table and grazing spread, complete with CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola, a visual and flavorful reminder of why these products remain must‑haves on every Filipino holiday table.

    CDO executives Jao Ong, Senior Customer Development Manager, Bernice Jalgalado, Vice President for Marketing, and Sammy Sih, Executive Vice President, also graced the celebration, reinforcing the company’s collective commitment to shaping the next 50 years of meaningful mealtimes.

    The afternoon ended with a delicious lunch, more festive moments, and guests taking home their handcrafted charcuterie boards. Long after the season ends, what stays with us are not the presents we opened, but the moments we shared, and the people who made us feel at home.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    CDOR

    Ms. Lariza Garcia

  • A delightful new era for Gardenia: Diversifying beyond baking through spread, noodle and coffee brands that complement your daily fresh bread

    A delightful new era for Gardenia: Diversifying beyond baking through spread, noodle and coffee brands that complement your daily fresh bread

    Gardenia has diversifying beyond baking through spread, noodle and coffee brands that complement daily fresh bread in the community.

    For 27 years, Gardenia has led the industry in modernizing breadmaking in the country and in offering daily fresh bread to Filipino families nationwide. In line with the company’s mission to provide an assortment of great-tasting and enjoyable bakery, food and beverage products, Gardenia introduced new brands that greatly complement its freshly baked breads.

    A new era which began with Delicia, the company’s very own chocolate spread formulated to delight homes, Gardenia’s journey towards diversifying reached a new milestone in 2023 with the

    introduction of a new coffee brand, Coffee Smile, which brings joy and satisfaction in every cup, and Happy Mie, an authentic mi goreng instant fried noodle produced in Indonesia, where the best mi goreng is made.

    Delightfully Delicious with Delicia!

    Delicia Chocolate Spread is a delightful treat for anyone who loves chocolate! Available in Hazelnut Chocolate and Milky Chocolate, Delicia offers a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on your Gardenia Classic White Bread or Pandesal.

    The smooth spread glides effortlessly over bread, making every bite a pure chocolate bliss.

    You can also try the newest variant, the Delicia Salted Caramel and enjoy the exquisite blend of sweet, butter caramel flavor with a pinch of sharp-salty taste that you can pair with bread, biscuits, waffles, and even fruits!

    Whether for breakfast, merienda, or as a snack on its own, Delicia brings sweetness and satisfaction to any moment. Indulge in this delightful chocolate spread and taste the magic yourself!

    Ibang klaseng meal time with Happy Mie!

    Happy Mie Mi Goreng captures the true essence of Indonesia’s beloved stir-fried noodles. Through its savory sweet soy sauce with a spicy kick and the delicious texture of its smooth and firm noodles, it guarantees an authentic, flavorful experience at an affordable price. Whether you choose the classic Original or the fiery Hot & Spicy variant, every bite delivers an irresistible burst of flavor that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia, where mi goreng originated.

    And now, happiness comes in even more flavors! Happy Mie is also available in Mamielicious variants. The Happy Mie Chicken mamie offers a hearty, flavorful broth paired with perfectly firm noodles, while the Beef mamie delivers a rich, savory broth with the same satisfying noodle texture.

    Moreover, Happy Mie also takes the happiness to a cheeeeeesy new level with its Happy Mie Mi Goreng Cheese flavor bringing a cheesy umami twist to mi goreng’s classic sweet, savory, spicy flavors.

    From the bold flavors of Mi Goreng to the comforting Mamielicious taste of Mamie, Happy Mie has a variant for every craving, made with high-quality ingredients and ready in minutes. It’s the perfect choice for busy students, young professionals, and anyone craving a satisfying meal anytime, whether dining solo, sharing with friends, or enjoying with family, making mealtime happier.

    Smile Sarap in every cup with Coffee Smile!

    Coffee Smile by Gardenia is the perfect pair to your favorite Gardenia breads! Hot or cold, it brings smiles in every cup with its cafe-style flavors. Coffee Smile offers two exciting variants: Cafe Latte and Mocha Latte.

    Whether you prefer Cafe Latte — a perfect blend of coffee and milk, or the rich chocolate goodness of Mocha Latte, Coffee Smile brings a coffee shop experience at an affordable price. Its aromatic taste makes it a perfect treat for any time of day, from morning to night, Coffee Smile will bring delicious smiles in every cup.

    Unlimited Pairing Possibilities

    With this new era for Gardenia, consumers can enjoy a variety of food pairings that are all filling and delicious. From morning, lunch, merienda, dinner and even midnight snacks, whether you’re craving for a sweet spread for your pandesal, café-style hot or iced coffee with your muffin, or the spicy goodness of mi goreng as palaman for your classic white bread, Gardenia has got you covered.

    For Gardenia Philippines, it remains committed to producing your favorite bread that’s always freshly baked and masarap kahit walang palaman; but now, you can also look forward to more world-class Gardenia products that go beyond baking — with Delicia, Happy Mie and Coffee Smile — delightful products that complement your daily fresh bread.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Mr. Richard C. Mamuyac

  • Pinoy invention, The Better Vessel, sets new high standard for quality espresso at the World Barista Championship (WBC)

    Pinoy invention, The Better Vessel, sets new high standard for quality espresso at the World Barista Championship (WBC)

    Following an inspiring performance at the 2025 World Barista Championship (WBC) in Milan, twotime Philippine National Barista champion, Michael Harris Conlin shares his vision for the future of Filipino coffee. Conlin, who secured a remarkable 13th place overall and took home the distinction of Best Espresso in Round One of the global competition, unveils his groundbreaking invention, The Better Vessel.

    Conlin’s performance at the WBC was a testament to collaboration and purpose. His signature espresso—a complex, harmonious blend of Philippine Liberica and Colombian Eugenioides, cocreated with producer Wilton Benitez— immediately captured the judges’ attention. This blend was lauded not just for its complexity, but for showcasing the untapped potential of Philippine Liberica on the world stage.

    “For a fleeting instant, the world understood what my heart has been trying to say,” Conlin shared regarding his Round One success. “That cup represented people, passion, and the power of working together. It was a clear win for every dreamer who has ever believed that coffee could build bridges instead of walls.”

    The core of Conlin’s vision is not a trophy, but transformation, which is embodied by his latest innovation, The Better Vessel. This revolutionary tool is designed to make high-quality espresso more approachable and consistent for both seasoned baristas and everyday consumers.

    The Better Vessel achieves this by gently and selectively removing the bitterness and harshness of crema, allowing for a longer, cleaner, and sweeter shot extraction.

    “The discoveries we made were never meant to stay on a stage; they were meant to ripple outward,” Conlin states. “The Better Vessel is a small step forward with a big purpose: to ring more people into the world of espresso by making it less intimidating and more inclusive.”

    For the professional coffee industry, the tool promises to simplify the dialing-in process, drastically reducing waste and improving consistency. More importantly, this innovation is positioned to propel Philippine coffee culture globally by setting a new, high standard for quality espresso that is both technically flawless and universally appealing.

    Conlin believes that by simplifying the science and sharing the techniques, he can lift the entire local value chain, inspiring Filipino farmers and producers to further explore and experiment without fear.

    For more details about Michael Harris Conlin and The Better Vessel, please visit thevault.ph.

    Reference & Media Contact:

    SALGADO PR:

  • Gimme Five, Ersao! Taiwan Excellence’s FuBear Shares Its Favourite Authentic Taiwan Treats from Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant!

    Gimme Five, Ersao! Taiwan Excellence’s FuBear Shares Its Favourite Authentic Taiwan Treats from Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant!


    The popular Taiwan-cuisine restaurant gets a cheerful paw of approval from the Taiwan Excellence mascot. Together, FuBear and Ersao recommend their must-try orders from the nationwide Taiwan food franchise.

    Who is FuBear?

    FuBear is a character resembling Taiwan’s national animal, the Formosan black bear. Representing the values of Taiwan Excellence, FuBear is on a “Gimme Five” mission to motivate the spirit of excellence by giving high fives to everyone who performs simple and grand efforts that contributes to their communities.

    FuBear’s favourite food items at Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant.

    FuBear’s High-Five Favourites at Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant!

    Soy Bathe Dumplings

    Soy Bathe Dumplings – An iconic Eastern dish made of cooked dough and hearty meat or vegetable fillings, usually enjoyed with soy sauce. Soy Bathe Dumplings from Ersao are one of FuBear’s favourite treats for its mix of savory fillings and tasty sauce!


    Spicy Chicken Taiwan Snack – Authentic Taiwan-style popcorn fried chicken. FuBear loves to share these crispy bites with friends!

    Signature Beef Noodles

    Signature Beef Noodles – FuBear’s go-to comfort food for its perfectly cooked noodles, flavorful beef, and variety of vegetables!

    Pearl Milk Tea – With just one sip of the sweet milk tea and one bite of the chewy tapioca pearls, FuBear is instantly reminded of home! Don’t miss out on the popular pearl milk tea that originated from Taiwan!

    FuBear and Ersao doing high five inside Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant

    Where Can We See FuBear Next?

    FuBear is set to explore more of the Philippines soon. For updates on FuBear’s journey, follow Taiwan Excellence PH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.

    FuBear with Ersao in front of Ersao Taiwanese Restaurant


    About Taiwan Excellence

    The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established in 1993 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Taiwan’s most innovative products. Each year, eligible products go through a rigorous selection process that assesses their products based on four

    important factors: research and development, design, quality, and marketing with the key criterion of being Made in Taiwan. The Taiwan Excellence mark has gained global recognition as a prestigious symbol of quality and design, effectively showcasing Taiwan’s impressive product innovation. For more information, please visit https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/en

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Mr. Richard C. Mamuyac