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For Michael Harris Conlin, the 2025 Philippine Barista Championship marked a powerful return to the competition stage. This is Michael’s second national title — his first was in 2019, when he became the first Filipino barista to reach the semi-finals at the World Barista Championship. Now, six years later, Michael has reclaimed the top spot, proving that his dedication to coffee, community, and craft remains as strong as ever.
We caught up with Michael to hear about the moments that defined his 2025 victory, the lessons he’s learned over the years, and how the NCD Pulse became a critical part of his competition workflow.
Michael Harris Conlin’s 2025 Philippine Barista Championship win marks his second national title and a powerful return to competition. After first making history in 2019, Michael’s latest victory reflects years of growth, purpose, and dedication to both coffee and community.
In this interview, he shares how the NCD Pulse became a vital part of his preparation, and the mindset that continues to drive his success.
Hey Michael! How did you feel when you heard your name called as 1st place?
It was surreal—like time stood still. The moment my name was called, I felt a surge of emotion that went straight to the heart. Years of preparation, countless hours of training, the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the constant pursuit of growth—they all came rushing back. Every moment of doubt, every breakthrough, every early morning and late night, holidays in the training lab… finally made sense. It was the kind of joy that only comes after giving your everything to something you love.
But it wasn’t just about me. I felt a deep sense of gratitude—not only to God and my family, but also to every mentor and teammate I’ve had along the way, both past and present. Each one of them shaped me, challenged me, believed in me, and made me better. Their guidance and support became part of my journey, and I carried them with me on that stage.
It felt like a victory not just for myself, but for every barista, roaster, and farmer who shares the same passion. I was overwhelmed with gratitude—for the craft, the community, and the chance to give it everything I had.
What advice would you share for new baristas (competitor or non-competitor)?
Fall in love with the process. Love what you do and embrace coffee—for all the good times, and especially during the difficult ones. Whether you’re competing or building a career, there will always be pressure and challenges. But if your heart is truly in it, you’ll find joy in learning every day.
Stay humble. Stay curious. And most importantly, find your ‘why.’ Let that purpose guide you through the highs and lows. Great coffee always starts with people—so respect the farmers, honor the producers, and give your best to every cup. Keep chasing the dream, no matter how far it seems. Because every step you take with love and intention brings you closer to something meaningful.
"I was overwhelmed with gratitude—for the craft, the community, and the chance to give it everything I had."
What’s your favourite thing about your coffee?
The human connection it creates. Each coffee I use carries a story—one rooted in purpose, people, and shared dreams. It’s not just about flavour; it’s about the relationships behind those flavours. These coffees are grown by communities I’ve worked with and supported, and every cup is a reflection of their dedication and resilience.
When I taste notes of fruit and florals, I’m also tasting the hands that picked the cherries in Itogon, the soil nurtured in Calamba, and the quiet hope that a better life is possible through coffee. That emotional connection—between farmer, roaster, barista, and the final consumer—is what I cherish the most.
Was there anything you didn’t have time to highlight during your routine?
Yes. While I had limited time on stage, what I wanted to highlight more is how much purpose was behind every choice. From the processing techniques to the milk treatment, everything was designed to tell a deeper story—a story of people coming together to do something extraordinary.
"The NCD Pulse played a huge role in our win—not just in taste, but in ensuring consistency under pressure."
What taste impact did you notice about the NCD Pulse with your coffee?
The NCD Pulse played a huge role in our win—not just in taste, but in ensuring consistency under pressure. During months of training, we calibrated everything around an 18g basket. But just a day before the competition, we were informed that the provided baskets from the machine sponsor would be 22g.
That sudden shift could have derailed everything—but the Pulse saved us. Its adjustable depth allowed us to dial in quickly for the new basket size. The vibration feature helped us level and gently compact the dose, making sure our grounds were evenly distributed. This was critical in preventing channeling and hitting our target extraction window.
The [NCD] Pulse became more than just a tool—it became part of my daily routine. I truly believe it helped bring out the best in the espresso and ensured that the flavours in my cup stayed consistent, even under last-minute changes.
Follow Michael’s journey as he prepares to represent the Philippines on the World Barista Championship stage once again—carrying years of experience, a deep sense of purpose, and the support of a passionate coffee community.
"The [NCD] Pulse became more than just a tool—it became part of my daily routine."
Ten Years of the NCD: Introducing the Limited Edition NCD10
For Michael Harris Conlin, the 2025 Philippine Barista Championship marked a powerful return to the competition stage. This is Michael’s second national title—his first was in 2019, when he became the first Filipino barista to reach the semi-finals at the World Barista Championship. Now, six years later, Michael has reclaimed the top spot, proving that his dedication to coffee, community, and craft remains as strong as ever.
We caught up with Michael to hear about the moments that defined his 2025 victory, the lessons he’s learned over the years, and how the NCD Pulse became a critical part of his competition workflow.
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For Michael Harris Conlin, the 2025 Philippine Barista Championship marked a powerful return to the competition stage. This is Michael’s second national title—his first was in 2019, when he became the first Filipino barista to reach the semi-finals at the World Barista Championship. Now, six years later, Michael has reclaimed the top spot, proving that his dedication to coffee, community, and craft remains as strong as ever.
We caught up with Michael to hear about the moments that defined his 2025 victory, the lessons he’s learned over the years, and how the NCD Pulse became a critical part of his competition workflow.
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For Michael Harris Conlin, the 2025 Philippine Barista Championship marked a powerful return to the competition stage. This is Michael’s second national title—his first was in 2019, when he became the first Filipino barista to reach the semi-finals at the World Barista Championship. Now, six years later, Michael has reclaimed the top spot, proving that his dedication to coffee, community, and craft remains as strong as ever.
We caught up with Michael to hear about the moments that defined his 2025 victory, the lessons he’s learned over the years, and how the NCD Pulse became a critical part of his competition workflow.