Joe Marie Lichangco
Philippines
UCC Coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Hi! I’m Joe Marie Lichangco, and I’ve been a barista for 4 years now. I like mobile gaming, basketball, and cycling. Of course one of my favorite things to do is preparing my own coffee at home or at work, and making good latte art.👌😊
How did you get started in coffee?:
Before I was a bartender, and my daily routine was preparing cocktails—not coffee. 😊 My teacher, mentor, and trainer offered me a job as a barista, and that’s how I started in the coffee industry. After a month of being a barista, I was very curious about making drinks with art on top of them, which is latte art! That’s how I became more interested in latte art, and doing it with love and passion. 😊
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2016 Philippine National Latte Art Championships – 2nd Place
2017 Philippine National Latte Art Championships – 4th Place
2018 Philippine National Latte Art Championships Pre-Qualifier – Champion
2018 Philippine National Latte Art Championships – Champion
2019 Philippine National Latte Art Championships – Champion
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
I’m really excited to visit some amazing places and try some good coffees 😊
What is the most unusual vessel you have poured latte art into?:
I’ve used a shaker before for pouring my latte art into a small vessel. Sounds funny. 😅 PS: I wasn’t expecting a good result. 😅
What is the secret to great latte art?:
Good espresso, perfect milk, and pouring techniques. They’re the 3 things I always remember while making latte art.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Hmmm… I like cycling with friends.😊 I also like eating some good food from the Philippines. 😊
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I see myself still competing around the world. 👌😊
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WLAC?:
A huge thanks to my mentor and my boss, who’s always had my back whether I’m competing on the national stage, or even on the world stage. 😊 THANK YOU SIR!
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