Mickay Ruazol
United Arab Emirates
Gold Box Roastery
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am 24 years of age. I enjoy coffee, and my time with my friends and family. I love to travel, which I will do a lot this year. I am soon to open my own specialty coffee shop, which is so exciting!
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
I am so excited to meet new friends in the coffee industry, and to perform my routine on the World Barista Championship stage. I am excited to see my family also, and hope they can fly from LA to Boston to see the event.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Dubai International Brewers Cup National Champion 2017
UAE National Barista Champion 2018
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
I see it constantly changing. The coffee industry has been emerging so quickly. In terms of baristas, I see it being a learning experience—having better sensory skills, to teach others about the potential of coffee.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I see myself continuing with my own cafe business, and travelling for fun, and coffee.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I love hanging out with my colleagues, drinking wine, and having fun. Playing music and singing in to it. Dancing like there’s no tomorrow.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
I would like to thank my colleagues; Emman, Cris John, Mark Uy, Belle, Saeed, Raha, Kiah, my Tatay Lyndon. Thanks also to my RISE family. My Family in USA and Philippines. Thank you to Gold Box Roastery for supporting me from start to finish, in everything. To Barb, who rocks, THANK YOU SO MUCH! To Kammie Hui, the most humble one, thanks! To the UAE barista community and SCA UAE, thank you. And to my Nanay Norma in Heaven, I love you.
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