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, two-time 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.

"The Gift of Protection" from Malayan Insurance Co. Inc

 

Leading insurer partners with LRT-1 to provide "The Gift of Protection" to thousands of daily commuters throughout December Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. (MICO), one of the country's leading non-life insurance providers, has partnered with LRT-1 to power a month-long holiday campaign. This initiative offers complimentary Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage to LRT-1 commuters throughout the entire month of December. The initiative, dubbed "The Gift of Protection," aims to provide peace of mind to thousands of Filipino commuters during the busiest travel season of the year, when millions rush through Metro Manila's railways for holiday shopping, year-end gatherings, and trips to provincial bus terminals for the Christmas break. "December is the most hectic time for Filipino commuters—carrying gifts, rushing to catch buses home, navigating crowded stations," said Eden Tesoro, Chief Operating Officer of Malayan Insurance.

"We wanted to cut through the holiday chaos with a meaningful gesture that reminds Filipinos that protection isn't an expense—it's a gift, and one we're honored to give this Christmas season." The campaign features a full station takeover at LRT-1's Gil Puyat Station, a key transit point for commuters heading to Makati's business districts and nearby provincial bus terminals. A fully-wrapped LRT-1 train will also traverse the line throughout December, spreading the message of safety and protection across the metro. Commuters can avail of the complimentary PA insurance coverage by simply scanning QR codes displayed throughout Gil Puyat Station and on the branded train. The seamless digital process requires only basic information—name and mobile number—and issues a digital policy certificate instantly.

"This partnership with LRT-1 allows us to meet Filipinos where they are, literally," Tesoro added. "We want to bring protection to the forefront during a time they need it most; that's what future-proofing protection means to us." The campaign reflects Malayan Insurance's broader commitment to making insurance more accessible and relevant to everyday Filipinos, shifting the perception of insurance from a burdensome expense to a caring investment in one's safety and future. The "Gift of Protection" campaign runs through the whole of December 2025, at LRT-1 Gil Puyat Station and aboard one roaming fully-wrapped train car.

REX Champions a More Human Future at AECON 2025: Special Edition on Education 5.0

 

In a world where technology continuously influences how people live, learn, and connect, one question remains urgent: how do we keep education human?

Rex Education placed that question at the heart of this year’s Annual Educators’ Congress (AECON 2025): Special Edition on Education 5.0, held on October 23 and 24, at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque City. With the theme “Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing,” the congress gathered school leaders, teachers, and education advocates from across the country for 2 days of reflective conversations and practical exchanges focused on putting people at the center of learning.

Reclaiming the Heart of Education

While Education 4.0 was driven by innovation and digital transformation, Education 5.0 calls for balance. It seeks to place humanity back at the core of learning, embracing technology with care, empathy, and purpose.

In his opening remarks, Rex Education CEO Don Timothy Buhain shared a heartfelt reflection on AECON’s significance and the deeper meaning of Education 5.0, emphasizing that “education has always been, and will always be, about people.” He explained that Education 5.0 is to make sure that as we move forward, we never forget the human being at the center of it all. “Technology will always be a means and a tool, but people will always be the purpose,” he emphasized.

What Education 5.0 means for REX

This year’s theme—Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing—defines REX’s vision for Education 5.0. Each word carries a practical and moral commitment.

Being Agentive is about being self-directed and purposeful; also being involved and capable of taking action. Meanwhile, being Ethical concerns choices guided by our values, having integrity, compassion, and moral discernment. Being Connected points to the relationships that make learning possible—with schools, families, and communities. Moreover, being Open stands for inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency. Nurturing brings all these elements together. It calls for learning environments that support the whole person—intellect, emotion, and spirit—so learners can grow with confidence and succeed in life.

Highlights of AECON 2025

The first day of AECON featured an interactive Pre-Conference Session led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the National Teachers College. Through hands-on activities and reflective exercises, participants explored three key tenets: Institutionalizing Less is More, Opening Pathways and Doorways, and Investing in Immersion, gaining practical tools to help build a stronger, more future-ready Senior High School program.

The main conference on October 24 opened with the Learner Panel Spotlight, “Kami Naman Talaga Sana,” and the keynote address, “Reclaiming Humanity in Education 5.0,” by Rev. Fr. Jessel “JBoy” M. Gonzales, SJ of Ateneo de Davao University.

Two pannel discussions followed. The first panel, “Beyond Lifelong Learning: Content, Methodology, & Assessment that Matter,” featured esteemed education leaders Dr. Marlene Ferido, Dr. Violeta Valladolid, and Dr. Brando “ER” C. Palomar, moderated by Ms. Rita Atienza of the Ateneo de Manila University.

The second panel, “Of Numbers and Narratives: Quality Schools that Promote IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Sustainability) In Focus,” featured Dr. Malcolm S. Garma and Ms. Maria Louella M. Tampinco. The session was moderated by Mr. Narcy Ador Dionisio, Executive Director of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.

The day’s sessions concluded with a synthesis led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, bringing together key insights and reflections from the discussions.

A Shared Hope for the Future

Across two inspiring days, AECON 2025 became a space where educators rediscovered the heart of their work. Through

meaningful discussions and heartfelt exchanges, participants were reminded that the future of learning begins not with technology, but with people—those who teach, those who learn, and those who dare to make education better for all.

As the conference came to a close, Rex Education reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing every Filipino learner and supporting teachers and school leaders through relevant, future-ready, and deeply human learning solutions.

Because in the end, Education 5.0 is not only about adapting to the future—it’s about creating one led by heart, humanity, and purpose.

Estancia de Lorenzo Kicks Off Christmas Season with Dazzling Village Lighting

Estancia de Lorenzo celebrated the start of the holiday season with a successful Christmas Village Lighting event, filled with festive activities and community spirit.

The day featured a vibrant "Samu’t Sari Bazaar" with non-food vendors, alongside the opening of food concessionaires and classic Filipino games. The Brass and Percussion Symphonic Band provided lively entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Ms. Leah Durante, Sales, Marketing, and Events Manager at Estancia de Lorenzo, warmly welcomed guests. A key moment was the announcement of the "Virtual Parol" Project beneficiary by Business Director Ms. Katrina Lorenzo-Casajeros, which highlighted the company's commitment to community support.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Libad Dancers of Guinayang High School delivered a special Christmas dance performance. In commemoration of Estancia de Lorenzo's 9th Founding Anniversary, an AVP showcasing the resort's milestones and the 2024 "Pamaskong Handog" Project was presented. COO Ms. Marietta Lorenzo shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with attendees.

The evening continued with exciting raffle prizes and a song performance by Ms. Jackie, culminating in the highly anticipated announcement of the "Dine to Win" Grand Prize Winner.

The highlight of the night was the Christmas Village Lighting, which illuminated the resort and officially launched the Christmas season at Estancia de Lorenzo.

Discover more about Estancia de Lorenzo’s "Pasko Salubong" and New Year’s Eve Countdown by visiting their official social media accounts:

• Facebook: Estancia de Lorenzo-Rizal
• Instagram: @estanciadelorenzo.official
• TikTok: Estancia de Lorenzo Rizal
• Website: estanciadelorenzo.ph

DTI establishes the Bagong Pilipinas MSME Hub, a nationwide exhibit that promotes Filipino industry and inventiveness.

 

On December 4, 2025, the Bagong Pilipinas MSME Hub was officially opened by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on the ground floor of the DTI Filinvest Building in Makati City. In the government's larger plan to fortify the nation's MSME ecosystem, the flagship Hub represents a significant turning point through deeper integration into national value chains, increased market access, and improved innovation.

The event became a gathering of government officials, business executives, regional MSME representatives, development partners, and advocates of Filipino enterprise, demonstrated the Hub's significance as a long-term platform for boosting regional goods and creating an MSME sector that is more robust and competitive.

Event's host Isabelle Daza-Semblat

DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque

High operating expenses, constrained networks, and obstacles to joining densely populated commercial areas have long impeded the entry of many regional MSMEs into mainstream retail. In order to overcome these obstacles, the MSME Hub provides business owners with a high-end, long-term retail location where they can display goods, track market trends in real time, and improve their tactics based on reliable retail results.

The Hub serves as a proving ground for product innovation, a platform for brand elevation, and a springboard for collaborations with institutional buyers and premium retailers by giving MSMEs access to Makati's thriving commercial ecosystem. Reliable reporting tools and sales visibility complement this structured access, providing MSMEs with better insights for supply management, pricing, and production scheduling.

The Hub's 300-square-meter area, which was carefully planned to showcase Filipino inventiveness and creativity, was explored by launch guests. The store has carefully chosen categories that include everything from clothing and accessories to artwork, home décor, Halal-certified products, innovative coconut products, and gourmet culinary items. Each exhibit honors the artistry of the areas and communities it represents.

Each product category is brought to life through lighting, textures, and visual storytelling, allowing visitors to see how DTI's trade shows, design interventions, and upskilling initiatives have greatly advanced Filipino MSMEs. With every collection, the Hub showcases the breadth of artistic expression, entrepreneurial brilliance, and cultural uniqueness present throughout the nation.

Auro Café, a regionally inspired Filipino business that sources its food and drinks from farming areas, was also highlighted at the inauguration. The café turns the Hub into a place where guests can stay, interact, and learn more about the merchandise's backstories.

This aspect of hospitality strengthens the Hub's function as a platform for market access as well as a community hub that fosters interaction and cooperation.

TATAK PINOY, MSME GROWTH, AND THE FUTURE

Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista shared: “The MSME Hub embodies the Tatak Pinoy Strategy—strengthening our ability to produce, create, and innovate globally competitive Filipino products. This space is not just a store; it is part of a larger ecosystem that supports our MSMEs through digitalization, diversification, and continuous mentoring. As we scale the Hub model across the regions and integrate it with the OTOP Hub network, we ensure that more Filipino enterprises gain the visibility, structure, and support they need to thrive in a modern economy.”

In order to ensure greater participation from MSMEs around the country, the Hub will change throughout the year with rotating displays, regional highlights, and thematic features. Because the idea is scalable and replicable, DTI may expand the reach of comparable market-access platforms while integrating them with the improved implementation of OTOP Hub.

The DTI Bagong Pilipinas MSME Hub is now open Mondays to Fridays, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visitors are invited to explore the space, enjoy Auro Café, and discover exceptional products crafted by Filipino entrepreneurs. Every visit supports the livelihoods behind these enterprises and helps strengthen an MSME sector vital to the nation’s long-term prosperity.