Interviewing the stars in Manila Wofex.

Loveramics was thrilled to participate in WOFEX Manila 2024 from Jul 29 to Aug 3 last week, the premier event for the coffee and F&B industry in the Philippines. Held at the SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center, WOFEX brought together top global and local brands, showcasing the latest innovations in coffee, premium food and beverages, and cutting-edge food service technology. Our booth, located at Booth 2152 on the 2nd floor of SMX, was a vibrant reflection of Loveramics' dedication to enhancing the coffee experience through beautifully crafted, functional designs. With the full support of our Loveramics Philippines team, we created a welcoming space that attracted coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals, eager to explore our newest collections.

Special Guests and Memorable Moments at the Loveramics Booth

A major highlight of our booth was the appearance of our buddy - 2023 World Barista Champion, Boram Um. We were excited to have Boram join us at WOFEX Manila 2024, thanks to the collaboration with Concept Specialist Inc. Visitors to our booth not only had the opportunity to meet Boram but also to get their exclusive Boram's signature Loveramics cups and enjoy a cup of coffee brewed to perfection. The meet-and-greet sessions on July 31 and August 1 were met with enthusiasm, as fans lined up to connect with this renowned barista.
We were also thrilled to host the 2023 Philippine Barista Champion, Gio Visitacion, who brought additional excitement to our booth. Gio’s presence, along with the engaging activities at the Sanremo, Eversys, and Dr. Coffee stations, created an energetic atmosphere that resonated deeply with visitors. As a local hero in the coffee scene, Gio’s passion and expertise made a lasting impression, sparking meaningful conversations and memorable interactions.

In-Depth Conversations: The Boram and Gio Interview

During the event, Boram Um and Gio Visitacion shared their insights on coffee culture and their personal journeys as baristas in an interview with WIM (Instagram: @wheninmanila).

Q: If you were a cup of coffee, what would you be and why?
Boram: "On a hot day like today, I think I would be an iced latte."
Gio: "If I were a cup of coffee, I’d be a Spanish latte—just the right amount of sweetness and the right amount of texture."

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to dive deeper into the world of coffee?
Boram: "Taste as much coffee as you can. Training your sensory skills and learning how to taste coffee is the number one thing you should focus on."
Gio: "Start with the basics—sensory training. Sensory experience is personal, preferential, and subjective. Once you understand what you like, it’s easier to progress. Equipping yourself with the right sensory knowledge will help you advance in any coffee-related path, whether it’s roasting, opening a café, or just enjoying coffee as a consumer."

Q: What are the perks of being a barista?
Boram: "The biggest perk is meeting wonderful people who love coffee, sharing knowledge, and connecting with customers over a great cup of coffee. It’s a truly special bond."
Gio: "For me, the best part is interacting with customers. You gain a deeper understanding of what they enjoy and share your knowledge to enhance their coffee experience."

Q: What characteristics of Philippine coffee beans do you like? Do you have any favorites?
Boram: "I enjoy the intensity and boldness of some Filipino-produced coffees, particularly those with strong dark chocolate flavors. They pair beautifully with the rich, hearty flavors of Filipino cuisine."
Gio: "I love the diversity in flavor characteristics across different regions in the Philippines. My personal favorite is coffee with citrus and floral notes. Over the years, I’ve noticed Philippine coffee getting sweeter and more refined. The farmers are doing amazing work, and I’m excited about the future of Philippine coffee. It’s my dream to see it shine on the world stage, perhaps even winning the World Barista Championship someday."

Loveramics reflected on the incredible experience shared with fellow coffee lovers, baristas, and industry experts during WOFEX. The energy and support from everyone who visited our booth reinforced our commitment to crafting products that elevate the coffee experience.
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who visited the Loveramics booth, to Boram Um and Gio Visitacion for their inspiring presence, and to Concept Specialist Inc., Sanremo, Eversys, and Dr. Coffee for their valuable collaboration. Moving forward, we are more determined than ever to continue innovating and contributing to the global coffee community with our thoughtfully designed products.
Here’s to more shared experiences, exceptional coffee, and a bright future for all. We can’t wait to see you at the next event!