Michael Harris Conlin Wins 2025 Philippine Barista Championship, Paving the Way for Philippine Coffee on the World Stage

 

 Michael Harris Conlin, a long-time advocate for Philippine coffee and social entrepreneurship, has been named the 2025 Philippine National Barista Champion. Conlin will represent the Philippines at the World Barista Championship to be held at HostMilano in Milan, Italy from October 17 to 21, 2025.

Michael Harris Conlin, a long-time advocate for Philippine coffee and social entrepreneurship, has been named the 2025 Philippine National Barista Champion, following his standout performance at the Philippine Barista Competition held recently at MAFBEX. His victory not only marks a personal milestone, but also reaffirms his mission: to build a beautiful coffee future by elevating Philippine coffee —  through connection, unity, and bold innovation.

With this win, Conlin will represent the Philippines at the World Barista Championship, to be held at HostMilano in Milan, Italy from October 17 to 21, 2025.

This will be Conlin’s second time competing on the world stage. In 2019, he made history as the first Filipino barista to reach the semi-finals of the World Barista Championship in Boston, USA, placing 15th in the world — a groundbreaking achievement that broke the glass wall and opened the path for more Filipino baristas to follow.

This year, his goal is even higher: to reach the global top 6 — and to bring home the World Barista Championship title to the Philippines for the first time.

Known for his deep commitment to uplifting Filipino coffee farmers and creating sustainable, community-driven impact through his ventures, Conlin’s championship routine centered on the theme of “connection.” It was a compelling message woven through coffee, community, and co-creation — demonstrating that truly exceptional coffee is not a solo achievement, but a collective triumph across the value chain.

“This win isn’t just mine,” Conlin shared. “It belongs to the farmers, the roasters, the scientists, the baristas, and the dreamers who all worked together to create something extraordinary. Coffee is about co-creation — and that’s what we’re celebrating.”

At the heart of his presentation was a championship blend of Philippine Liberica (Barako) from Laguna and Colombian Mokka, developed through months of experimentation and collaboration with world-renowned Colombian producer Wilton Benitez. This bold fusion symbolized the potential of cross-cultural partnerships to transform local coffee into world-class experiences — while proudly showcasing Liberica’s unique qualities to a global audience.

Beyond the competition stage, Conlin is the founder of Henry & Sons, The Giving Café, and the Institute for  Coffee Excellence, through which he has built long-term relationships with coffee farming communities across the Philippines. From advocating for fair trade and post-harvest innovation to investing in farmer education and product development, his work champions a common goal: to create a beautiful coffee future — one rooted in dignity, collaboration, and global recognition for Philippine coffee. “We’ve always believed in the beauty and potential of Barako,” he said. “This isn’t just about flavor; it’s about identity, resilience, and pride. When we unite as an industry — farmers, processors, scientists, and baristas — we don’t just compete. We resonate.”

As he prepares to return to the world stage, Conlin’s message is clear: this is more than a competition — it’s a movement. A movement to connect, to uplift, and to bring the spotlight to the richness of Philippine coffee. With passion, unity, and purpose, his dream is within reach — to bring the WBC Championship title home to the Philippines.

Michael’s competition coffees, including the Philippine Liberica  Colombian Mokka coffees, are now available for coffee lovers to experience at The Giving Café, and online through Henry & Sons’ official stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TheVault.ph.

For more details about the Michael Harris Conlin and his bid at the World Barista Championship stage, please visit thevault.ph.

About Henry & Sons

Henry & Sons Trading and Manufacturing Company, Inc. is a 360-degree coffee solutions company offering premium roasted coffee, top-of-the-line coffee machines and accessories, and coffee solutions and trainings tailor-fitted to every challenging demand.

The Business of Cars: How Used Car Sales Are Evolving in the Philippines

 

 The used car market in the Philippines is growing rapidly, driven by digital platforms, increasingly savvy consumers, and a steady supply of pre-owned cars. Mobee Cars leads this shift by offering a complete end-to-end online selling process, from valuation to payment, making car selling easier, safer, and more transparent.

The used car market in the Philippines is experiencing  rapid transformation, driven by digital innovation, growing consumer sophistication, and a maturing automotive ecosystem. With an estimated 400,000 used car transactions per year and an average ticket size ranging from PHP 450,000 to PHP 600,000 per unit, the industry is becoming a more dominant contributor tothe country’s mobility sector. As technology reshapes buying and selling dynamics, the business of used cars no longer resides within dealerships and classified ads—it’s about accessibility, transparency, and efficiency.

The Shift: What’s Driving Growth in the Used Car Market?

Two key forces are fueling the expansion of the used car market:

1. Maturing New Car Market & Increased Supply

- As the new car market expands, vehicles naturally transition into the secondary market after a few years. This steady supply of pre-owned cars is enriching the ecosystem, creating a more structured resale market.

2. Smarter Spending & Digital Access

- More Filipinos are becoming savvy consumers, recognizing the depreciation curve of new vehicles and choosing used cars as a practical alternative.

- The rise of online marketplaces and classified platforms have democratized access to used cars, making transactions easier and more transparent than ever before.

- First-time car buyers are opting for used cars over entry-level new models, often preferring higher-end pre-owned cars over base-model new ones.

How Technology is Reshaping Used Car Sales

The traditional way of buying and selling used cars—through physical dealerships and word-of-mouth—has drastically changed. Today, digital solutions are removing geographical limitations and making transactions more efficient.

Key Digital Trends Shaping the Industry

- Online Marketplaces Dominate – The shift to digital platforms has created a more competitive and transparent pricing environment. Buyers now have access to thousands of listings at their fingertips, while sellers can reach more potential buyers instantly.

- Pricing Transparency & Competition – With price visibility across various platforms, sellers are more informed, and buyers benefit from market-driven competition, ensuring fairer pricing.

- End-to-End Digital Transactions – Platforms like Mobee Cars are digitizing the entire process—from valuation, inspection and listing, to document verification and payment facilitation—eliminating the hassle of traditional selling methods.

The Investment Opportunity in Used Cars

Despite its significant role in the economy, the used car industry in the Philippines is still in its infancy in terms of infrastructure, policies, and financing support. With used car transactions accounting for an estimated 1% of the country’s GDP, the spillover effects—ranging from logistics and storage to financing and after sales services—are massive.

Challenges and Untapped Potential

- Limited Financing for Used Cars – Consumer financing is a major driver of new car sales, but banks and financial institutions have low appetite for used car loans due to the risks associated with valuation and transparency.

- Lack of Standardized Documentation – The industry still lacks a streamlined process for verifying ownership and condition, leading to transaction risks.

- Scattered Supply Chain – Car dealers struggle with inventory consistency, while sellers face difficulties in finding reliable buyers at fair prices.

If financial institutions were to partner with platforms like Mobee, these risks could be mitigated through verified inspections, secure documentation processes, and transparent pricing, making financing more viable for used cars.

How Mobee is Leading the Transformation

Mobee Cars is positioned as the first end-to-end used car platform in the Philippines, bridging the gap between car sellers and buyers. Unlike classified ads or offline auctions, Mobee facilitates the entire transaction online:

- Sellers receive an instant valuation based on real-time market data.

- Vehicles are listed for 300+ nationwide car dealers to bid on, ensuring competitive offers.

- Inspections, documentation, and payments are all handled within the platform, making transactions secure and efficient.

For car dealers, Mobee solves the  supply challenge by providing them with consistent, quality-verified used cars—essentially reshaping the supply chain of used vehicle distribution in the Philippines.

The Future of Used Car Sales in the Philippines

As the market continues to evolve, several factors will shape its future:

- More structured regulations to streamline transactions and protect buyers/sellers.

- Increased consumer financing for used cars as transparency improves.

- Further integration of AI-driven pricing and inspection models to enhance market efficiency.

With a growing economy, shifting consumer awareness, and increased digital adoption, the used car industry is poised for massive growth and transformation in the coming years.

About Mobee Technologies Inc.

Mobee Cars Philippines is an online used car platform that seamlessly connects car owners to our dealers through technology. With Mobee Cars, car owners can ensure they get the right value for their car, complete documentation, and full support from our Car Experts, ensuring everything is taken care of from end to end.

ILDEX Philippines 2025 Expands to Halls 1–4: Setting a New Benchmark for the Livestock Industry | 27–29 August 2025, SMX Convention Center Manila

ILDEX Philippines, the leading international exhibition for the livestock, dairy, meat processing, and aquaculture industries, is proud to announce its expansion to Hall 4 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Taking place from 27–29 August 2025, this expansion marks the largest edition in the show’s history, reinforcing ILDEX Philippines' role as the premier platform for the industry in Southeast Asia.

The expansion follows the strategic announcement in November 2024 to annualize the Philippine Poultry Show and ILDEX Philippines. Since then, overwhelming interest from both local and international stakeholders has driven the need for additional space. The addition of Hall 4 ensures that the growing number of exhibitors can be accommodated, delivering an even more vibrant and comprehensive experience for all participants.

“In response to the growing interest and increasing number of exhibitors and visitors, we are excited to announce the expansion of the exhibition space for the Poultry Show and ILDEX. This move will allow us to accommodate more participants, showcase a wider range of innovations, and enhance the overall event experience. The additional space will also improve traffic flow, provide more networking areas, and ensure a more comfortable environment for both exhibitors and attendees.

We are working hard to provide exhibitors and visitors with a brand-new experience at the Poultry Show and ILDEX Philippines. We look forward to welcoming everyone to a bigger and better event this year” stated by Ms.Mildred Esquillo, PPS Event Manager, DeltaMan.

An Unparalleled Gathering of Global and Local Industry Leaders This year's edition will bring together an impressive lineup of brands, with 75% of exhibitors representing international companies and 25% from the Philippines. Confirmed national pavilions include major presences from Europe and China, underscoring the global significance of ILDEX Philippines.

Visitors can expect to meet and connect with many of the world’s leading names in the livestock industry, including:

ADM, Alltech, Atlas, Big Dutchman, Bounty, Cargill, CEVA, CP Food Philippines, DSM-Firmenich, Elanco, EQUALIVET, PhilNutri, Philchema, Pilmico, Pure Bioscience, Superiorvet, and Vitarich. These renowned companies represent the full spectrum of the livestock supply chain—from animal health and nutrition to feed production, breeding, genetics, equipment, and processing solutions—showcasing the very latest innovations and technologies.

“We have received really positive response from the industry and our clients over the past months since we decided to annualize the show. This has given us a lot more confidence to expand into hall 4, allowing us to welcome more leading exhibitors and participants together in “Philippine Poultry Show & ILDEX Philippines 2025”. This extension is not only reflecting the show’s growth, but also showing our commitment to the development of the livestock industry in the Philippines market.” Mr. Kevin Zhao, Senior Project Manager, ILDEX Philippines, said.

New Highlights for 2025: A Broader and Deeper Focus ILDEX Philippines 2025 will not only continue to be the key platform for the feed and poultry sectors, but will also place a strong new emphasis on the swine and aquatic industries. Dedicated exhibition zones and technical seminars will allow visitors to gain cutting-edge insights and solutions tailored to these rapidly growing sectors.

Exclusive Hosted Buyer Program Launching in June 2025, the Hosted Buyer Program offers selected key buyers with strong purchasing power in the livestock, feed, and aquaculture industries complimentary flights and hotel in Manila. This highly curated program provides exclusive networking opportunities, personalized business matchmaking services, and valuable one-on-one connections between buyers and exhibitors to maximize the business impact of the event. Application details will be announced via email and on the official website. For further information, please contact info@ildex-philippines.com.

A Show Not to Be Missed With a greatly expanded exhibition space, a record number of leading brands, new sector highlights, and enhanced networking opportunities, ILDEX Philippines 2025 is set to be the must-attend event for anyone involved in the livestock, dairy, meat processing, and aquaculture industries. This year’s edition will deliver unparalleled business opportunities, learning experiences, and industry connections—solidifying ILDEX Philippines as the most important livestock event in the region.

About VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

Secure your place now and be part of the future of livestock innovation at Philippine Poultry Show & ILDEX Philippines 2025. Register now at https://ildexph2025.jupinnothai.net/Registration/ChooseTypeRegis.aspx?codeInv=ILDPH06

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Crypto Market Update: July Sparks BTC Momentum, Geopolitical Shifts Drive Investor Sentiment

From institutional moves to geopolitical surprises, the global crypto community is closely tracking a variety of powerful narratives.

July, in particular, has emerged as a potentially pivotal month in shaping the short-term direction of the crypto market. Here's everything you need to know.

BTC Returns to the Spotlight

Bitcoin (BTC) is once again commanding center stage in the crypto landscape. The flagship cryptocurrency is drawing renewed attention as both a market anchor and a long-term store of value.

Several catalysts are contributing to the heightened focus on BTC:

1. Institutional accumulation: Major financial entities are reportedly increasing their Bitcoin holdings.

2. Bullish technical patterns: Analysts note signals pointing toward a continued bull run.

3. Comparative strength: Bitcoin is outperforming several altcoins, prompting a reallocation of capital.

As investors grow wary of regulatory uncertainty in the altcoin space, BTC is increasingly seen as a “safe haven” within the volatile crypto universe.

Why ‘July’ Could Define the Next Crypto Chapter

The keyword ‘July’ has surged in trend metrics, underscoring its significance. Several critical developments are converging this month, including:

1. Bitcoin price targets aiming for highs in late July, fueled by a bullish macro environment.

2. Coinbase's new perpetual futures product launching on July 21, set to attract institutional and professional traders.

3. U.S. Senate debates on two key crypto-related bills: the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act—both of which may redefine regulatory frameworks.

Multiple token launches and postponed hearings are also scheduled, suggesting that July could act as an inflection point, determining whether the current bullish sentiment has room to run.

Emerging Players: Yapyo, Bakkt, and Bhutan

Besides BTC, several lesser-known names have made headlines:

1. Yapyo: This Arbitrum-based project gained traction after a successful pre-sale campaign and growing community buzz.

2. Bakkt Holdings: The ICE-backed platform filed a massive $1 billion shelf offering with the U.S. SEC, sparking speculation about increased crypto involvement, particularly in Bitcoin custody services.

3. Bhutan’s secret BTC mine: Perhaps the most surprising reveal came from Bhutan, which has quietly mined 12,000 BTC since 2020, now worth over $1.3 billion, or 40% of its GDP. This makes Bhutan the third-largest sovereign Bitcoin holder globally, behind only the U.S. and China. Uniquely, Bhutan’s mining efforts are fully powered by hydroelectricity.

Geopolitical Relief Rallies Crypto

Crypto markets rallied sharply this week following a major geopolitical development. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total” ceasefire between Iran and Israel, ending 12 days of escalating conflict.

The result? A strong wave of risk-on sentiment:

1. Bitcoin jumped 4.33%, closing above $105,333.

2. Etherium surged nearly 9%, touching $2,420.

3. Altcoins like XRP and Solana posted similar gains.

4. According to CoinGlass, $358 million worth of short positions were liquidated in the aftermath.

Although the ceasefire news gave crypto markets a boost, it’s important to note that some reports indicated renewed tension, suggesting the situation remains fluid.

Regulatory Tailwinds from the Fed

In a separate but significant regulatory development, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it will no longer consider “reputational risk” in its supervision of banks.

This marks a shift from previous actions, like those seen in Operation Choke Point 2.0, which indirectly pressured banks to sever ties with crypto businesses.

Per the Fed’s statement: “The Board has started the process of reviewing and removing references to reputation and reputational risk from its supervisory materials…”

Crypto advocates like Senator Cynthia Lummis hailed the move as a win for financial freedom, though she cautioned that further reforms are still necessary.

This change is expected to ease pressure on banks that provide custody or other services to digital asset firms, opening the door for broader institutional adoption.

Is the Rally Sustainable?

While optimism is high, not all analysts are convinced the recent surge will hold. Aaron Dishner of The Better Traders Club warned: “…hidden bearish divergence is starting to show up. Markets reacted with relief but the effects may be short-lived.”

This suggests that while the ceasefire and regulatory relief sparked immediate enthusiasm, longer-term bullishness will likely depend on structural developments, such as successful legislation, stronger institutional entry, and continued macroeconomic stability.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead in Crypto

With major developments unfolding, from market rallies to geopolitical peace talks and regulatory shifts, it’s clear that July could redefine the crypto narrative for the rest of the year.

To stay informed with expert insights, real-time analysis, and the latest market updates, follow the Bitrue Blog today. Don’t miss a beat in the fast-paced world of digital assets.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bookshelf PH Launches Sari-sari Stories: Book of Pride

 

 Bookshelf PH launched Sari-sari Stories: Book of Pride on June 11, 2025, featuring eight original stories by Filipino authors that celebrate LGBTQIA+ love, identity, and courage. Released for Pride Month, the anthology continues the publisher’s mission to amplify diverse voices in Philippine literature.

Independent publisher Bookshelf PH officially launched the latest installment of the Sari Sari Stories Collection: Book of Pride, at the SM Podium Book Nook last June 11, 2025.

The new anthology features eight original stories from Filipino authors that explore themes of love, identity, and courage within the LGBTQIA+ community. Weaving together a multi-genre experience, spanning from gripping mysteries to heart-wrenching dramas, the collection highlights individual journeys amid a collective advocacy for equality.

Sari-Sari Stories: Book of Pride authors, artists and editorial team with the Bookshelf PH staff

During the launch, the attending authors reflected on the inspiration behind their work. They underscored that the stories primarily centering on queer narratives also hold a broader message of self-acceptance and belonging.

“As we continuously tell diverse stories, this book not only aims to educate but also resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to be seen, heard, or loved for who they truly are,” Michelle Dulinayan, Managing Editor of Bookshelf PH.

The Book of Pride is the third entry of Bookshelf PH’s Sari-Sari Stories Collection, a diverse compendium of Filipino culture told only from the lens of Filipino authors. This new selection is written by eight local authors emerging in the Philippine writing scene: Lucky Charles N. Historia, Shanelle B. Recheta, Kae Espejo, JsslAwra, Evan Orias, Zerodegreescelsius, Dhan Duringo, and Jastine Beatrice Yap. Released as an homage for Pride Month this June, Bookshelf PH and its authors continue to tackle their mission of inclusive storytelling.

“We want this to be a warm embrace for all of the stories that we keep hidden—a message that there exists no light we must step away from but only one that shines within each of us if we allow it to,” Monette Quioge, Managing Partner of Bookshelf PH, says.

Sari-sari Stories: Book of Pride is now available on Bookshelf PH’s website (bookshelf.com.ph) and major e-commerce platforms.

About Bookshelf PH

Bookshelf PH is an online bookstore and book publisher in the Philippines. The organization’s goal is to promote a richer Filipino literature that will contribute to individual empowerment, and in the aggregate, nation-building. At the core of these aspirations is the belief that the surest and simplest path to personal and professional growth is through reading, whether through physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks. Bookshelf PH thus welcomes collaboration with all book lovers in the country, including everyone from freelance writers and interns to local booksellers, self-published authors, and brands that aim to publish a book. Bookshelf PH also aims to give everyone a platform to share their stories and ideas. Through self-publishing services, compelling book trailers, workshops, and its signature book talk series, The Write Side of Bookshelf, the organization empowers aspiring and established authors alike to bring their work to life. By making publishing more accessible and creative, Bookshelf PH continues to nurture a diverse and dynamic literary community in the Philippines.