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.

Photo credits: Jowell Juanillo

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