For the third time, Abu Dhabi-based Filipino barista Mondrick Alpas was named the UAE National Latte Art Champion. His wins in 2021, 2024, and 2025 cement him as one of the UAE’s top coffee artisans.
The national competition, which celebrates innovation, collaboration, and industry prospects, was held on Feb. 10 to 12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition.
Drawing a record-breaking 17,000 visitors, the competition showcased the creativity, precision, and craftsmanship of coffee professionals like Alpas.
“This year has genuinely made me cry of happiness,” said Alpas in his post, mentioning his fellow baristas Jhomar Morales and Kerwin Alcoriza, who came in second and third places, respectively.
“It brings me immense joy to share the stage with such extraordinary baristas, many of whom took a break from competition but have returned even stronger this year.”
Born in Cebu, Alpas sees hard work and persistence as bigger factors than raw talent in his success. He shares how he fails to see greater latte artists as competitors and how he is focused on his own growth and skills.
His passion for latte art and coffee is what sparked his journey from being a barista in Abu Dhabi to bagging national champion three times.
His success, though, will not be possible without the unwavering support of his coffee community, most especially his fiancee Kiah Parangue, who is also a talented Filipina barista and whom he considers one of his biggest inspirations.
