In this episode of the Coffee Rockstar podcast, hosts Michael Harris and Eric dive deep into the fascinating world of collectibles, particularly the current hype surrounding the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

As the Pokémon community gears up for the release of the anniversary cards, Eric shares his experiences with the anticipation and excitement, as well as the challenges of participating in such a competitive market. "Tomorrow is the launch date for the 30th anniversary Pokémon cards, in which there is so much hype and anticipation that people have started lining up this very moment for tomorrow morning's launch," Eric notes.

The conversation shifts to the concept of scarcity and how it affects collector behavior. Eric expresses his frustration with the false sense of scarcity in the Pokémon market, where many items are hoarded, driving prices to unrealistic levels. He compares this to other trends, such as the Labubu collectible craze, where initial scarcity was followed by an oversupply, resulting in a crash in value.

Michael adds, "It's something we can learn from as well. The FOMO style of marketing often leads to over-purchasing and regret later on."

The discussion also highlights parallels in the coffee industry, where limited editions and exclusive releases can create a similar sense of urgency. They reflect on how this can lead to consumers accumulating coffee they may never use. Michael shares his own experience, stating, "I used to be like that. My freezer is currently empty at the moment. I don't have much coffee anymore. I learned my lesson."

As they wrap up, Michael stresses the importance of considering whether the hype is worth the investment. "Before we start using FOMO for any trend, we have to think long and hard if it's something that's worth our money."

This episode serves as a reminder to approach collecting and purchasing with a critical eye, balancing excitement with practicality.

For those who want to dive deeper into this topic, don't miss the full episode!

The Pokémon CrazeFalse Scarcity"The moment that more people had it available, they were like, I don't really need to pre-order. Like that specialness that you find... is gone," Eric explains. Lessons for Coffee EnthusiastsThe Bigger Picture

Coffee competitions, community chaos, and the hobby rabbit holes you did not see coming.

Michael Harris and Eric unpack a packed weekend in the Philippine coffee scene, from Coffee Plz at Ayala Circuit and the AeroPress Championship to the Origami competition, Pokemon Go Fest, and the surprising way coffee culture and hobby culture keep colliding in the same crowded spaces. What starts as an event recap turns into a bigger conversation about how coffee competitions actually work - why structured judging matters, what separates casual contests from serious ones, and how skills like dialing in a surprise coffee, mastering workflow, and adapting to changing variables can make or break a competitor.

They also break down the winners heading to Mexico and Tokyo, the growing role of judges with strong sensory backgrounds, and why international pathways make local competitions more meaningful.

You’ll also hear about the real-world side of these events: crowded walkways, packed booths, community pop-ups, roasters from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and the products and brews getting attention on the floor.

Michael shares updates on Better Coffee Tools, the new better tote and brew bag ideas, the better vessel, and the coffee gear that keeps showing up in competitions around the world. And because this is Coffee Rockstar, the conversation wanders into the best kind of tangents - seasonal drinks like Mont Blanc, orange-and-cream coffee experiments, Meiji milk, water recipes, coffee advent calendars, color-changing cups, and the tiny details that make the coffee world feel endlessly inventive.

Michael Harris brings the host’s eye for competition, products, and the growing infrastructure around specialty coffee.

Eric adds exhibitor perspective, community insight, and the kind of practical observations that only come from being on the ground at the event.

Perfect for coffee competitors, café owners, gear nerds, and anyone who loves watching hobbies, people, and specialty coffee collide in real time.

In this episode, we explore the nuances of coffee preparation, the debate over pre-batch espresso, and the art and science behind perfect latte art and hot beverages. Join us for insights on efficiency, quality, and industry trends from seasoned baristas and coffee enthusiasts. In this episode, we explore the nuances of coffee preparation, the importance of product freshness, and the skills required for different roles in the coffee industry. Our discussion covers everything from pre-batch espresso to the role of flavor communication and the future of automation in coffee service.

In this episode, Michael and Eric share insights from their recent trip to Iloilo, discussing farming practices, local culture, and travel experiences amidst nonstop rain. They also explore topics like farm-fresh milk, local food spots, and airport experiences, offering a lively and informative conversation.

In this episode, we dive into the recent Wofex trade show, the challenges faced by exhibitors, and the intricacies of coffee shipping and storage. We also explore opportunities for local coffee entrepreneurs to expand internationally and the evolving landscape of specialty coffee. In this episode, Michael Harris and Eric discuss coffee scoring, competition rules, and industry trends, providing valuable insights for coffee enthusiasts and professionals.

Join us as we explore the fascinating worlds of coffee and Pokemon trading cards, comparing their markets, values, and cultural significance. We also delve into coffee competitions, trends, and the impact of technology on the industry.

This episode addresses the hidden costs behind your morning coffee, from the struggles of Filipino farmers facing rising production expenses to the systemic undervaluation of local beans. We discuss how café culture, consumer choices, and ethical initiatives like The Giving Café can transform the industry. Learn practical steps to support fairness and sustainability in the coffee value chain.

Summary

In this episode of the Coffee Rock Star podcast, the hosts and special guest, Kirk, discuss their experiences at the World Food Expo and the challenges of exhibiting and making a profit. They also talk about the growth of specialty coffee in Cotabato City and the efforts to educate and introduce the local market to specialty coffee. Kirk shares his insights on the pricing of specialty coffees and the importance of customer service in promoting and selling specialty coffee. The conversation also touches on the unique flavors and potential of Robusta coffee and the need for more varietals in the Philippines.

Keywords

coffee trade show, specialty coffee, Cotabato City, pricing, customer service, Robusta coffee, varietals

Takeaways

Exhibiting at trade shows can be expensive, and it can be challenging for exhibitors to make a profit.

The specialty coffee scene in Cotabato City is growing, and efforts are being made to educate and introduce the local market to specialty coffee.

Customer service and educating customers about the background and quality of the coffee are important in promoting and selling specialty coffee.

Robusta coffee has the potential to have unique and exceptional flavors, and there is a need for more varietals in the Philippines.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:58 Discussion on Wolfex Trade Show

02:22 Challenges and Costs at Trade Shows

06:12 Safety and Tourism in Cotabato City

09:36 Embracing Specialty Coffee in Cotabato City

15:37 Prices in Coffee Auctions

30:34 The Importance of Customer Service and Education

42:27 Invitation to Visit Kawa Third Wave Coffee

47:11 Upcoming Coffee Events in the Region

In this episode of the Coffee Rockstar podcast, the hosts interview Mark Lingat, the 2023 Latte Art Champion, and Joe Marie, a three-time Latte Art Champion. They discuss the Latte Art Championship and how the art of latte has evolved over the years. They also talk about the upcoming competition in Copenhagen and the challenges they face, such as using a fully automatic espresso machine and plant-based milk. The conversation covers topics like milk steaming techniques, cup sizes, and the future trends in latte art. The hosts and guests also express their gratitude to Jolly Cow for their support.

In this episode of the Coffee Rockstars podcast, the hosts discuss the recent Philippine Coffee Expo and the art of coffee tasting. They share their experiences at the expo, including the venue, exhibitors, and cupping tables. They also talk about the presence of Chinese espresso machines and how they may impact the market. The hosts then delve into the topic of coffee tasting, discussing the importance of sensory skills, the Q-grader certification, and the different aspects of the exam. They also touch on the challenges of defect detection and the importance of calibration and community in the coffee industry. In this part of the conversation, Michael discusses the importance of sensory skills in the coffee industry and the different certifications available to become a better taster. He emphasizes that being a Q grader does not automatically make someone a coffee expert and that continuous learning is essential. Michael also talks about the Aroma Quest Sensory Kit and the Centone Flavoris set, which are tools to help improve sensory skills. He concludes by highlighting the need for communication and collaboration within the coffee community.