Well-known Japanese coffee brand UCC recently held a masterclass that went beyond coffee, drawing luminaries from the literary world. The event celebrated the launch of UCC's newest product line, the UCC Roast Master, and was notable for its inclusion of National Artist for Literature Dr. Gemino H. Abad and renowned writer and literary critic Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.
Held at the UCC Mentore Coffee+Bar in Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City, the masterclass symbolized the brand’s dedication not only to exceptional coffee but also to mastery in various fields. The inclusion of Abad and Dalisay underscored the idea that, much like coffee, literature demands craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of one’s craft.
“UCC Roast Master represents the pinnacle of our coffee-making journey, where each blend has been meticulously crafted to offer a unique and sophisticated flavor profile,” said Hubert U. Young, CEO of UCC Ueshima Coffee Philippines Inc., a joint venture of the Japan-based Ueshima Coffee Company Group.
The new UCC Roast Master line, a collection of whole coffee beans and drip varieties, is crafted by master roasters using advanced production techniques. Among the blends are Café Arabica Premium Coffee, Italian Roast Premium Coffee, and Sumiyaki Premium Coffee, each offering distinct flavors ranging from lychee notes to dark chocolate and spice finishes.
During the event, guests, along with the two icons, were invited to taste each coffee variant. Abad, still strong and spry at 85, sheepishly admitted to his tablemates that coffee no longer agrees with him and said he would be bringing home the coffees from the masterclass for his wife, who still enjoys a good cup of joe.
Dalisay, for his part, drank his fair share of coffee during the event, along with his wife, noted art restorer and conservator June Poticar Dalisay.
Young emphasized the importance of innovation and quality in UCC’s coffee-making process, likening it to the creative mastery embodied by the featured writers. “Their works have not only enriched our culture but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue their own creative endeavors,” he said.
UCC Philippines General Manager Naoya Fujimoto and Business Development Director Emmanuel Torrejon highlighted the brand’s history, from its origins in Kobe, Japan, to its global reach. He noted that UCC remains the only Japanese coffee brand ranked among the world’s best, a distinction it continues to uphold with product innovations like the UCC Roast Master.
The UCC Roast Master line is now available in supermarkets nationwide.