Ilonggo creativity and flavor took center stage as Jame Rob Dadivas, a BS Hospitality Management (Cruiseship) student from ISAT-University, emerged as Champion of the Unibeverage Competition Visayas Leg held on December 13 in Cebu City.
The Unibeverage Competition by Allegro is a premier platform for aspiring student baristas and mixologists, gathering top talents from across the region to present beverages inspired by Philippine culture and local festivities.
Flavors Rooted in Panay, Crafted for Competition
Dadivas impressed the judges with two original beverages that highlighted Filipino identity, regional flavors, and culinary creativity.
“Pinasahi” — A Taste of Panay Tradition
His signature coffee drink, Pinasahi, is a kumbo-flavored coffee latte infused with caramelized banana syrup and toasted coconut essence. Inspired by kumbo, a native Panay delicacy made from ripe saba bananas dipped in batter and fried, the drink transforms a familiar Ilonggo comfort food into a refined specialty coffee experience — honoring the flavors that shaped his roots.
“Ritmo” — The Spirit of Celebration
For the cocktail category, Dadivas presented Ritmo, a celebratory drink inspired by the powerful movements and vibrant energy of Dinagyang warriors.
Built on Palawan Blanco Rum, Ritmo layers tropical and citrus notes through pineapple juice, 1883 passion fruit, and 1883 coconut syrups, balanced by the freshness of lemongrass syrup, calamansi juice, and an orchid lime juice cordial. The result is a lively, aromatic cocktail that mirrors the rhythm, color, and intensity of Iloilo’s world-famous festival.
Dadivas described the drink as one where “the flavors dance on your tongue,” embodying movement, celebration, and Filipino festivity.
A Win Fueled by Pressure, Passion, and Pride
Representing Iloilo as the lone competitor from the province, Dadivas shared that the journey came with both excitement and pressure.
“It’s an honor to represent Iloilo. I felt the pressure, but I focused on showcasing our culture and giving my best,” he said.
The Yield Specialty Coffee: Where Talents Are Honed
Behind Dadivas’ winning performance is The Yield Specialty Coffee, which continues to serve as a nurturing space for Iloilo’s rising barista and beverage talents. The café provided a venue where he refined his concepts and techniques under the guidance of experienced professionals.
The Yield has also been a training ground for Karl Gabriel Aguilos, the first Ilonggo to compete in the Philippine National Barista Competition (PNBC) last June, underscoring the café’s role in cultivating excellence within Iloilo’s coffee community.
Dadivas’ victory in Cebu stands as a testament to Ilonggo creativity — where local flavors, cultural storytelling, and technical skill come together on a competitive stage.
