Alexandra Schulze

Coffee entrepreneur Michael Harris Conlin shares his 'My Everything' list

Article (news)

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<p>Michael Harris Conlin is a Filipino social entrepreneur, and a two-time Philippine National Barista Champion who has twice reached the World Barista Championship semi-finals, including Milan 2025. As President and CEO of Henry &amp; Sons and founder of The Giving Café, he leads initiatives that empower coffee farming communities while elevating Philippine coffee globally. Michael is also the inventor of The Better Vessel, an unconventional crema-removal tool that helped him achieve the top-scoring espresso at the 2025 WBC. His work blends innovation, sustainability, and purpose—continuing his mission to inspire dreamers and uplift communities through coffee.</p><p>We (espresso) pulled Michael away from his daily (bean) grind to get his curated list of the essentials he just can&#x27;t live without. It&#x27;s a mixed brew of tech, fitness, and (surprise, surprise) all things <em>coffee</em>.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MY &#x27;EVERYTHING&#x27; LIST by Michael Harris Conlin </strong><em><strong>as told to ABS-CBN Lifestyle</strong></em></div><p>When you live a life that moves between the high pace of running restaurants, coffee farms, cafés, roasteries, joining barista competitions, and quiet moments with family, you learn to hold on to the little things that keep you grounded. I’ve spent more than two decades in the coffee world, but behind everything I do—the travel, the early runs, the late-night ideas, the constant balancing of work and purpose—there are a few essentials that make the rhythm of my days feel lighter and more intentional. These aren’t luxury items; they’re the tools, comforts, and companions that help me stay centered, creative, and connected, both on and off duty. Here are the things I can’t imagine living without.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>iPhone 17 Pro Max </strong></div><p>For someone like me, whose days can shift from hosting omakase sessions to meetings, farm visits, travel, training, and gym time with my kids, my iPhone 17 Pro Max has become more than just a phone—it’s the center of how I move through life. I run almost everything from here. It’s where ideas land first, usually in the form of notes at odd hours or the daily coffee-tasting log I keep in Notion. It’s where I plan for the next coffee harvest, check café updates, answer messages, and store photos from the communities we support.</p><p>But beyond work, it’s also the device that keeps me grounded. It holds photos of my kids, memories from trips, screenshots of things that inspire me, and the little reminders that keep me aligned with my purpose. It connects me to the people who matter most, even when I’m halfway across the world.</p><p>I’ve learned that when life moves fast, staying organized and emotionally present isn’t optional—it’s essential. My iPhone is the one thing that helps me do both. Without it, the rhythm of my day would feel scattered. With it, I feel like I can carry my whole world in my pocket.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px;display:block" width="760"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764613985410iPhone 17 Pro Max.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:760px" width="760"/><span class="fr-inner">The whole world in your pocket. iPhone 17 Pro Max. Price: PHP86,990. Available in select stores nationwide and <a href="https://www.apple.com/ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the official Apple website</a></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Nike Vaporfly 4 </strong></div><p>Running has become one of the simplest, purest ways I take care of myself. It’s just me, the road, and my thoughts before the day fills up with responsibility. My Nike Vaporfly 4 has been my companion through countless morning runs—the kind that help me shake off stress, find clarity, and reconnect with my body.</p><p>I first tried them out of curiosity. So many athletes swore by the carbon fiber plate under the sole that helps shave milliseconds off every stride, and I wanted to understand the hype. The moment I ran in them, I understood. They’re incredibly light, responsive, and almost feel like they’re encouraging you to move forward. Running daily has become a long-time routine for me—and these are my go-to shoes.</p><p>You can find them in Nike stores or online, but what they really offer is something you can’t buy — a small window of peace before life speeds up again. These shoes aren’t just for running; they’re for keeping my mind clear and my spirit steady. They remind me that no matter how busy things get, I still need a moment that’s just for me.</p><div><strong><br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:707px;display:block" width="707"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764614009894Nike Vaporfly 4.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:707px" width="707"/><span class="fr-inner">When running is your best friend. Nike Vaporfly 4. Price: PHP13,295. Available in select stores nationwide and <a href="https://www.nike.com/ph/t/vaporfly-4-road-racing-shoes-PTwDtp/HF6414-401" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nike.com</a></span></span></span></strong></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>NaturesPlus GI Natural Probiotic  </strong></div><p>As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that feeling good starts from the inside—especially when it comes to gut health. Coffee, travel, long workdays, training…all of it can throw your body off balance if you’re not paying attention. The NaturesPlus GI Natural Probiotic has become one of those quiet daily rituals that helps me stay centered.</p><p>I started taking it back in 2019 when I became more intentional about my health. Not in a dramatic way—more like a gentle reminder to take care of myself so I can keep up with the demands of my team and the communities we support. Taking this daily keeps my mind sharp, my gut calm, and my body steady, especially when life moves fast.</p><p>I usually get it from Healthy Options. It isn’t flashy or exciting, but it makes a real difference. When our gut is healthy, everything else follows. And at this stage of my life, that’s something I’ve learned to never overlook.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:677px;display:block" width="677"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764614166867NaturesPlus GI Natural Probiotic.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:677px" width="677"/><span class="fr-inner">Sharp mind, calm gut, healthy body. NaturesPlus GI Natural Probiotic. Price: PHP2,278.55. Available at <a href="https://ph.iherb.com/pr/naturesplus-gi-natural-probiotic-mega-120-billion-cfu-30-capsules/89262?gad_campaignid=967209961&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAlrXJBhBAEiwA-5pgwumN1sfxq0AS5Cr8ljDojcBYlh5WjpeeJ-zZbwQSk8XFBE2nC4_EyhoC20AQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iHerb.com</a></span></span></span></div><div><strong>WHOOP Band </strong></div><p>I’ve learned that performance isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about knowing when to slow down. My WHOOP band has quietly become that reminder for me. It tracks my sleep, recovery, strain, and overall readiness, giving me honest feedback even on days when I’d rather pretend I’m fine. It can even predict when I’m about to get sick.</p><p>I started using it out of curiosity, seeing many coffee professionals wearing these black bands with no display. But it quickly turned into something I rely on. Between running, work, travel, and everything I juggle, it’s easy to lose track of how my body is actually doing. WHOOP gives me those gentle nudges—“rest today,” “push tomorrow,” “hydrate more,” “sleep earlier.” It’s like having a coach on my wrist who cares more about my long-term health than my short-term pace.</p><p>What I love most is how it helps me stay accountable to myself. The data keeps me honest, but the intention behind wearing it is simple: to take care of my body so I can continue taking care of others. You can get it from WHOOP’s official site, and while it’s a small device, it’s played a big role in keeping me balanced, present, and healthy through the demands of each day.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:676px;display:block" width="676"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764588943570IMG_1007.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:676px" width="676"/><span class="fr-inner">The fitness tracker for overall wellness. WHOOP Band. Price: From PHP3,400. Available at <a href="https://www.whoop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">whoop.com</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Better Vessel </strong></div><p>The Better Vessel will always hold a special place in my heart because it started as a small idea—a quiet question I asked myself while preparing for the World Barista Championship in Milan: “How can I better honor the flavors of the coffees I serve?”</p><p>What began as curiosity became a full-blown invention. I designed the Better Vessel as a crema-removal tool to help baristas strip away bitterness and highlight the true clarity of espresso. It wasn’t born from a lab or a big team—it came from late nights on 3D design software, countless printed prototypes, and that quiet obsession every coffee person knows too well.</p><p>Bringing it to the WBC stage in Milan remains one of the most meaningful moments of my career. Introducing something I built with my own hands to the global coffee community felt like sharing a piece of my journey—my passion, my failures, my learnings, and my desire to push the boundaries of coffee.</p><p>I use the Better Vessel in my daily routine. It reminds me that innovation doesn’t need to be loud; sometimes it’s the small, thoughtful, unconventional ideas—pursued with love and intention—that open new doors. For me, it represents creativity, courage, and the belief that a simple idea can change the way we experience coffee.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17645888171502025-11-10 Better Vessel Photoshoot17621.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="display:block;width:600px" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">Quiet innovation pursued with love and intention. The Better Vessel. Price: PHP3,880. Available at <a href="https://thevault.ph/products/the-better-vessel-wbc-3d-print-version?_pos=1&amp;_sid=083cdf867&amp;_ss=r" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thevault.ph</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Bambu X1 Carbon</strong> </div><p>If the Better Vessel is the invention I’m proudest of, then the Bambu X1 Carbon is the quiet partner that helps bring the next ones to life. Most people know me for coffee, but a big part of my off-duty world is spent designing, tinkering, and building. This machine has become my personal workshop—the place where ideas stop being abstract and start becoming real.</p><p>I chose the X1 Carbon because it’s fast, precise, and incredibly reliable. When I’m experimenting with new coffee tools or refining prototypes, I need something that can keep up with my pace and curiosity. Late-night sketches turn into test prints by morning, and there’s something grounding about watching an idea form layer by layer. It reminds me of coffee in a way—technical, meticulous, but also deeply creative.</p><p>Whether I’m updating parts for the Better Vessel, exploring new brewing concepts, or printing simple pieces that make life easier at home or in the cafés, the Bambu X1 Carbon has become a cornerstone of my creative rhythm.</p><p>Innovation doesn’t always start on a big stage. Often, it begins quietly — with a single idea, a humming printer, and the belief that something better is always possible.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:751px;display:block" width="751"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764588345147Frame_1123862847-tuya (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:751px;display:block;height:auto" width="751"/><span class="fr-inner">Invention Station. Bambu X1 Carbon. Price: From PHP70,284. Available at <a href="https://s.shopee.ph/8zxuigLMqR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopee.ph</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Henry &amp; Sons&#x27; Latest Coffee Blend: Tala </strong></div><p>Among all the coffees I’ve experienced over the years, Tala remains deeply special to me. It represents so much more than flavor—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when passion, craft, and community come together. Tala is 100% Filipino coffee, and every time I brew it, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.</p><p>What makes Tala meaningful isn’t just the cup itself, but the communities and the women behind it. This coffee comes from producers who pour their heart and heritage into every cherry they pick—people like Elma Serna and Noemi Dado, whose dedication to their craft has helped push Philippine coffee forward in ways that inspire me every day.</p><p>Their coffees carry stories that can’t be replicated—stories of resilience, early morning harvests, careful drying, and years of learning and experimentation. Every bean reflects their commitment to excellence and their dream of seeing Philippine specialty coffee recognized around the world. Working with them has shown me firsthand what’s possible when farmers and producers are empowered, supported, and given the chance to thrive.</p><p>I drink Tala on days when I need grounding—when I want to reconnect with the people who shaped my journey, with the purpose that continues to guide my work, and with the communities who trusted us long before we had anything to show for it. People may buy it for the flavor, but I hope they also feel the hands, the stories, and the hopes behind every cup.</p><p>For me, Tala isn’t just a coffee blend. It’s a reminder that when we invest in people, believe in their potential, and choose to grow together, we create something truly extraordinary—something worth sharing with the world.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17648516288231764588521349IMG_0842.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">100% Filipino. ‘Tala’ coffee blend from Henry &amp; Sons. Price: PHP1,169 (250g). Available at <a href="https://thevault.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thevault.ph</a></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Wega W Mini Espresso Machine </strong></div><p>The Wega W Mini is the espresso machine I trust every single day. With all the coffees I taste, test, and brew—from new harvest samples to roasts we’re fine-tuning—I needed a machine that&#x27;s simple, consistent, and dependable. The W Mini does exactly that. It doesn’t complicate the craft; it just delivers.</p><p>What I love most is how easy it is to work with. No drama, no overthinking — just steady heat, stable pressure, and a clean, reliable shot every time. On busy mornings or late nights when I want to revisit a flavor profile, this machine never gets in the way. It’s the one I reach for when I need clarity in the cup and comfort in the ritual.</p><p>It’s compact but powerful, making it perfect for anyone who wants café-quality espresso at home without the bulk or fuss. For me, it’s become the quiet companion in my morning coffee routine—always ready, always steady, and always reminding me why I love espresso in the first place.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:738px;display:block" width="738"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764925236747Wega W Mini Coffee Machine.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:738px" width="738"/><span class="fr-inner">The perfect espresso shot every time. Wega W Mini Coffee Machine. Price: From PHP145,000. Available at <a href="https://mycoffeelab.com/collections/wega-residential" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mycoffeelab.com</a></span></span></span></div><p>RELATED ARTICLES</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/12/2/2-coffee-experiences-you-can-t-miss-this-december-1558" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2 coffee experiences you can’t miss this December</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2025/11/14/this-filipino-invention-aims-to-take-espresso-to-the-next-level-1800" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This Filipino invention aims to take espresso to the next level</a></div>

<p>The fast-paced nature of the global coffee scene has Michael Harris Conlin constantly trying to elevate the country's industry by championing local beans, being on top of trends, and leading the innovation charge. Here's a list of what this successful coffee entrepreneur just cannot do without. </p>

The fast-paced nature of the global coffee scene has Michael Harris Conlin constantly trying to elevate the country's industry by championing local beans, being on top of trends, and leading the innovation charge. Here's a list of what this successful coffee entrepreneur just cannot do without.

Coffee entrepreneur Michael Harris Conlin's 'My Everything' list

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Coffee entrepreneur Michael Harris Conlin's 'My Everything' list

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published Dec 05, 2025 05:33 PM PHT

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My Everything List

Michael Harris Conlin

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