Published July 25, 2021, 9:16 AM
DAVAO CITY – After eight months of brewing coffee on his motorcycle on the streets of downtown Davao City, champion barista John Rey O. Plaza feels delighted opening his own coffee shop.
Plaza was employed as a senior barista for more than two years at a homegrown third wave coffee shop that closed down in October 2020 when the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic happened, leaving most businesses in Davao City at a standstill.
Looking back, the 35-year-old Dabawenyo said losing his job of 12 years amid the pandemic was a blessing after all because it gave him an opportunity to start Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee Davao and provide for his family. Plaza won the Davao leg of the coffee triangulation competition of Baristas’ Quest in July 2019.
(Photos courtesy of Makati City Police)
Police identified the suspect as John Rey B. Villarino, 30, of Barangay La Paz, Makati.
Based on a police report, Villarino was arrested after accepting the marked money at Howzat Sports Bar on Fermina Street in Barangay Poblacion, Makati.
His arrest stemmed from the complaint of 58-year-old businessman Jonathan Dean Thorp.
According to Thorp, the suspect threatened to close his bar should he not give him P100,000 a month.
On July 5, 2021, Hozwat Sports Bar was shut down by the city for violating health protocols and curfew ordinance.
“Villarino of the Makati PSD said they will allow us to open again should we pay P200,000, and give P100,000 monthly,” he told the Manila Bulletin.
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A new, tiny jewel orchid has been discovered on the island of Bohol and named
Corybas boholensis as described by researchers from multiple academic institutions in the Philippines, Taiwan, and USA. The finding was recently published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa on December 24, 2020.
Plants in the genus Corybas typically possess a small, single leaf and a single flower with a hood-like dorsal sepal, earning them the nickname “helmet orchids” in the botanical and horticultural worlds. Helmet orchids are also considered “jewel orchids” due to their striking foliage. They are difficult to find and study as they are miniscule and usually hidden amongst forest debris and other plants.