Barista Uno (or simply BU as he's known to his readers) is the pen name of a Manila-based writer and former international shipping journalist. His Marine Café Blog has been promoting seafarers' rights as well as marine art and culture since its launch in 2009. This choice of focus is driven by his personal belief that the greatest challenge faced by shipping in the 21st century is how to reclaim its humanity.

BU is an independent writer who offers fresh views on the maritime world, telling it like it is and never pandering to the crowd. After publishing the second edition of 'Close Encounters in Maritime Manila', he hopes to come out with additional books on maritime and non-maritime subjects.