
A true barista knows that in every cup lies the potential to do far greater things
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As workplaces evolve, so does the role of coffee in shaping company culture. From high-tech brewing systems to sustainability-driven solutions, office coffee programs are becoming a cornerstone of employee satisfaction and engagement. Imagine hybrid offices with sleek coffee lounges that connect remote and in-office staff, premium beverage options catering to diverse tastes, and even golden espresso machines symbolizing company pride. Dive into how businesses are transforming coffee from a mere caffeine fix to a status symbol and a tool for connection.
Explore the future of coffee culture and how it’s redefining the workplace
Transforming Cherries into Flavorful Coffee
Coffee processing is where science meets art, and potential becomes reality. From the moment cherries are harvested, each step—pulping, fermentation, drying, and beyond—shapes the flavors and aromas we savor in every cup. Processing is the stage where creativity and precision collide, magnifying the unique qualities developed through soil, varietal, and climate. Explore the fascinating world of washed, natural, and honey methods, and discover how this critical stage defines the extraordinary journey from farm to cup.
The First Philippine Aroma Master Championship was a celebration of the artistry and science behind coffee aromas, bringing together passionate competitors, industry experts, and coffee enthusiasts. A heartfelt congratulations to Ricca Sharymaine, the inaugural champion, who will proudly represent the Philippines at the World Aroma Master Championship in Vietnam this March. This milestone event highlights the vibrant Philippine coffee culture and its growing presence on the global stage.
Coffee prices have surged to levels not seen since 1977, yet Filipino coffee farmers continue to struggle with rising production costs that far outpace their earnings. Despite coffee’s growing global demand, the benefits rarely trickle down to the hardworking farmers who cultivate this beloved crop.
This blog explores the stark realities of the coffee value chain, from the undervaluation of Philippine coffee to the harmful practices of cafés selling cheap coffee that undermine sustainability. It highlights the urgent need for fair pricing, ethical sourcing, and support for local coffee to ensure that farmers receive the compensation they deserve.
Every cup of coffee tells a story of resilience—let’s make sure that story includes the farmers who make it all possible. Read more about the challenges and solutions to support the Philippine coffee industry.
Climate – The Environmental Conditions That Shape Coffee’s Flavor
Climate is not just a backdrop to coffee cultivation; it’s the dynamic force that defines the essence of every bean. From the crisp mountain air of Ethiopia to the misty highlands of Benguet, the interplay of altitude, temperature, rainfall, and seasonality creates the signature profiles that coffee lovers cherish. These environmental conditions don’t just influence how coffee grows—they shape its soul, determining the unique flavors, aromas, and textures that emerge in the cup.
In this third part of The Journey to an Exceptional Cup of Coffee, we delve into the critical role climate plays in coffee’s story. Explore how cooler high-altitude regions slow down cherry maturation to develop vibrant acidity, how steady temperatures in tropical zones create smooth, balanced profiles, and how innovations are helping farmers adapt to climate change. With every sip of coffee, we taste not only the bean but the delicate balance of nature that makes it exceptional.
Join us as we uncover the art of climate’s influence, revealing how it harmonizes with soil, varietals, and human ingenuity to craft the extraordinary experience in your cup.
As I reflect on the journey we’ve taken in the coffee industry, I am reminded of the immense responsibility we carry—not only to our team but to the communities that support us. Our work goes beyond coffee; it is a commitment to the families who depend on us, to the coffee farming communities we work closely with, and to the countless lives touched by every product we create.
This pledge is more than a statement. It is a reflection of our core values—growth, customer experience, innovation, accountability, courage, and kindness. It’s a call to stay true to what defines us and to build a future we can all believe in, together.
Read our full manifesto to learn more about our vision, our dedication to community, and the promise we uphold each day.
The journey to an exceptional cup of coffee begins long before it reaches your mug. From lush haciendas filled with vibrant greens to the distinctive terroirs of coffee-growing regions worldwide, each coffee plant’s species and varietal play a critical role in shaping the flavors, body, and aroma we savor. Join me as I explore how species like Arabica, Robusta, and the rare Eugenioides, along with varietals such as Bourbon, Geisha, and SL28, add layers of complexity to every sip. Discover how master growers like Wilton Benitez carefully select and cultivate varietals in specific microclimates to unlock their full potential. This journey through the world of coffee varietals reveals not only the unique flavors within each bean but also the artistry behind every exceptional cup.
The Journey to an Exceptional Cup of Coffee: Part 1 – The Soil
What makes your coffee taste so good? The answer lies in the careful journey from soil to cup. In this first installment, we explore the foundation of coffee flavor—the soil. Guided by insights from coffee expert Wilton Benitez, we uncover how nutrient-rich soil provides the essential elements that bring out the complex flavors in every coffee bean. Dive in to learn how sustainable practices and dedicated care transform soil into the starting point of exceptional coffee.
As we open the doors to the second branch of The Giving Café, we invite you to experience a place where exceptional coffee meets a legacy of kindness, community, and giving. Inspired by the life of my grandfather, Juan Bautista Lee, this café is more than just a space to enjoy coffee—it’s a tribute to family, tradition, and the spirit of generosity. With every cup, we support Filipino coffee farmers through our #IndulgeInGiving advocacy, creating a positive impact on local communities. Whether you’re celebrating life’s special moments or simply savoring a quiet meal, The Giving Café offers a warm, inviting space for families and friends to build lasting memories. Join us in honoring the past and creating a beautiful future, one cup at a time.

Who I am
What most people know about me is that I am a social entrepreneur, national barista champion, a disruptor in the coffee industry, and a perpetual learner by trade - and that my passion for the art of preparing a great cup of coffee knows no bounds. I realized that at the core of my expertise is a calling, a dream of making local coffee farming more sustainable. From then on, I made sure that all my endeavors are done...
for the love of coffee & towards a beautiful coffee future.
As we step into this milestone year, the coffee industry faces one of its most pressing challenges yet: rising costs. Yet, the increase in green coffee prices is long overdue. Farmers—the backbone of our industry—have shouldered rising production expenses for far too long without fair compensation. This adjustment reflects not only the value of their hard work but the reality of producing coffee sustainably.
To realign the coffee value chain, we must accept that prices will continue to rise. Consumers should prepare to pay more for high-quality coffee, appreciating it as an artisanal product rather than a commodity. Roasters, producers, and cafés must recognize the expertise and effort involved and adjust their pricing accordingly. Transparent communication is key to fostering understanding and trust, ensuring that every cup of coffee reflects its true worth.