Beyond the Brew: How Luna Maxine Found a Community Through Coffee

 

Nicole Grace Gayares never imagined she would fall in love with coffee. For her, continuous learning and meaningful friendships in the coffee industry have been key to success.

Known to her peers as Luna Maxine, a name deeply connected to her café community, she found solace in coffee after a life-changing accident left her on bed rest. During her recovery, she discovered a newfound passion for the beverage—an interest sparked by her partner, a devoted coffee enthusiast, who encouraged her to explore the world of coffee.

Gayares' journey into the world of coffee began with a deep curiosity. She first turned to YouTube, watching coffee-related videos to satisfy her thirst for knowledge. Determined to learn formally, she later enrolled in TESDA's Barista 101 course, where her interest in specialty coffee grew even further.

In June 2023, she joined coffee sessions at Iloilo Coffee House, one of the first cafés in Iloilo to introduce specialty coffee to the city. That experience sparked her passion, leading her to visit various specialty coffee shops to deepen her understanding. Eager to test her newly acquired knowledge, she applied as a barista at a local café—an experience that laid the foundation for her next big step. Eventually, she took a leap of faith and established her own coffee shop, ÑuWave Coffee.

"At first, marketing my café and building a community were challenging. People didn’t immediately see its potential or unique identity. But over time, we grew into a community beyond what I ever expected," she shared.

Gayares acknowledges the difficulties of introducing specialty coffee to the public, given its limited awareness.

"It takes time to educate customers. We need more advocates for specialty coffee in Iloilo," she emphasized.

Specialty coffee refers to coffee grown, processed, and brewed with exceptional quality standards at every step of the production chain. The term typically applies to coffee rated 80 points or higher on a scale of 100 by certified coffee graders. What makes specialty coffee unique is its focus on origin, flavor profiles, and sustainability.

Determined to expand her expertise, Gayares actively participated in various brewing competitions. In 2023, she competed in the AeroPress Competition, earning the title of 1st runner-up. The following year, she was crowned champion of the 2024 Curve Robusta Manual Brewing Competition. She also joined the Philippine Coffee Brewers League, where she continues to hone her skills.

“I learn through competitions. I never stop, even when I don’t win. It motivates me to keep joining and improving,” she shared.

As a member of the Iloilo Specialty Coffee Association Inc. (ISCAI), Gayares is deeply grateful for the communal support and mentorship of Bodi Mijares. She also acknowledges the solid love and encouragement from her Ñuwave Coffee Community, which has been instrumental in her journey.

Passionate about her craft, Gayares is always eager to share her knowledge, hoping to inspire others who aspire to build a career in the coffee industry.

“Don’t dwell on past mistakes. Focus on the present and prepare for the future. Take risks to learn. Find the right people or community to help you grow,” she encouraged.