Bouncing Back with Coffee

 

Apple Zhien “AZ” Tadios, an independent coffee brewer from GenSan, regain her confidence back when she won the Philippine Coffee Guild’s “Brewdown Competition” held during the Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2022 last September 14-15, at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

“I did not prepare for it because I was not confident and excited for the event. When the host announced my name as the winner, it did not sync-in yet that I am the champion,” she said

RC de Vera (Sidenotes Café) and Arnel Cadeliña (Tay Roming Coffee Roasters) encouraged her to join the competition for good coffee exposure and learning experience. They did not expect that she would be the champion of the said event.

"You just need the right people to believe in you. To push you to grow and to improve. It was a teary-eyed moment for me because I saw my friends who cheered and supported me. All our efforts paid off,” Tadios said.

Tadios recognition in this competition helps boost not only for herself but the coffee industry in GenSan (or the coffee value chain in Region 12). It also helped GenSan put in the map of potential coffee hubs in Mindanao. In short, it is a good exposure for the GenSan coffee community. Tadios’ participation in this event inspired other young baristas to pursue their dreams.

Tadios first coffee exposure was in Workstation Café in the last quarter of 2021. She applied as their barista and eventually discovered her passion for coffee.

“I was into baking, but I did not feel any spark for it. When I worked as a barista, I realized that I have a passion for coffee. I have no experience in the coffee industry. I’m not even drinking coffee before,” she recalled.

Tadios previous job did not make her happy in the long run because of some misunderstandings with her employers. In spite of it, she is still grateful for the learnings from that café.

“I decided to leave because I was no longer happy. I felt depressed that time. I hope it ends in a different way,” she said.

De Vera and Cadeliña saw potential in this young barista. De Vera reached out to her and asked if she was interested to work with him. He helped train Tadios on proper brewing techniques and expose her more to the coffee community. Tadios first cupping session was at Goodblends Café with the members of GenSan Coffee Association.

“I’m thankful to those people who help me with my coffee journey. I’m thankful for their encouragement and motivation for me to become better. It takes time and the right people to know your worth. If not for them, I would be stagnant.”

“I learned to stay humble despite everything that happened. If you remain grounded it all follows,” she added.

Tadios is currently hands-on with her recently launched pop-up café AGAPĒ. It helps her recuperate her confidence as a barista and to have a positive outlook in life. She hopes that her business will grow and be able to help others in the industry.

She also supports the advocacy of GenSan Coffee Association to spread relevant information about specialty coffee and the significance of the coffee value chain in region 12.

“It’s good to share your knowledge because there are many people now interested in coffee. If we provide the right information, we help them discover the value of coffee – from seed to cup,” she said.

“I still have a lot to learn about coffee. I look forward to more learning and exposure with a united coffee community.” (Genory Vanz Alfasain, contributor)

 

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First published in SunStar Davao (dated October 5, 2022)

Read its online version in this link: PressReader.com | Detail View of Sun.Star Davao