Grounded by the Grind: How Coffee Reshaped Kirk John Cerezo’s Path

 

Kirk John Cerezo once believed he knew everything there was to know about coffee. But stepping into the café business, joining competitions, and engaging with seasoned professionals across the industry revealed a humbling truth: his knowledge was only surface deep. That realization sparked a quiet resolve to dig deeper and learn more.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Kirk built his career as a “commercial barista,” working at local cafés in General Santos and Davao. He believed he had reached the peak of his journey. But life took an unexpected turn when he became a personal aide to a local politician in Bansalan. After a powerful earthquake hit Davao del Sur in 2019, he and his wife relocated to Tacurong City for good.

In 2020, amid the pandemic lockdowns, the couple ventured into online selling to make ends meet. As restrictions eased, Kirk began searching for other ways to supplement their income. With little business experience but a deep love for coffee and a drive to support his family, he launched his pop-up café—Koffee Kolab—in 2023.

“From earning minimum wage to building a coffee shop, I had no idea how to run a business. But my family gave me the courage to start,” Kirk shares.

His sister played a pivotal role in that beginning, providing the café’s first espresso machine and grinder. With just 1 kilogram of coffee beans, Kirk began crafting hot and cold drinks that introduced Tacurong to his brew.

Today, Koffee Kolab operates in two locations: a kiosk at St. Louis Hospital and a cozy home-based setup nestled in the family compound at Belesa Subdivision. Kirk also joined the Tacurong Coffee Guild and Tacurong Café Owners Association, eager to contribute to the city’s growing coffee community.

Like many local entrepreneurs, Kirk faces challenges, particularly in boosting sales and standing out amid the growing number of cafés in the region. He admits that Koffee Kolab is growing slowly and sees the need for smarter strategies to gain visibility.

To sharpen his skills, Kirk participates in coffee competitions. His debut came at DTI Region 12’s BLENDS event in 2023, where he bagged 1st Runner-Up in the brewing category. In 2024, he claimed victory at the Latte Art Throwdown at the Davao del Norte Coffee Festival.

“I used to be close-minded about coffee,” he reflects. “But when I started exploring the industry, I met people who were genuinely immersed in the craft.”

With each experience, Kirk feels more inspired—and more humbled.

“I thought I was already great at coffee. However, my exposure to the industry shattered my ego. Now I see how much I still have to learn.”

Kirk’s journey is far from over. He hopes to continue honing his craft, growing his café, and contributing to the vibrant coffee culture of Tacurong, with a community of peers behind him and a newfound sense of purpose guiding the way.

---

Koffee Kolab 

📍St. LOUIS HOSPITAL Tacurong City- Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
📍 Home-based coffee shop: Mon-Sat 6pm-10 pm
2nd block Belasa Subdivision, Purok 2, Barangay Poblacion, Tacurong City

Closed on Sunday ☕