Dark Roast Coffeehouse Turns ONE!

Dark Roast Coffeehouse Turns ONE!

I couldn't believe it's been a year already. What started out as a normal conversation between diving friends, was all realized in this Maginhawa spot. Your favorite Dark Roast Coffeehouse is now a year old.

Business wasn't all smooth sailing, they admitted to have had challenges because while trying to improve their products and services, they didn't get a lot of feedback at first. Now they're taking suggestions seriously, and they are super thankful about the improvement and growth they have done during this time.

 

The fun bunch told us about the challenges they had about quality. Because they had different customers telling their preferences, and they also had different baristas at different times of the day, what could be sweet and earthy for one person wouldn't be the same for the other. They were able to standardize a lot of their prep work, their raw materials, considering these all were growth pains and something that businesses like them go through. They initiated telling their team about the standards they wanted to keep, not to say they've already overcame challenges, but knowing it's a continuous process of learning more about it.

Here's our interview with them that evening!

Their location is another one. Maginhawa after all is a food community and has about 5-7 coffee shops with more to open soon. It's not just the competition, but maintaining quality and consistency that every person behind the counter should adhere to. It's a lot of work just to make sure whoever is making the cup would taste the same whatever time of the day, made darker, bolder, better.

The celebration didn't end there as they launched 2 new bread variants particularly the OREO CROISSANT and the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT. They also released a new drink called MIDNIGHT MOCHA. As the name suggests, the breads are more on the sweet side (but not too sweet as Titos/Titas would love). I prefer the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT more since it also has a little nutty flavor with it. These were prepared by the same folks who did BUTTERBOY CROISSANTS who's known for their quality, big, flaky and sinful ones. In fact, it didn't take them long to collaborate with the new flavors because they were very easy to work with. Now you'll get super good croissants here every time.  

 

This month, they're also building a full pledged community. Aside from the good bread and coffee they just launched, they're getting Dark Roast Coffeehouse merch available for loyal customers. With several visits and purchases at their store at the Ground Floor of TKC Square Building, you could get their super cool tumbler and handy dandy eco bag with the Darker, Bolder, Better line on it. 

This is just the first year and they've managed to do a LOT in that short amount of time. I'm super happy for them and wished I could do the same with my set of friends. Folks usually won't suggest that, but seeing their success and milestones so far, I wouldn't be surprised if they're going to be huge soon.

Congratulations DARK ROAST COFFEEHOUSE on your anniversary! 

Still Making Milestones: The FIGARO Coffee Group

The pandemic must have been hard for businesses and it did stay true with the Figaro Cofee Group. A few months ago, we were in the midst of their executives to see where their group is heading especially this 2024. The event was graced by Mr. Justin Liu the group's Chairman, Ms. Divine Cabuloy their CEO/President, Mr. Mike Barret their COO/EVP and Mr. Petronio Español III the Figaro Group's CFO.

Still Bullishly Expanding

During the pandemic, they have had really hard times as restaurants were either forced to close or not allowed to have dine in customers sans protocols implemented by the government. Though they have coffee shops, Chinese and other brands, their Angel's Pizza was a hit. It was so much of a hit that they had to absorb employees from different corporations who went in the verge of closing down and get them to work in their new branches. The pizza delivery industry sector went huge, and their flavor and food innovations proved positively good during those years. Today, the FIGARO Coffee Group owns 60 Figaro Coffee stores, 116 Angel's Pizza outlets, over 10 Tien Ma restaurants, and 6 Cafe Portofino branches nationwide. That's over 192 all in all, and they are strategically expanding outside the metro in places like Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, Cebu, Pangasinan, Leyte, Bohol and Davao. They are thinking of more regions next year, and this expansion comes with careful planning and coordination so no quality would be sacrificed in any of their stores.

Financially Strong, Making Milestones

Their Chairman Justin Liu personally explained their recent milestones in terms of finances in the Figaro Group. Their 75% increase in revenues alone had our jaw dropped and they attribute it to the aggressive expansion projects they made outside Metro Manila. Aside from that, a 6% increase in existing stores has helped achieve great sales figures as compared to 2022, that's over Php 2.44 Billion albeit a decline in gross margins back in June which they attribute to inflation and expensive raw materials. Net income came at a whopping Php 462.6 Million because of their wise mitigation in costs and increase in volume (since they did expand stores), undoubtedly a really good reason to celebrate.


They also added the new Creamy Spinach Sushi Bake to the menu a few months ago. With it, is the highly successful Creamy Spinach Dip Pizza. They also launched the "Sama Sama Sa Angel's Pizza" jingle which I'm sure will add to the really good marketing ploys they launched. They also had a few more viands in their other brands plus Oat based drinks which will make the nutty success in their coffee brands.

This is just the start, and I felt there will be more stores for Angel's Pizza in the Visayas and Mindanao region in the coming months. Figaro really weathered through a storm, survived it, and is flourishing! 

Congratulations FIGARO Group!

DEAR JOE Opens Newest Branch at Imus, Cavite!

Business has been good for Dear Joe as they expand this time in Imus, Cavite. This is officially their 23rd branch and has been existence since 2020. The restaurant has a retro American theme, conducive to those who love to write. This has been the handy work of the same people behind Coffee Project so you're sure every corner is IG worthy.

They also encourage good ol pen and paper, so the available stationary would be apt for each cup you chug. Be it a small note to loved ones, a letter to a stranger, your ex, or just about anyone you could think of. Aside from the coffee variants, they also have juices available, it's hot outside so go ahead and take that trip to Dear Joe and grab one today.

This new branch is just right across Camella Manors Aviana. It'll be a perk especially for the folks who live within the area. You don't really have to go far in order to get caffeinated.

Camella Manors Aviana is also a good place to start a family. If you're a single person who's in the mood to invest, it's a great location especially since Imus is a booming city. Write, Coffee, Live, how can you not love that!

Beautéderm Opens Corporate Headquarters and Beauté Beanery in Pampanga

It must have been her great dream to to one day, cement her brand and put her business in one roof hence the new Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters in Angeles City, Pampanga. Ms. Rei Ramos Anicoche Tan and the Beautéderm team finally opened the new building (which houses several of her brands) and the newly launched Beauté Beanery (a coffee shop) in this location. It's also Beautéderm Corporation's 14th year in the business and this was the opportune time for us to see what they've done with the place. It was absolutely gorgeous from outside!

This is welcome news for the multitude of their loyal customers who have always patronized their skin, body, fragance and health booster products known for its efficacy and quality. This isn't just a business for CEO and founder Rhea Tan because it provides resellers, their distributors and franchisees something that could change their lives. The new building has been 2 years in the making and it was meant to be the main base of operations in the country.

The place was absolutely posh. They had marble and nice tiles, gold fixtures from floor to ceiling. They also had several designer trunks here and there which made it look even better. They also had the BeautéHaus which provides skin services and we were greeted by several of their people, it felt quite welcoming. Since it's also the first time we're seeing this building, they invited several artists to make the event sparkle!

Artists include singer Alynna Velasquez, character actress Ynez Veneracion, internationally awarded actress Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, the gorgeous Jane Oineza, the iconic Ms. Lorna Tolentino, international sensation Darren Espanto, premier broadcaster Korina Sanchez Roxas and the beautiful Bea Alonzo.  There were also several social media influencers in attendance and a lot of media entities from Pampanga, broadsheets, tabloids and bloggers.

Beautederm Execs, Celebrities, Ms. Rei's Mom during the launch

Darren even gave a small song number after being egged by the press

Ms. Rei and Bea Alonzo

The new Beauté Beanery on the other hand concocted several hot and cold coffee variations, also prepared hot food, cakes and pastries. It'll surely be a nice spot for remote work, dates or just usual coffee breaks if you're in the area.

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez also obliged us with an interview about how she feels about being an endorser of Beautéderm and her whole journey. We also asked he a bit about Ria Atayde's recent milestones as the newest calendar girl.

Ms. Rei was very optimistic that this will just be the first of 10 buildings she wants to put up all over the country. I've seen them grow over the years and I'm so happy that a Filipino corporation has achieved so much in such a short amount of time. She had very humble beginnings, her life story is quite inspiring and it teaches you that anything is possible if you put your mind, your heart and hard work into it.

Congratulations to the men and women who have made it possible for Beautéderm to grow where it is today!

Rising Above Challenges: Taberna Group of Companies

We felt a little happy about last night's event. I could tell there was so much thanksgiving as the Taberna Group of Companies held "Press Play" which signals their return to hosting events here and in different parts of the country.  It was so much fun as they showcased what Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation can do as they celebrate their 16th year in the business. Ms. Roselle Taberna the Managing Director of Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation says "I made a promise to all my loved ones that I will celebrate your milestones. I always want to make it count, and clients took notice on how we organize corporate events, from outdoor and indoor executions, multimedia and marketing needs, we got it covered. During the pandemic, we were affected, but you all trusted us to make content on demand. We kept producing clients need, and things are looking up, we now are celebrating life. To our clients and partners, thank you for staying with Outbox Media Powerhouse Inc. It is your dedication, hard work that made us who we are, I think of you as brothers, sisters, like family. Thank you for making us grow, thank you for the crazy ideas, I love you guys, with Press Play tonight, let me tour you in our new office."

Aside from that, they also are giving thanks to people who have supported "Ka Tunying's" who was able to successfully weather through the pandemic after losing branches, and now have 3 recovering, and much stronger market wise. Anthony Taberna the President and CEO of Taberna Group of Companies says "I am blessed to have a wife that knows how to work numbers, we are a growing and turning 7 years old tomorrow. I am glad to have been able to work with these people. Thank you!" During the height of the pandemic, Ka Tunying's really suffered. From 10 branches at the height of the company, it all closed and now, they were able to open 3 branches back up and is doing good in food service and catering. They took in the challenges of the pandemic, and slowly, they are recovering. In the last two years, they have new team players, and will be introducing Catering by KT in the market. 

 

And food was good!

They also announced the move of Dos Por Dos, a popular show (with Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja) in DZRH that will be moved from its original 5-6:30PM slot to their new one at 6-8AM weekdays on the same station. This will also be streamed on their social channels as well. Outbox Media Powerhouse Corporation also announced the release of patriarch Anthony Taberna's music video made for his YouTube channel "Tune In Kay Ka Tunying" over at https://www.youtube.com/c/TuneInKayTunying that's got 594K subscribers and still growing. Anthony added "My daughter said that I shouldn’t stop doing what makes me happy. It’s why I do my Facebook livestreams and content creation on YouTube."

They are also celebrating the recent win of their daughter Zoey against the big C/Leukemia, which surely changed their life after a successful marrow transplant procedure in Singapore (her sister Helga donated). There was not a dry eye in the room as the daughters thanked their parents for the unending support they've given them on this ordeal. This was the perfect celebration of Mrs. Taberna's birthday as well, and as she said, she already got her wishes with Zoey's recovery. She thanked everyone who came and have supported them all these years.  They have survived a pretty tough time in their lives, and rose above the challenges with the help of their friends, vendors, supporters, family and church.

Congratulations to the Taberna Group of Companies for all the success they've gotten these past few years, cheers to more of your businesses and events from hereon out!

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Hack

Now I don’t know if a lot of people actually know this but I just find this a good deal at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Bistro.

I used to order just a latte while I work at their branch in BGC but I was a little hungry today and ordered French Toast. It’s bread dipped in egg, milk, with powdered sugar, cinnamon, honey and drizzled with honey/Maple Syrup.

It only costs Php 190 I think. Around 200 for the tip lol. But it’s pretty much bang for the buck if you think about it. You see, they actually serve this with brewed coffee with milk and sugar on the side. So in a sense it’s a latte that you’re getting at the price of your usual coffee cup in CBTL.

So the next time you order, get the French toast! :)

This just made me happy today LOL, like I cheated a system hahaha!

KUMAGCOW

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The Giving Cafe

My resting "I need a cup of coffee!" face.

What does a coffee cup carry nowadays? 

We all know the usual things like caffeine, sugar, cream, but whenever you drink a cup do you even ask where it came from? What beans they used? Or who planted it? Most often than not, we don't and a few days ago I got to see a thriving business that's been doing this for a combined 50 years. We were not there to boast about their achievements, but to spread the word that this business has been helping farmers in little ways that they can. It's why they put up an establishment called The Giving Cafe.

This coffee shop was conceptualized by Henry & Sons, a coffee solutions company. They've been supplying the country's best coffee shops with world class premium luxury coffee (via Conlins Coffee) and coffee equipment that has its origins in Malaysia (via RICMAS Philippines). The company imports and processes coffee beans from over 20 countries (like  Ethiopoa, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam among others) and even provide training, support to coffee shops and companies in the Philippines. They also supply customized blends for their clientele and has been able to do so as a business. They felt they had to give back to an industry that has been so good to them all these years.

Under the Henry & Sons Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence, they want to put the Philippines back in the world map as legitimate source and stalwart of sustainable coffee farming. It is a tall order, but the vision is to start things and keep the ball rolling. This is a great example of social enterprise and the proceeds of operating The Giving Cafe will go to the projects they have lined up for the Filipino coffee farmers from Benguet. Soon, they will have projects in coffee producing farms and provinces but they decided to start where the majority of their beans are grown (Cordillera Range). 

I've known how much care they put in on producing Robusta, Excelsa and Premium Arabica beans in this region and it has gotten attention around the world already. These beans are hand picked, all drawn from plantations in the northern part of the Philippines, dried for a few days, processed and roasted in their plants to get the best the country could offer. The Giving Cafe sells off food items, coffee products and other items that has its proceeds go to these causes.

The Interiors

I'd like to actually compare this to a palette called shabby chic but they do have elements that are very eclectic, a hodge podge of different items from the owner's travels and books that they've managed to read through the years. The place is apt for around 20 - 30 people, more if you include the outdoor seating which sits across their RICMAS plant (See the light across the window?) where you can park since they own both places. The coffee shop is located at the corner of Pines and Sheridan streets. It's a couple of minutes away from EDSA and is accessible from that route. Here's the map!

The Coffee

Now as I mentioned earlier, they're all experts in the coffee business and that includes roasting. I was almost dumbfounded because when I asked what beans they used they answered back with the connotative answer like they've used them all. They import some of them, and most are sourced locally so if you see their blends, it makes our beans at par with the rest of the world. Maybe even better. They let us experience first hand at how to be a barista, well not so much but the thought of making a coffee cup with latte art was just so hard to pass.

This is their work, so perfect the heart no? It looked so easy when they were making it. Did I ace it? Well that's another story LOL.

This is one of their best sellers. and this chicken is pretty tasty.

They showed me how to make the latte art which were comprised of two shots of espresso and a whole lot of milk and froth. You have to move your wrist or else your latte art would look like fluff LOL!

They have guides you can follow, but really, it was hard!

They also had samples of the coffee beans we used and you can smell the samples when it's grounded. I wanted to stay here but I remembered I have to make that latte thing haha!

Now this is my first attempt, ever, in my entire life. Although they said it was good for a first timer like me, I still think it looks like a heart with tons of fat strands haha.

The Giving

One of the main projects of under the foundation who also handles The Giving Cafe is the selling of BLOOM COFFEE. Now you can see they have different designs on them which also connotes different blends. It also signifies the different causes that they help. From the scholarships they give out to the kids of coffee farmers, to the free coffee seedlings they give to farmers, to high tech water producing machines they donate to farmer organizations (one of which they just gave to Benguet farmers recently), the proceeds from these coffee beans would go those causes. 

My family owns a small parcel of land in Tagaytay that is used for coffee plants but is already old to produce really good beans; I kinda understand you need to replenish them every couple of years; so I understand how these things sort of in more ways than one had been able to help local farmers in their goal to be as competitive as they can be in the market. To see them achieve this soon is what would make Henry & Sons happy, hopefully your support to this social enterprise would be the start. If you're around the area and looking for a place to hang out and read, The Giving Cafe would be the perfect place for that. Buy a can or more of the coffee while you're at it.  

I've never seen a man so enthusiastic about their CSR projects. Michael Harris Conlin the President and CEO of Henry & Sons Manufacturing & Trading Company Inc. says "I hope we would be able to help more farmers and inspire them to become better producers so we could get Philippine coffee back into the international market by next year. The Giving Coffee is already serving a lot of special things. This, hopefully, would be something we would be more proud of until the next decade."

Thank you so much to Henry & Sons and The Giving Cafe for having us in their event. I'd be really happy to get a cup or two of your brew when I'm in the area and perhaps take some of it to my relatives in EU who digs these stuff the most. You're genuinely helping an industry that is connected to your business and aside from that, you're caring for their families which I am so impressed with. Congratulations, I hope this goes a long way!