Coffee is one of the topmost beverages in the world, and in the Philippines, it has become a staple drink due to its caffeine-addictive substance that people can't live without. Who wouldn't resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee served in your favorite cafรฉ or at home? Globally, it is best served with the ever-favorite cakes and pastries, donuts, and croissants, while in the Philippines—all over the archipelago—it is best served with local bread and delicacies like freshly baked pandesal, puto, and bibingka.
Like Western Visayas, people drink coffee partnered with suman, biko, and the most popular biscocho, the region's pride. Other areas would have their local delicacy, which is best served with a hot coffee to start the day right and get energized at any time of the day. Whether for breakfast, snacks, or post-dinner, we love having a cup of coffee at any hour and place.
Filipinos have adapted to the global flavors of gourmet coffee. From purely black Americano coffee to frothy cups of cappuccino and lattรฉ, we blend with the rest of the world. Now, we have a choice beyond the traditional hot black coffee; we also have a selection of whether to be served cold or iced and blended. No matter how pricey it is, espresso coffee has been our favorite beverage because we are now after the experience. However, let's not forget our unique local coffee varieties such as Barako and Benguet, which are gaining popularity and are a testament to the rich coffee culture in the Philippines.
Our favorite cafรฉs are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee. They're the backdrop to countless conversations, business meetings, and moments of relaxation. The warm greetings from baristas, the delicious coffee, and the inviting ambiance all contribute to a sense of community and shared experience.
As we enjoy a sip of our favorite coffee, we must remember the coffee farmers who sweat out to carefully plant, harvest, and roast good quality coffee beans. From farm to cup, it is truly a journey of the farmers to give us the most delicious beverage we will enjoy. From Tagum City in the South to Lipa City in Batangas and going up in the mountains of the Cordillera, we have our hardworking coffee farmers who are coffee entrepreneurs. Their dedication not only provides us with great coffee but also significantly contributes to the economy. For every cup of freshly brewed local coffee beans, we help support our local coffee farmers in their livelihood and the growth of our coffee industry.
It is also proven by scientific research that coffee consumption has a lot of health benefits due to the higher level of antioxidants that prevent certain types of cancers, leading to healthier cells and longevity. For health and wellness, a cup of coffee daily gives us energy and protection from free radicals. Others would consume not just 1 cup but up to 4 cups or more daily, and they are certainly well -- just enough caffeine for daily consumption.
Today, the world is celebrating International Coffee Day. Coffee is no longer just a simple beverage; it's now a lifestyle. We help promote coffee and its excellent benefits. Wherever we are in the world, no matter what language we can utter, Koffi, kopi, kape, and Cafe, we just mean one thing: our craving and need for a daily dose of coffee. It has been our trusted health partner and part of our success and life's journey.
© 2019 Del Cusay