Brewing pride: Nueva Vizcaya steps onto the national coffee stage

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BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Inside the bustling hall at Saint Mary’s University, the rich aroma of manual coffee brewing carried more than just a competitive edge. For the local coffee community, it smelled like validation.

On June 28, the province hosted its first national-level coffee event, the Philippine Coffee Brewers League (PCBL) Nueva Vizcaya leg. The historic tournament culminated in a hometown victory, with Team Loot & Brew—composed of Mc Osmund Espejo, Justin San Juan and Christopher San Juan of local café Felisa’s Grind and Brew—besting 15 other teams in the largest turnout in PCBL history.

The round-robin tournament featured competitors from Manila, Zambales, Tuguegarao, Benguet and Isabela. Team Senate Brewers of Benguet took second place, while Team Aroboo of Nueva Vizcaya finished third.

For years, northern baristas and growers operated on the periphery of the country's specialty coffee boom, often traveling hours to Manila just to learn and network. By bringing the national circuit to this northern Luzon coffee-growing region, organizers aimed to bridge that geographic gap and spotlight the province's potential.

"It was about proving that Nueva Vizcaya is ready to be part of the national coffee conversation," said Mark Dhareen Cruz, director of the organizing committee and owner of Felisa's Grind and Brew. "We wanted our local brewers, students, and enthusiasts to experience a national-level event without leaving the province."

The event became a cross-sector collaboration among the local coffee industry, regional businesses, government partners and the academe. Beyond the trophy, local leaders view the competition as a catalyst for economic visibility.

"The debut of a huge brewing competition can promote and motivate the local industry from the farmers, processors, roasters, consumers, and competitors," PCBL Country Lead Raoul de Peralta said.

As regional champions secure a spot in the ASEAN quarterfinals, local stakeholders hope the momentum remains.

"We hope this won't be the last national coffee event in Nueva Vizcaya," Cruz said.

The PCBL is a national competition celebrating manual coffee brewing. It serves as a platform for Filipino baristas, enthusiasts and roasters to elevate local standards and represent the country on the international stage.