A group of young Igorots performing an ethnic dance after the prayer. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

The Coffee Fiesta is one of the highlights of the month-long celebration of the 25th Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) anniversary. With the theme “Bringing Cordillera COFFEE to greater heights”, the exhibit showcases the best coffee products in the Cordilleras from fresh coffee beans, processed coffee, wine concoctions, and soaps to varied delectable sweets.

Different varieties of coffee beans featured in the exhibit (L-R) Civet coffee, one of the most expensive coffees; Arabica, the main coffee crop in Benguet & Mt. Province and Robusta, Kalinga’s coffee beans.

Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan led the official opening of the fiesta which was well attended by local coffee growers, entrepreneurs, coffee connoisseurs and experts, research and development teams, media, students, and professors.

Breville introduces a modern way of brewing coffee beans using the Barista Express machine. Together with Café Maleng-ag, participants get to enjoy fresh espresso coffee for free. Made from finely ground coffee beans, espresso has a different thick consistency and flavor that pleased the liking of coffee drinkers in the event. Product displays, demo and selling activities were also made available.

The Breville team happily serves espresso coffee made from the Barista Express.

“For local coffee growers like me, the event was very helpful to promote our products. Everyone highly appreciates the effort to boost the coffee industry in the Cordillera region. By this, our coffees will be recognized all over the country and have the potential to be marketed internationally. I hope that more programs like this will come to support coffee farmers,” said Christine Abellon, Owner of Café Maleng- ag and one of the exhibitors.

Manang Angela, the “Matriarch of Coffee Growing" roasting coffee beans the traditional way.

(L-R) Breville’s Eric Magsipoc, Manang Angela, Darlyn roasting coffee beans the traditional way. Valenzona & Café Maleng-ag’s owner Christine Abellon.

In addition, live coffee demonstrations, seminars and various contests were done along with the exhibit. The Coffee FIESTA was also supported by different local government agencies, private sectors and state colleges and universities.

Let’s savor the taste of Cordilleran coffee success!