This Women’s Month, Intuit Coffee is proud to celebrate the achievement of Zeyn Afuang, the grand champion of the Intuit Coffee Brewer’s Cup 2025. As part of the main events for our coffee store’s grand opening last March 1, the competition brought together 24 skilled brewers — and Zeyn stood out, making it through the elimination round and brewing mystery coffee beans three times until the final round.
What makes this win even more meaningful is that Zeyn is a Filipino woman brewer, representing both skill and passion in the local coffee community. As we honor Women’s Month this March, we take a closer look at Zeyn’s journey — how she found her way into the world of coffee and what inspires her craft.
Who is Zeyn Afuang?
Zeyn Afuang wears many hats — she’s a photographer, filmmaker, graphic designer, and a passionate reader and writer. But today, we’re here to talk about her love for coffee — a passion that has made her a recognized name in the Philippine coffee community.
As a certified Q Processing Professional at the Coffee Quality Institute and the owner and barista of KAPEJÒN, Zeyn brings both skill and creativity to her work. In 2024, she earned 1st Runner Up at the Philippine Coffee Brewers League (PCBL) Mandaluyong Leg, one of the most prestigious brewing competitions in the country.
Beyond coffee, Zeyn is a freelance graphic designer and visual storyteller. She loves clean, minimalist design and has a strong eye for typography. Whether she’s designing, photographing, or brewing, she’s always focused on bringing ideas to life in the best way possible.
Her Coffee Journey Started with Curiosity…
In a chat with Intuit Coffee, Zeyn Afuang shared that her love for coffee didn’t happen overnight. At first, her knowledge of coffee was limited to iced coffees and lattes — the kind of drinks known for their sweet, milky flavors, bearable for everyone. It wasn’t until a close friend from Mindoro, Paul Bañas, now the head roaster of Sinag Coffee, introduced her to the bold and aromatic world of black coffee that her perspective started to change.
Zeyn admits that black coffee is an acquired taste — its natural bitterness isn’t for everyone. But through her friend’s influence, she discovered that with the right recipe and proper brewing technique, black coffee can surprise you with its natural sweetness and complexity.
In the early days, her family only had a French press and wasn’t too particular about brewing equipment. But as she dove deeper into the art of coffee brewing, she became more mindful of the tools she used. Her favorite now? A bottomless dripper. This tool allows her to control the water flow over the ground coffee, which plays a huge role in the final taste of the brew. By adjusting the water drip’s speed and strength, she can bring out different flavor notes — from light and delicate to bold and intense — making each cup more refined and balanced.
…And Continued With Deeper Studying
Zeyn Afuang reminds us that real learning often comes from having the courage to experiment. At home, she brews coffee in different ways until she finds what she calls the “sweet spot” — the perfect balance of flavors. Keeping a journal has been an essential part of her process, allowing her to track and refine recipes, noting what works and what doesn’t.
But Zeyn’s coffee journey goes beyond home brewing. She actively immerses herself in the coffee community by joining workshops, organizations, and competitions — like the recent Intuit Coffee Brewer’s Cup. For her, entering competitions isn’t just about winning or taking home prizes; it’s about gaining new knowledge and techniques.
What Zeyn values most is the opportunity to meet and learn from fellow competitors. Rather than feeling intimidated, she sees them as sources of inspiration — people who challenge and push each other to keep getting better. And since everyone starts on equal footing — brewing with unfamiliar beans they only encounter on the day of the competition — it becomes less about rivalry and more about applying what you’ve practiced and sharing the experience with others who are just as passionate about coffee.
Zeyn’s Favorite Intuit Coffee Beans
When it comes to her top picks from Intuit Coffee, Zeyn Afuang doesn’t hesitate to name her favorites: Dionne Ellaga PCQC 2024, Rogelio Gonzalo, and her standout choice — Josephine Libres. For Zeyn, Josephine Libres’ beans have a distinct character that sets them apart. What she loves most about Intuit Coffee’s selections is their straightforward flavor profiles — they’re easy to work with, making experimentation simple and enjoyable. That said, she admits her personal preference leans toward beans with fruity notes and subtle floral hints.
In our chat, Zeyn also shared her admiration for Intuit Coffee’s dedication to uplifting local coffee. She appreciates the brand’s commitment to promoting Philippine-grown beans and raising awareness of the quality our local coffee community has to offer. Beyond sourcing excellent beans, Intuit Coffee’s partnerships with local farmers show their trust in the country’s agricultural capabilities.
But what really stands out for Zeyn is how Intuit Coffee creates opportunities for everyone in the coffee scene — whether you’re a beginner, a home brewer, or a seasoned professional. Through events like bar takeovers and brewing competitions, the brand brings people together, fostering a sense of community driven by a shared passion for coffee.
Start Your Coffee Journey with Intuit Coffee
Like Zeyn Afuang, anyone can dive into the world of coffee with a little curiosity and a willingness to learn. With Intuit Coffee’s thoughtfully crafted beans, you get high-quality products perfect for experimentation — and a chance to discover the richness of the growing Philippine coffee community.