At Intuit Coffee, we believe every cup has a story. This year-round, we’re proud to offer 10% off when you bring your Intuit Coffee light bulb jar for a refill, a small but meaningful way to reduce waste and reconnect with the origins of your favorite brew. But what is the story behind those beans? We spoke with two of our partner farmers, Dione “Kuya Don” Ellaga and Rogelio Gonzales from Davao to learn what makes Philippine coffee so special.
What is unique about your region’s climate and soil?
Kuya Don shares that Davao, especially near Mt. Apo, is perfect for growing Arabica thanks to its sulfur-rich volcanic soil and high elevation, sitting at around 1,400 meters above sea level. “Nakakuha ng healthy minerals yung kape,” he explains, emphasizing that ripe cherries are carefully harvested by hand. These careful practices, combined with various fermentation methods, help develop complex flavors. For Don, discipline in farming is key: “Hinog lang talaga ang hinaharvest para ma-maintain ang quality.”
Rogelio Gonzales, meanwhile, highlights the Catimor variety they grow at the foot of Mt. Apo. “Bundok na kulay asul, yun yung unique,” he says, referring to the rich volcanic soil that gives their beans a distinct edge. Catimor, he adds, produces more fruit than traditional Arabica, which helped revive the coffee industry in their area after it declined and many farmers switched to vegetables. Introduced to his family in the 1990s, Catimor became a game-changer for their farm.
How does that affect the flavor of your coffee?
According to Kuya Don, the combination of processing techniques — from natural to honey to washed — creates unique flavor profiles. On his farm, they alternate between organic and synthetic farming inputs: using natural fertilizers like chicken dung and compost, then balancing with synthetic treatments throughout the year to maintain soil health. “Grass and salt dinidilig din,” he adds, showing how they blend natural elements into the farming cycle.
For Rogelio, the higher altitude and rich volcanic soil produce denser, harder beans compared to other communities. While they use a mix of organic and synthetic methods, they stand out because they rely less on pesticides. This sustainable balance allows them to grow beans that not only thrive but also deliver bold, vibrant flavors.
How has coffee farming evolved in your area?
Kuya Don’s journey into coffee farming is one of transformation. In 2010, his family purchased the land, planting vegetables and coffee without much knowledge. It wasn’t until 2017, after joining municipal agriculture programs, that he learned the value of proper harvesting and processing. His first big processed batch — 1,000 kilos — earned 350 pesos per kilo, revealing the potential of high-quality coffee. Since then, with support from initiatives like the KAPWA Upliftment Foundation, Don has developed his farm and skills, earning top rankings in regional coffee competitions from 2019 to 2024.
For Rogelio, coffee farming runs deep: he’s the third generation in his family to continue this tradition, dating back to the 1970s. Today, support comes through cooperative groups, since government aid is typically provided at the coop level. This has allowed their community to access modern equipment, including new roasters, and centralized processing — giving small farmers a bigger shot at success.
At Intuit Coffee, we’re proud to work alongside farmers like Don and Rogelio, who pour generations of passion and care into every bean. So next time you refill your light bulb jar, remember: you’re not just saving on your favorite brew — you’re supporting a deep-rooted, sustainable coffee story from the heart of the Philippines.