In the Philippines, coffee is deeply embedded in daily life, with 90 percent of adults drinking it regularly. Yet, over 70 percent of the supply is imported, despite the country’s ability to grow all four major coffee varieties. However, today, as global prices surge due to climate and supply issues abroad, local coffee is gaining renewed attention. Many are hopeful that this shift may boost farm-gate prices and make coffee farming more viable, encouraging both younger and older generations to stay in the industry.
Specialty coffee has emerged as a promising path forward. Consumers are increasingly drawn to ethical sourcing and traceable beans. At Intuit Coffee, we believe excellence can be found in our own backyard. Since 2023, we’ve sourced beans directly from finalists of the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC). One of this year’s releases, Mabini Ubuan PCQC 2025, features Fine Robusta from Ilocos Sur, offering a bold yet balanced cup with notes of strawberry wine, ripe plum, and a smooth macadamia finish, just another significant proof that our local beans can deliver richness and complexity on par with global standards.
Mabini Ubuan, a coffee grower since 1986, recalls planting his first trees to help support his family. Over time, coffee farming became a steady, if challenging, source of income. “Kahit 15 pesos pa per ganta noon, may napagbebentahan ako,” he shares. But the work has never been easy. His farm, like many in the uplands of Ilocos Sur, is tucked deep in the mountains with no access roads. “Maglalakad ka papunta at pabalik, buhat-buhat mo yung kapeng na-harvest mo,” he explains. For aging farmers like him, the absence of transport routes means hours of walking with heavy sacks, an exhausting task made harder with time. Yet, despite the daily strain, Mabini’s dedication endures. Every sale brings his coffee closer to wider recognition. “Nagkakaroon ng opportunity yung kape namin na makilala sa mas malaking market,” he says. He even recommends pairing his brew with nilagkit, noting how the sweetness of the sticky rice complements the gentle boldness of his coffee.
This is what “local” tastes like. It’s not just about the bean; it’s about the hands that grew it, the terrain that shaped it, and the communities that thrive because of it. When you drink local, you’re choosing more than a flavor profile. You’re choosing impact.
With Mabini Ubuan PCQC 2025 now available in our store, we invite you to savor each cup with pride. It’s time we placed Filipino coffee where it belongs—at the forefront of our tables and conversations.