In Conversation with Daryl Bueno: Brewing Passion and the Rise of Specialty Coffee in the Philippines
What got you into coffee? Was it love at first sip, or did it grow on you over time? For many, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, a ritual, a passion. For Daryl Bueno, coffee enthusiast from Philippine, this journey began in 2022 when his wife brought home an espresso machine.
HUDES | Worldwide specialty reading for manual coffee brewer
“She asked me to learn how to make our own coffee,” he recalls. Like many during the pandemic, instant coffee became a staple in their daily lives. But once the world started opening up, they wanted more. Within a week, he mastered pulling a decent espresso shot and making a proper latte—minus the art. What started as a practical skill quickly turned into an obsession.
 |
| Daryl Rivera Bueno | photo by Daryl doc. |
Exploring different beans and milk types kept him entertained for a while, but soon he realized that it wasn’t just the coffee he loved. “I enjoyed the learning process and the methodical nature of making coffee,” he explains to Hudes.
This epiphany led him to delve into pour-over brewing, a method that amplified the nuances of specialty coffee.
“I never really liked black coffee before. I thought it was always bitter, muddy, and earthy,” he admits. But with pour-over, he discovered that coffee could be fruity, floral, sweet, tea-like, and juicy. It was a transformative moment. “Specialty coffee is the right coffee for me,” he says with conviction.
Creating Coffee Content: From Passion to Purpose
As a media production professional, creating content came naturally. Having worked in industries ranging from TV production to government projects, he had the skills to tell stories through video. But it wasn’t until he encountered a gap in resources for beginner coffee enthusiasts that he decided to focus on coffee content.
“There were no beginner-friendly videos from creators in the Philippines,” he recalls. Most resources were from Europe or the U.S., where coffee contexts differ significantly. Frustrated, he made a promise: “When I have enough knowledge, I will create videos to help beginners like me.”
His first video was a simple pour-over recipe for beginners, aimed at making the learning curve less daunting. “I wanted to eliminate the barriers that discourage people from learning,” he explains. The response was overwhelmingly positive. “The best reward is when someone approaches me and says, ‘Your videos helped me a lot.’ Those moments make everything worthwhile.”
Specialty Coffee in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities
The specialty coffee scene in the Philippines has been growing rapidly post-pandemic. Communities of home brewers, café owners, educators, and enthusiasts have sprung up across the country, even in remote areas.
What makes Philippine coffee unique? The term “Barako” often comes to mind, referring to the robust Liberica beans traditionally pan-roasted and sold in local markets. While Robusta now dominates production, the potential for high-quality Arabica is growing. Current specialty coffee scores range between 84 and 86, signaling room for improvement.
 |
| Bar Takeover for the Philippine Coffee Guild |
Yet challenges remain. Some farms lack access to water or are situated at elevations unsuitable for Arabica cultivation. Others face resistance from farmers reluctant to adopt modern practices. Despite these hurdles, the Philippines grows all four major coffee species—Robusta, Arabica, Liberica, and Excelsa—with Robusta accounting for 85% of production.
“I hope to see Philippine coffee recognized globally for its quality,” he says. “It would be amazing to walk into a foreign café and see Philippine beans on the menu.”
Personal Favorites and the Joy of Discovery
For this coffee lover, the thrill of specialty coffee lies in the surprise of the next cup. “I’m a big fan of floral coffees, so anything from Ethiopia is a bonus,” he shares. While he doesn’t have a must-have bean, he gravitates toward Ethiopian and Colombian coffees for their vibrant flavors.
 |
| photo by Daryl doc. |
- Comandante C40 grinder
- ODZ dripper
- Brewista Artisan kettle
- Sangyo paper filters
- Difluid microbalance
Looking Ahead: The Future of Philippine Coffee
Where does he see the specialty coffee scene in the Philippines in the coming years? “I hope it gets better,” he says optimistically. Filipino coffee professionals have already proven their global competitiveness; at the last World Barista Championship, four Filipinos competed, representing different countries.
He’s also committed to contributing to the community by sharing knowledge and resources. “I want to make learning about coffee as easy and accessible as possible,” he says. As he works toward certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association, his goal is to continue educating and inspiring others.
For those just starting their specialty coffee journey, his advice is simple: “Stop trying to perfect every cup as if you’re competing on the world stage. The joy of coffee comes from the surprise of what the next cup will bring.”
And if you ever find yourself in the Philippines, there’s one café he recommends without hesitation: Deuces. It’s a place where coffee enthusiasts can experience the best the country has to offer.
Through his journey, this coffee enthusiast has transformed a pandemic hobby into a lifelong passion, inspiring others to explore the world of specialty coffee. Whether through his videos or his story, he continues to brew a deeper appreciation for coffee, one cup at a time. (hudes)
Post a Comment