Filipinos' love for coffee runs deep. From instant blends to hand-poured brews, coffee is a staple in many households and daily routines. It’s more than a beverage — it’s part of our culture.
But have you ever wondered how each cup comes to life? The journey of every bean? The hands that grow and harvest them?
Curious to learn more, SunStar Davao joined the Beyond the Cup: Davao Coffee Tour, a guided journey into the heart of local coffee communities. Organized by Ces Travels, led by Floreces Logronio Tadla and her husband Jake Tadla, the tour offered a closer look at the people and places that shape Davao’s thriving coffee scene.
Here are some of the key stops along the way:
Coffee Innovation Center and Museum, Digos City
Our first stop was the Coffee Innovation Center and Museum at Davao del Sur State College in Barangay Matti, Digos City. Built to support research and learning, the center also helps local farmers improve their production through better tools and training.
Its coffee cupping lab, established in 2017 in partnership with ACDI/VOCA (Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance), follows global standards to ensure top-quality beans.
Tibolo Coffee Farm, Sta. Cruz
In Sitio Basak, Barangay Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, coffee is cultivated by members of the Bagobo Tagabawa community, organized under the Tibolo Farm Workers Association (TIFWA).
Situated on the foothills of Mt. Apo, their Robusta beans are bold in flavor and rich in cultural significance. During our visit, we had the meaningful opportunity to meet the Indigenous farmers themselves, learn about their farming practices, and witness the care they pour into their land. We also toured the farm, handpicked ripe cherries, and tasted freshly brewed coffee right at its source.
Tibolo Cultural Village
Next, we headed to Sitio Kidaran, where we enjoyed lunch at Datu Ruben Hall and explored the Bagobo Tagabawa Museum. The village preserves the tribe’s heritage, featuring traditional musical instruments, weaving tools, and intricately hand-stitched garments — offering a meaningful glimpse into the community’s rich cultural identity.
Balutakay Coffee Farm, Bansalan
Near the base of Mt. Apo, in Sitio Balutakay, Managa, Bansalan, lies the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA) — known for producing high-quality Arabica beans.
Founded in 2013 and later converted into a cooperative, BACOFA has received multiple awards at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, cementing its place in the country’s specialty coffee scene.
Montefrio Garden Resort, Digos City
We wrapped up our journey in Barangay Kapatagan at Montefrio Garden Resort, a hilltop destination with Mediterranean charm. More than just a picturesque retreat, Montefrio supports local growers by serving coffee sourced from nearby farms. It was the perfect place to relax and reflect on the journey.
Coffee with Purpose
Beyond the Cup is not just a tour — it’s an initiative that promotes local tourism, empowers farmers, and highlights the Philippines’ growing potential as a coffee-producing nation.
By walking through farms, hearing stories from growers, and tasting brews rooted in heritage, visitors leave with more than just caffeine. They gain a deeper appreciation for the people and places behind each cup.
So the next time you sip your coffee, think of Davao’s mountains, the people who work its soil, and the rich stories behind every bean. Because in Davao, coffee is more than a drink — it’s a way of life. KBP