Brewing Resilience: The Tale of Philippine Coffee’s Revival

IN the vibrant ambiance of coffee shops during my frequent meetings, I’ve marveled at the sight of young professionals and students indulging in various coffee concoctions -- espresso, black coffee, frappe, cappuccino, latte and more.

nantly import coffee, highlighting the need for a resurgence in local production.

IN the fast-paced world we live in, it is easy to let memories slip away. But what if there was a way to capture them in a way that is both easy and meaningful? The art of journaling often gets overlooked at this age of digital calendars and fleeting social media posts. However, the simple act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) can be a powerful tool for preserving memories, reflecting on personal growth, and capturing the essence of our lives.

Setting forth during the pandemic in 2021, I came across this creative approach to journaling, called “one-line-a-day” method, which involves dedicating just a single line to each day’s events, thoughts, or emotions. It is seemingly an effortless practice to providing a unique personal record of personal journeys in a a treasure trove of memories.

FROM HINDSIGHT

Sheenalei Briana G. Rayos*

FRESH VIEWPOINTS: A NEW PERSPECTIVE

By Brian James Lu*

It’s a captivating spectacle, witnessing these generations relishing brewed coffee in all its diverse forms.

Those who came of age in the ‘70s fondly recall the robust barako as their brew of choice, with Nescafe being the sole instant coffee option.

Over the past two decades, coffee, once overlooked in the Philippines, has experienced a remarkable resurgence.

Renowned for its Robusta and Arabica varieties, Philippine coffee has not only gained recognition for its unique flavors but has also become a crucial source of livelihood for local farmers.

Coffee, the second most traded commodity globally after oil, boasts a rich history, with the Philippines standing as a top producer in the 1800s.

However, today, we predomi-

The Philippines’ coffee cultivation dates back to the 18th century, during the Spanish colonial era. The nation once stood as one of the world’s leading coffee producersh, a time when coffee leaf rust ravaged other coffee-producing amored with brewed coffees. Local farmers and entrepreneurs are leading the charge to rejuvenate the industry, focusing on specialty coffee production.

With government assistance, farmers have embraced sustainable practices, enhancing bean quality and crafting unique flavor profiles that resonate with coffee

Like practically unveiling a time capsule, I looked back to my entries from the start of 2021. Having been filled with the joy of spending time with my beloved grandfather and how his presence had been a constant source of warmth and wisdom until his passing in May of the same year brought me back to the vivid tapestry of my past. Yet, I also found solace in my journal entries, capturing the essence of our bond and honoring his memory.

My reflections also took me back to the cusp of my senior high school experience. With a mix of anticipation and unproductivity at some point, I penned my thoughts, envisioning the challenges that awaited me. Now, as a sophomore pre-med student, I feel a surge of excitement as I revisit those early entries. I feel like going back to writing more in my one-linea-day memory book to pen a testament to my resilience and ambition.

Just imagine the joy of revisiting your own one-line-a-day memory book years from now. You will be able to relive the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and the everyday moments that shaped your life. You will even discover patterns and connections you may never have noticed before, gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences.

The one-line-a-day memory book is not just about preserving memories; I think it is also about self-reflection and personal growth. By taking a few minutes each day to capture your thoughts and feelings, you will be fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and mindfulness. You will learn to appreciate the beauty of everyday life and identify the things that truly matter to you.

So, whether you’re a seasoned journaler or a complete novice, you can start today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and memory preservation. It is time to embrace the simplicity of its approach and transform fleeting moments into cherished memories.|

From page A6 regions, leaving the Philippines as the sole source of beans globally.

However, when the leaf rust reached our shores, almost all coffee trees were decimated, requiring considerable time for Filipinos to rejuvenate coffee tree cultivation.

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in Philippine coffee, with young entrepreneurs capitalizing on a generation en- enthusiasts worldwide.

The government’s commitment to revitalizing the coffee industry took a significant step with the institutionalization of the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap in 2017. The aim is to bridge gaps in the supply chain, fostering a globally competitive industry responsive to customers and beneficiaries.

Turn to page A7

Math and Agriculture

portant for presentations that are needed for approval. Nothing beats having good and solid numbers when agency heads push for their policies and agenda. Also, when faced with inevitable nit pickers, data and numbers are the best weapon or tool to convince them. It is very hard to argue with numbers. Hit your opponents with math.

It is hoped that more of our country’s head of agencies turn to math and science in their programs.

This is my oblique observation.

*ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENG-CO, J.D. is a lawyer, educator, political strategist, government consultant, Lego enthusiast, and the director of CAER Think Tank. He is a Former Vice Chairman of MECO.|