It was a different day because this time I headed to the Institute for Coffee Excellence. I have worked before with two major coffee brands in the Philippines so I thought this might be another session on how to make coffee. I finally found the place in Mandaluyong which was hidden at the corner. It was just a bit difficult to find the entrance but I managed to find it.

I entered the area and I decided to look around. I saw a couple of odd coffee machines in which I have never seen before so it really did catch my attention. Barista Argie introduced himself and gave us a few insights about coffee history. However, this was much from all the coffee classes that I have been to. He gave us an insight into all the different coffee machines that have been invented to make great coffee over the years.

To start off Michael Harris Lim, the 2019 Philippine National Barista Champion and the first Filipino to make it to the semi-finals of the World Barista Championship in Boston, USA, opens the Institute for Coffee Excellence, an educational institution that offers world-class training standards for the specialty coffee industry.

The first coffee machine that he introduced to us was the V60 which is a unique brewing brand introduced by the Japanese. It is apparently one of the most common coffee machines by Baristas all over the Philippines and the world.
The next coffee machine is the Chemex which was invented by German Chemist, Peter Schlumbohm. What makes this coffee machine different that it will give a clean cup of coffee

My particular favorite is the Aeropress which was invented in 2005 by Aerobie President, Alan Adler. It is light, user-friendly and it’s great for travel. I actually had some fun and had a go pressing it. I finally made my own Vietnamese coffee with the help of others.

Now what did I learn about coffee making?

1) Heating up the water. You need perfect timing when heating up the water. If it’s not heated up properly, it can affect the taste of coffee

2) Understanding the taste of the coffee. Once you know the taste of Arabica, Barako, you can easily tell if your coffee tastes bland and bitter

3) Timing: Timing is important especially when it comes to stirring your coffee. Each stir can make a difference on how your coffee tastes like.

4) Roasting date: Check out the roasting date of your coffee beans, it can’t be too fresh or too late as it can also affect the taste of your coffee.

So if you love coffee or if you want a change in career, the Institute for Coffee Excellence is the best place for you. Not only that. It is also TESDA credited. Now I can go home and appreciate how great coffee is truly made.