Community and Craft Brew Stronger in Iloilo Coffee Fest’s Third Edition

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The Iloilo Coffee Fest 2025 brought together farmers, baristas, café owners, and coffee lovers for a weekend of learning, collaboration, and celebration that highlighted the vibrant coffee culture of Iloilo.

Held from July 17 to 20 at the Iloilo Convention Center, this year’s festival marked its biggest and most successful run yet, drawing participants and guests from across the Visayas and Mindanao to celebrate the vibrant coffee scene of the region.

Organized by the Iloilo Coffee Board and Iloilo Coffee Council, in partnership with MAFBEX and Worldbex Services International, the Iloilo Coffee Fest coincided with one of the country’s largest food and beverage expos.

Among the highlights was Istorya Kape on Coffee Production, Fertilization Innovations, and Business, a session that brought together farmers and experts to discuss sustainable farming practices and strategies for scaling their businesses.

The energy spilled over into spirited competitions on July 18, with the Iloilo Latte Art Throwdown and Iloilo Brewdown, where baristas showcased precision, creativity, and flair. The Latte Art Throwdown was judged by Jose Justin Tanalgo, Rosario Juan, and Jan Anthony Bigcas, with Wenz Orio Sollano emerging as champion. Meanwhile, the Brewdown, judged by Asiel Fernandez, Janna Marie Go, and Anton Goonetilleke, saw Mark Kelvin Villa claim victory with his winning brew.

On July 19, the stakes were higher at the Visayas–Mindanao elimination round of the ASEAN Barista Team Championship (ABTC). After an intense test of speed, accuracy, and craftsmanship, Coffee Brewtherhood from the Visayas and Davao’s Finest from Mindanao secured their spots in the national finals slated for October.

The festival wrapped up on July 20 with a lineup of curated sessions that catered to both aspiring coffee entrepreneurs and seasoned industry players. Istorya Kape: Milk Science by Alaska explored the chemistry of milk steaming and its role in perfecting espresso-based drinks, while Coffee Shop 101, led by Philippine Coffee Board President Jherduen “Noi” Dongor, offered practical insights into running a resilient and profitable café.

Branding and storytelling took center stage in Istorya Kape on Café Marketing, where Prometheus Chief Executive Officer Atty. Lcid Fernandez and Executive Creative Director Francis Gino Fanega shared how strategy and creativity can turn a café into a brand that resonates with customers.

Meanwhile, Istorya Kape on Specialty Coffee, led by Janna Marie Go of Amore Coffee, reminded participants that every cup has the power to uplift communities through traceability, ethical sourcing, and thoughtful craftsmanship.

The day culminated in Coffeellowship, a warm cupping session where guests explored the unique flavors, aromas, and textures of locally sourced specialty beans—closing the festival with a deeper appreciation for the art and science of coffee.

Now in its third year, the Iloilo Coffee Festival has grown into a gathering that celebrates the people and communities behind every cup. By bringing together farmers, baristas, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers, it has become a space for sharing stories, ideas, and opportunities that strengthen the coffee culture in Iloilo and beyond.

As the aroma of coffee slowly fades from the convention center, the conversations and connections it sparked promise to ripple outward—brewing a more connected coffee community in the years to come.