Brewed to Win: What a Young Filipino Coffee Farmer Can Teach Us About Passion, Patience, and the Perfect Cup

Look at this, it’s another Win!
When I read the story about a young farmer from La Trinidad, Philippines, who just made history with his record-breaking Arabica, I felt an unexpected mix of pride, awe, and, let’s be honest, a little rush to grab my pour-over gear and start brewing.

Because this wasn’t just a “coffee news” moment. It was a real reminder of why we do what we do. Why we obsess over grind sizes, why we test water temperatures like lab techs, and why we chase that elusive perfect cup.
But more than that, it’s a story that shows how community, dedication, and heart can create something unforgettablel, one cup at a time.

Brewing History from the Highlands

The farmer’s name is Bryan Gawidan. At just 23 years old, he turned heads at the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) by producing the highest-scoring Arabica in the country’s history: a jaw-dropping 90.25 points.

Now, if you’re not familiar with cupping scores, just know this: hitting the 90s is like getting a standing ovation from the coffee world. We’re talking flavor clarity, balance, aroma, all dialed in with precision and love. Bryan achieved that from his family's small farm in the Benguet highlands.

The part that got me? He’s self-taught. He leaned on YouTube videos and fellow farmers, and he experimented relentlessly. There’s something so inspiring about that kind of grit. It reminds me of our early days at Win Win Coffee, standing over a makeshift brew bar, taking notes on taste profiles, testing blends with friends, customers, and a few brave neighbors who agreed to try "version 5" of a new roast.

Sometimes it was magic. Sometimes… well, let’s just say we were thankful for patient friends.

What Makes a Great Cup of Coffee?

Here’s what Bryan’s win teaches us:
You don’t need the fanciest gear or the biggest setup to make a great cup. What you do need is intention.

It’s the same whether you’re harvesting beans on a hillside in La Trinidad or brewing from your kitchen counter in Minneapolis.

So here are three quick tips we live by at Win Win Coffee, and we think you’ll love them too:

1. Buy Fresh, Support Local (or Small-Batch)
   The freshest beans come from passionate hands. Whether it’s a local roaster or a small farm halfway across the world, choose coffee that tells a story. At Win Win, we partner with producers who care about sustainability, flavor, and community.

2. Grind Right, Brew Bright
   Use the right grind size for your brew method. A French press needs a coarse grind. A pour-over? Medium-fine. Espresso? Fine. One of our customers recently told us switching to a burr grinder literally changed her morning routine. She says her coffee “finally tastes like the café down the street.”

3. Water, the Unsung Hero
   Coffee is 98% water. If your tap water tastes a little off, so will your coffee. Filtered water is your friend. Temperature matters, too, aim for 195–205°F.

Coffee Is More Than a Drink, It’s a Ritual

I once had a regular customer who would come in every Thursday morning, rain or shine. She always ordered a honey latte, always sat by the window, and always brought a book. One day, I asked her what made our honey latte her “thing.”

She smiled and said, “It reminds me of my mom’s kitchen growing up. She’d stir honey into her coffee when we couldn’t afford sugar. Your blend brings that memory back, but better.”

That moment stuck with me. Coffee is nostalgia. It’s community. It’s your solo quiet time and the start of conversations that matter.

So whether you’re brewing with a $30 French press or a $300 espresso machine, know this: what you’re doing matters. You’re part of something bigger than just caffeine and crema.

Inspired Yet?

Bryan Gawidan’s story is more than just a win on the score sheet, it’s a wake-up call for dreamers and doers. He didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He brewed with what he had. He kept going, even when no one was watching.

That’s the kind of energy we love here at Win Win Coffee. Because every great cup starts with someone who cares. Someone who believes that something simple, like a humble cup of coffee, can bring joy, spark memories, or fuel big dreams.

So here’s to the Bryans of the world, to Thursday-morning honey lattes, and to every small step we take toward something better.

Let’s keep brewing wins together.