Another coffee encounter: The search for that espresso machine

2/1/2013

With my Friday being free, I was scheduled to attend the Philippine National Barista Championship at the conference room of Megatrade Hall. I was with my boss again and clearly, we were still in search for the 'espresso machine' to install for 'Bean Blends'.

With Ms. Joy and a respresentative from CCA's Coffee Academy

We were still hesitant and worrying about going to the event because of what recently happened concerning some robbers stealing jewelries inside the mall. But this call of duty cannot be passed off so we went still. A few number of suppliers and coffee growers were present at the event and I was more than eager to try out their free samples.

CCA's raisin biscotti and rhum cake

It was nice to know that more and more companies are including locally grown coffee in their merchandises thus promoting the cultivation of the Liberica specie or also popularly known as 'kapeng barako'. This simply means additional and increased demand for the said coffee bean. One company is even accepting educational trips to their coffee farms located in Cavite and Batangas.

Gourmet Farm has their coffee farm in Cavite
and Batangas.

Talked to a few number of suppliers but I found the offer of Allegro Coffee much interesting although I must say that I fell in love with San Remo's modern style espresso machine.

San Remo's semi-automatic and modern style espresso machine

The Lesserknown at the PNBC 

The Jewel of the North that is Puerto del Sol

The industry immersion conducted by Urban Guides' Plus Experience in partnership with Puerto del Sol gave me a chance to take a look on one of the famous AAA resorts in the north and also have an early experience of summer. I endured a 7 hour drive that included traversing on unpaved, rough and sometimes winding roads that leads to Bolinao in Pangasinan.

Puerto del Sol which means Port of the Sun in Spanish is located at the tip of Pangasinan and is home to a rich culture, breathtaking waterfalls and mystic caves.

We were greeted by the staffs upon arrival and leaded us for some welcome drinks on one of its function room (Ribera), where we were also served lunch.

The resort was landscaped with lush greens and flowering plants which created a romantic appeal that goes well with its Mediterranean inspired theme.

Among its popular facilities include the beachfront restaurant La Playa, the Spanish themed Cafe del Sol and its Zen-inspired swimming pool which comes with a bar. Other amenities include outdoor jacuzzi, game room, outdoor sports, souvenir shop, business center, laundry service, massage and wi-fi. Rates range from Php 4,200 for the Nipa Hut to the Casitas priced at Php 19,400.

The resort can be contacted thru its Manila Sales Office with telephone numbers (632) 637-8963 and (632) 635-2547. Mobile number 0917-8937157. The resort's address: Barangay Ilog Malino, Bolinao Pangasinan.