Jaycee Galera
Philippines
Clean Beach
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve always enjoyed drinking coffee but it was in 2015 that I entered the specialty coffee industry as a barista. I am curious, independent, and always up for new experiences— these qualities are also reflected in my coffee journey. After my first 2 years as a barista in Manila, I grabbed the opportunity to work in La Union where I now hone my craft as a coffee professional all while living by the beach. I believe that coffee is the best channel to communicate with people. I’ve built amazing relationships because of it.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2018 Philippine National Brewers Cup Champion
2017 Philippine Aeropress Championship – 3rd Place
2017 Philippine Grand Barista Cup
2016 Philippine Aeropress Championship
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
I’m looking forward to sharing my coffee and tasting other coffees while I’m there. I also can’t wait to try the food, experience the parties, and make many friends!
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
I tasted an Ethiopia Konga pourover in Coffee Empire back in 2015 and my life has changed for the better ever since!
What is your favorite coffee brewing method and why?:
I really like playing with the aeropress. There are a lot of variations that you can try and you get interesting results from each brew.
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
I’m excited to taste ninety-plus graded coffees from my beloved country, the Philippines!
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
When I am in La Union, I try not to miss a sunset and I attend really fun pub crawls around the surf town. When in the city, I go on food trips, catch up with friends, and do more coffee crawls!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
Owning a coffee farm would be awesome!
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
My family for letting me live my dreams. My Clean Beach family for making my dreams happen, for their wholehearted support, and huge amount of confidence in me. My mentors, Miko, Kevin, and the EDSA BDG team. My boyfriend, Jansen.
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