Ethically-sourced, specialty coffee from Benguet now brewing at Grand Hyatt Manila

MANILA, Philippines — For years, locals of Itogon—a picturesque town sitting at the southeast end of upland Benguet—have resorted to mining as their main source of livelihood, damaging their environment and the foundation of their lands.

When Typhoon Ompong hit the country last September 2018, Itogon was devastated by landslides that claimed 46 lives.

But from this tragedy came hope for the people of Itogon.

Homegrown coffee company Henry & Sons formed a team of volunteers to aid in the aftermath of Ompong. From this, they discovered a community that grew their own coffee plants in their very own backyard.

Itogon Coffee by Henry & Sons for Grand Hyatt Manila is ethically sourced from the farmers of Itogon, Benguet. Photo Release

This discovery, according to Henry & Sons president and CEO Michael Harris Lim, led to a unique partnership. Together, the private company and Itogon municipality were able to develop coffee farming and agri-tourism as a new source of income for the locals.

With the guidance of Henry & Sons, the Itogon farmers shifted to coffee farming. They learned how to choose the best ripe coffee beans, and then ferment it based on standards set by Henry & Sons.

These very coffee beans are what Henry & Sons are now ethically sourcing, roasting and packaging as Itogon Coffee.

As a staunch supporter of locally sourced goods, Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City didn’t hesitate to feature the Itogon Coffee. This specialty coffee is exclusively available at the hotel’s Florentine for a limited run.

Henry & Sons coffee artisan and expert Raoul de Parelta led a coffee-cupping event at the hotel to introduce Itogon Coffee. Photo Release

To introduce the Itogon Coffee, Grand Hyatt Manila hosted a coffee-cupping event led by Henry & Sons’ coffee artisans, Lim and Raoul de Parelta. Together with media guests, the coffee experts profiled the Itogon Coffee through espresso, long black, café latte and hand brew.

You can also experience Henry & Sons’ Itogon Coffee at Florentine. Taste it in a warm from a cup for P120, or take it home by the canister for P380.

Florentine is best known for its wide selection of mouthwatering pastries, handcrafted pralines, and specially crafted coffee.

Florentine is best known for its wide selection of mouthwatering pastries, handcrafted pralines, and specially crafted coffee. Photo Release

The Itogon Coffee is only one of the many locally produced products that Grand Hyatt Manila supports. Some of its locally produced products include its own coffee blend and house lager to name a few. This coffee also symbolizes many things, mainly, a source of income and hope for a community.

For more information, call 838-1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com.