In 2009 two best friends Beverly Magtanong and Jelynn Malone were volunteering to build homes for the poor in the Philippines. They realized that the best way to help build sustainable livelihoods for them, was to help Philippines farmers get paid fairly for their crops – which happened to be coffee. They sought the help of Chef Mike Arquines, who at the time was working at renowned Michelin star restaurants. He and his team would later help to create the masterpiece drinks their cafes are known for. Their coffee would later earn them the most respected and coveted award, “Roaster of the Year”, a title given to only a handful of the best coffee roasters in the world.