Behind the Brew Bar: Going Beyond Through Coffee

When people hear coffee, the first words that come to mind are often bitter or caffeine. True, coffee keeps us awake but above all, it keeps us connected. At Good Cup, we believe that every coffee is unique—an expression of the farmers who grew it, the producer who processed it, and the barista who brings it to life in cups…..and fancy glassware. When shared, coffee becomes even more than a drink, it becomes a story.

Such a story was on full display at this year’s Alchemy of Flavours: MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup (MCCC), held last April 28, 2025 in Taguig City, Metro Manila. The competition brought together 12 Filipino baristas from across the country, each one presented their creation with vision, innovation, and heart. Among them was our very own Jarren “Ja” Narciso, who not only represented Cebu but the pride of every Filipino.

From competition to connection
For Ja, this year's competition wasn't just another event—it was an experience he'll never forget, just as unforgettable as his first time competing back in 2023. 

“I gained friends—industry friends, which I really like,” Ja shared. “That’s one of my reasons I attend competitions: to connect and meet more people in the community, like those in Manila and even baristas and bartenders outside of Cebu.”

Sweet and superb Naughty Sour
His winning drink, Naughty Sour, was lauded by the judges as a sensory delight. It’s a clever take on both amaretto sour and espresso martini, built around Jairo Arcila’s co-fermented lulo coffee, which is a coffee that’s as playful and layered as the drink.

“The name just popped into my head,” Ja explained with a smile. “It’s supposed to have a double meaning, as in when you pronounce ‘naughty’ it also sounds like ‘nutty’. And I used amaretto syrup, which exhibits almond flavor.”



The Good Team aka the Best Team
When asked about what gave him the edge, Ja was quick to point to his team, whom, he emphasized, never holds back from giving him honest feedback.

“They’re very supportive. I love when they give me honest feedback, like really honest feedback. If they don’t like something, they tell me. And I like that,” he detailed. 

Aside from his team, Ja stressed that growth is not a solo effort but a product of trust, collaboration, and courage to receive critique. And, of course, he also credits one simple yet very powerful practice: proper rest.

“Sleep,” he said.

MONIN Grand Finals
Months after his win, Ja still describes the experience as surreal. While he’s been letting it all sink in, he’d also been preparing to represent the Philippines in the MCCC Grand Finals this September 9, 2025 to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

There, he’ll bring something new that’ crafted with the same, if not more, level of thought, care, and creativity that brought him this far. 

For Ja, and us, this is more than a competition. It’s another chance to connect, learn, and share our belief that coffee is better when we go beyond.

Written by: Easter Fulache