TWENTY-THREE years after it pioneered the coffee shop culture in Cebu, Bo’s Coffee opens its first “Tribute Store” in its home-ground on Friday, Dec. 7. The 300 square-meter Tribute Store, located at the Cebu provincial capitol site along Osmeña Boulevard, is the company’s way of recognizing Philippine coffee and the brand’s humble beginnings in Cebu in 1996. The store will also introduce the concept of an “experience bar or slow coffee bar,” where customers can lounge and enjoy coffee-making or tea-mixing using blends sourced from all over the country. Bo’s Coffee founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve D. Benitez said the Cebu Tribute Store would be the first of similar shops that are being planned in other parts of Cebu, the Philippines, and eventually abroad. “Our version of a perfect blend is not only the sensuous and aroma of Philippine coffee, but also the overall presentation of Philippine culture — its indigenous and nearly forgotten products, Filipino music and artistry, and even Philippine-grown tea,” said Mr. Benitez. Bo’s Coffee has been supporting and promoting locally-made products, particularly those made by social enterprises, by showcasing their goods in its over 100 stores nationwide and one in Qatar. “Our job is to popularize Philippine coffee, and other Philippine-made products… We want to showcase the best of Philippine artistry and talent in the most ambitious project we ever had. The Tribute Store will be commemoration and statement of the brand’s promise that this homegrown brand will continue to pave empowerment to the communities we serve,” Mr. Benitez said. — The Freeman

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR