Beyond the Brew: How Luna Maxine Found a Community Through Coffee
Nicole Grace Gayares never imagined she would fall in love with coffee. For her, continuous learning and meaningful friendships in the coffee industry have been key to success. Known to her peers as Luna Maxine , a name deeply connected to her café community, she found solace in coffee after a life-changing accident left her on bed rest. During her recovery, she discovered a newfound passion for the beverage—an interest sparked by her partner, a devoted coffee enthusiast, who encouraged her to explore the world of coffee. Gayares' journey into the world of coffee began with a deep curiosity. She first turned to YouTube, watching coffee-related videos to satisfy her thirst for knowledge. Determined to learn formally, she later enrolled in TESDA's Barista 101 course, where her interest in specialty coffee grew even further. In June 2023, she joined coffee sessions at Iloilo Coffee House, one of the first cafés in Iloilo to introduce specialty coffee to the city. That experience...
