Grounded by the Grind: How Coffee Reshaped Kirk John Cerezo’s Path
Kirk John Cerezo once believed he knew everything there was to know about coffee. But stepping into the café business, joining competitions, and engaging with seasoned professionals across the industry revealed a humbling truth: his knowledge was only surface deep. That realization sparked a quiet resolve to dig deeper and learn more. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Kirk built his career as a “commercial barista,” working at local cafés in General Santos and Davao. He believed he had reached the peak of his journey. But life took an unexpected turn when he became a personal aide to a local politician in Bansalan. After a powerful earthquake hit Davao del Sur in 2019, he and his wife relocated to Tacurong City for good. In 2020, amid the pandemic lockdowns, the couple ventured into online selling to make ends meet. As restrictions eased, Kirk began searching for other ways to supplement their income. With little business experience but a deep love for coffee and a drive to suppor...
