SGD Coffee Bodega by Coffee Science Center

In 2017, 160 coffee entries from various countries (mostly major global coffee producers) vied for the “best coffee in the world” title during the 3rd International Contest of Coffees Roasted in their Countries of Origin. This prestigious worldwide competition was organized by Paris-based association Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products or AVPA, whose primary objective is to improve the quality of agricultural products and elevate coffee as a gourmet product in the international scene. Of the 85 medals conferred, the Philippines was able to bag one. 

“Bana’s Coffee” from Sagada, Mountain Province received the Medaille Gourmet (Gourmet Medal), a historic first for the country. These organic coffee beans are quality-focused farmed heirloom coffees that the Coffee Heritage Project (led by Butch Acop and Rich Watanabe) helped plant and grow in the highland farm lot of local coffee farmer and roaster Goad Sibayan. They are 100% Arabica, single origin, naturally grown, handpicked, hand sorted, and small batch roasted. They are available and may be tasted in Sagada or in a homey coffee shop SGD Coffee Bodega near Maginhawa, Quezon City. SGD is the acronym for Sagada. Before the coffee shop opened, the place was initially intended to be a storage house or bodega of the award-winning coffee beans in the city.   

SGD black

Flat white

SGD cold

Inadobo sa kape

Longganisa

Etag carbonara

Lemon bar

SGD bugnay yogurt

SGD strawberry ice cream

On three separate occasions, I tried different coffee: SGD black, flat white and SGD cold. Among the three, the latter tasted heavenly. According to Rich, it’s a unique product of combined physics and chemistry.  Aside from coffee, they also serve delectable adobo with coffee sauce, yogurt and organic ice cream. Notably, they have an advocacy as a social-conscious-driven establishment with strong vision in supporting locally-sourced products, and local farmers and their families. The coffee shop also houses the Coffee Science Center equipped with Coffee Cupping Lab and Sensory Lab. They promote coffee education, offering courses on Coffee Sensory Master Courses, Roast Theory Workshop, and Applied Science in Coffee Origins.

SGD Coffee Bodega by Coffee Science Center

#45 Maalalahanin St., Teachers Village East

Diliman, 1101 Quezon City