Published July 25, 2021, 9:16 AM
DAVAO CITY – After eight months of brewing coffee on his motorcycle on the streets of downtown Davao City, champion barista John Rey O. Plaza feels delighted opening his own coffee shop.
Plaza was employed as a senior barista for more than two years at a homegrown third wave coffee shop that closed down in October 2020 when the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic happened, leaving most businesses in Davao City at a standstill.
Looking back, the 35-year-old Dabawenyo said losing his job of 12 years amid the pandemic was a blessing after all because it gave him an opportunity to start Kapeweñoz Specialty Coffee Davao and provide for his family. Plaza won the Davao leg of the coffee triangulation competition of Baristas’ Quest in July 2019.