15/05/2026
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Baristas and coffee enthusiasts from across Visayas and Mindanao gathered April 14–16 for the Kaamulan Brewers League, which crowned winners in six categories ranging from rookie brewing to professional barista skills.
The event, held in conjunction with the city’s Kaamulan Festival, aimed to promote Mindanao coffee and foster technical growth within the local industry. Competitions included the Brewers Cup, AeroPress Battle, Latte Art Showdown, and a Barista Competition.
“What makes this event powerful is the community that drives it. What makes it welcoming is that everyone—from beginners to seasoned professionals—feels at home. And what gives it reach is the way it spotlights local cafés, brands, and Mindanao coffee to a wider audience,” said co-organizer Bruce Bryan Rubio.
Gonz Xaviery dela Fuente, a homebrewer from Midsayap, North Cotabato, led the rookie field by securing championships in both the Brewers Cup and AeroPress categories.
“This year was a different competition because there were rookie and pro categories,” dela Fuente said. “It was an intense but supportive environment. Even though it was a competition, it felt like a community.”
In the professional divisions, Gian James Maagad took the Brewers Cup title, while James Gabriel Ranan won the AeroPress category. Justine Gealon earned the championship in the Barista Competition and Jerry Dunato declared champion in Latte Art.
“I realized there’s nothing to fear in experimenting during competitions. I’ve lost before, but each experience is a lesson for the next,” shared Gian James Maagad, co-founder of the CDO Specialty Coffee Collective.
“I think competitions in general create shared pressure and shared passion, which naturally builds respect, trust, and camaraderie among brewers,” said Ranan, representing Mata Micro-roastery in Cagayan de Oro.
The official results of the 2026 Kaamulan Brewers League are as follows:
Brewers Cup (Rookie)
• Champion: Gonz Xaviery dela Fuente
• First runner-up: Jericho Castañeros
• Second runner-up: Regie Bonachita
AeroPress (Rookie)
• Champion: Gonz Xaviery dela Fuente
• First runner-up: Jan Bretlex Ablanque
• Second runner-up: Randy Selgas
Brewers Cup (Pro)
• Champion: Gian James Maagad
• First runner-up: Justine Gealon
• Second runner-up: Mitch Jason Balbuena
AeroPress (Pro)
• Champion: James Gabriel Ranan
• First runner-up: Mitch Jason Balbuena
• Second runner-up: John Peña
Latte Art Champion: Jerry Dunato
• First runner-up: Justine Gealon
• Second runner-up: Ronaldo Jhessmar Cotin
Barista Competition Champion: Justine Gealon
• First runner-up: Ronaldo Jhessmar Cotin
• Second runner-up: Edgardo Besande Jr.
The event was organized by Bruce Bryan Rubio of Coffee Wagon and The Millad State, together with Liz Tionzon of Bukidnon Paragliding Experience, in partnership with the Malaybalay City government, the Bukidnon provincial government, and the district 2 congressional office.
| photo from GenSan Coffee Association/Facebook
