We got acquainted with durian-flavored coffee in Davao many years ago. Found the taste interesting and a colleague even became passionate over it, talking to friends about at anytime he had the chance to.
Manny Pacquiao, the world famous boxer and now Senator, and his wife Jinkee brought the durian-flavored coffee and the other varieties in the Blugre Coffee to his native General Santos City.
The couple is happy the people from GenSan have taken to drinking durian-flavored coffee like ducks to water.
Now, here’s the good news. Davaoenos living in Manila who are missing the durian-flavored coffee need not take a flight back to Davao more often than they used to. And why?
The “King of Fruits” of the South has just landed in Manila!
The exotic durian with its big size, powerful odor and unique thorn-covered husk has been dubbed “King of Fruits.”
At Blugre (pronounced “blue-grey”) Coffee in Metro Davao, the signature drink is the extremely flavorful Durian Coffeeccino.
Founded in 1998, it is Davao’s first and leading specialty coffee shop. Aside from the Durian Coffeeccino, Blugre Coffee also serves espresso, latte and mocha. Its array of scrumptious desserts includes Choco Torte with Cream Sauce, Durian de Leche Cheesecake and Red Velvet Cake.
Hands-down, it is the Durian Coffeeccino that has made a strong impression on customers. Romina Villaflor-Wilson, a Filipino living abroad, wrote on Blugre Coffee’s Facebook page, “The last time I had Durian Coffee was about 10 years ago, at the Matina Town Square shop, and I can still vividly remember how it tastes! Must fly back to Davao the next time I’m in the country to savor it again!”
Astrid Anne Acedo, a Davao-based yuppie, agrees that the Durian Coffeeccino is simply divine. “I just love it! It’s so yummy,” she said on Facebook. Astrid is also pleased with the coffee shop’s relaxing interiors. “It’s perfect for a chitchat with friends,” she said.
For its exceptional products, fine ambience and first-rate service, Blugre Coffee has won several recognitions, namely from the National Shopper’s Choice Awards (where it is a Hall of Famer), Best Coffee Shop in Davao by the Asia-Pacific Shopper’s Institute, Shopper’s Choice Magazine, Essence Privilege Card and the Asian Philippine Association of Marketing Professionals.
Tourists have been clamoring for Blugre Coffee to expand so that they can enjoy its delicious coffee and desserts closer to their respective homes.
In Metro Manila, Blugre Coffee is now in Manila with but three branches—at the Malacanang Complex, 1558 J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila; in Taguig, C-24 11th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City; and Manila East, Unit 101 Manila East Arcade 2 Bldg. Don Hilario Cruz Avenue, Brgy. San Juan, Taytay Rizal.
The company’s owners Benjamin Cuaresma, Jr., and Gloria Cuaresma are happy to bring Davao’s Blugre Coffee experience to Metro Manila and soon, to more places around the country.
My friend who tasted the durian-flavored coffee the first time we were in Davao will now be smiling more often.