Renowned Asian Games jiu-jitsu gold medalist Annie Ramirez is embarking on a new chapter, one that involves not coaching fellow athletes, but rather brewing passion and crafting a unique lifestyle.
Her latest venture, Ark Café, officially opened a day after she received a well-deserved citation at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards night.
Two weeks before the grand opening, Ramirez found herself in a whirlwind, juggling between intense training sessions for her upcoming competitions and managing every aspect of her coffee shop.
As owner and one of its baristas, she takes orders and concocts beverages, all while keeping a watchful eye on the shop’s financials and interacting with the students who frequent the establishment on San Marcelino St. in Manila.
“Every day, I’m there. After shop hours, I run to the gym for training because it’s within walking distance. Since its opening, this has been my everyday life,” Ramirez shared.
Ark Café, a realization of Ramirez’s vision, was made possible through incentives received from both the government and the private sector.
The 33-year-old athlete, after securing her first Asian Games gold medal in women’s jiujitsu, invested wisely to ensure a sustainable source of income for her athletic pursuits and daily needs.
Jiu-jitsu, a grappling martial art that frequently leaves its practitioners bruised and worn out, didn’t deter Ramirez from navigating the world of entrepreneurship.
“We had a soft opening for two weeks, and now the turnout is fantastic,” Ramirez exclaimed.
Amidst the coffee beans and brewing machines, Ramirez is simultaneously preparing for upcoming competitions, including the Asian championships, the World Meet, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.
With financial support amounting to a total of P5 million from Malacañang, the Philippines Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympics, and the MVP Sports Foundation, Ramirez is not only excelling in sports but thriving as a budding entrepreneur.
Ark Café has already become a favorite among students from nearby educational institutions such as Adamson University, Technological University of the Philippines, and the Philippine National University.
“I’m so excited for what this venture will bring,” Ramirez added, showcasing her determination to conquer new challenges on and off the mat.
