Legacy in Motion: Meet Licel Alcantara and the Heart Behind Our Mt. Apo Robusta

At Cordillera Brew Coffee, we believe that great coffee begins with great people. And when we say every cup has a story, we mean it. This time, we're proud to share one that’s as rich and complex as the beans it produces — the story of Licel Alcantara, one of our partner farmers behind our Single Origin Mt. Apo Robusta from Kapatagan, Davao del Sur.

A Legacy Rooted in the Highlands

Licel is a second-generation coffee grower whose roots in the craft date back to 1969. It all started with her parents, who began buying and selling coffee beans in the cool, fertile lands of Kapatagan. Back then, their operations relied on old-school equipment — dehullers, pulpers, and traditional processors — machines that still stand today, quiet but proud symbols of a legacy built on hard work and heart.

Her father, fondly known as the “King of Arabica,” wasn’t just a coffee grower — he was a movement. As a major supplier to Nestlé, he delivered Arabica and Robusta beans by the ton. His passion for Philippine coffee helped lay the groundwork for what would become a recognized force in the industry.

In 2018, the farm’s Robusta made headlines, earning 2nd place in the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition under Dizon Farms — proof that when tradition meets dedication, excellence follows.

A Living Legacy

Today, Licel continues that legacy on their 4-hectare farm. But she’s not just following in her father’s footsteps — she’s carving her own path, bringing a renewed energy to their craft and raising the bar for Robusta in the Philippines.

Working closely with local harvesters and processors, she upholds meticulous farming practices that ensure quality and sustainability. Her commitment to ethical sourcing, soil health, and community impact reflects everything we stand for at Cordillera Brew Coffee.

What’s in the Cup?

Our Mt. Apo Robusta is a direct reflection of Licel’s legacy — bold, grounded, and unapologetically complex. Expect a deep, syrupy body with layers of flavor: rich dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, and a subtle hint of tamarind-like fruitiness that lingers long after your last sip.

This isn’t your average Robusta. It’s a cup of history, culture, and innovation — grown with purpose and passion.

Available Now, in Limited Quantities

We’re honored to bring Licel’s story to your cup. And because coffees like this don’t just grow on trees — they’re cultivated by legacy — our Mt. Apo Robusta is available in limited quantities only.

Support local. Drink with purpose. Taste the highlands in every sip.

☕ Now brewing. Only at Cordillera Brew Coffee.