Vancouver BC, 06 October 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver on 03 October 2025 welcomed Ms. Mia Pestano, an aspiring Filipino-Canadian Specialty Coffee Entrepreneur, who conducted a unique coffee-tasting experience highlighting the fine quality of Philippine Arabica beans.
The tasting showcased four different varieties that reflect distinct flavors and diversity of the Philippines’ coffee culture: Catimor Arabica Washed, Mt. Apo Honey Catimor Arabica, La Trinidad Benguet Arabica, and Sagada Arabica. Sample cups were brewed by Ms. Pestano for attendees to savor the aroma and taste of each bean.
Ms. Pestano curated each specialty coffee, guiding attendees through a flavor profiling session and highlighting the subtle nuances that make each coffee distinct. She emphasized that the tasting was more than just a sensory experience as it was a journey into the cultural and agricultural heritage of the Philippines, with each cup telling a story of Filipino farmers, regional traditions, and shared heritage.
Currently, Ms. Pestano is preparing to launch two startup social enterprises, Whisker Beans Coffee Company and Narra and Agila Specialty Goods. These ventures will operate through e-commerce and pop-up events, and she expressed interest in collaborating with the Consulate for future cultural and business initiatives.
The event underscored the Consulate’s commitment to promoting Philippine culture, products, and entrepreneurship with the involvement of the Filipino-Canadian community. END
