I’m sorry but I disagree.

Hi readers! I’m really sorry for being so silent for the past weeks.

My only excuse for this?

Laziness.

Though I was busy with OJT duties at a coffee academy (and quite exhausted as well!), I can still choose to write but I did not. I felt so lazy. And tired. And lazy. And tired. And I ended up writing nothing.

But please know this: my journey into the coffee scene is certainly an on-going project. The learning never stops.

I am a coffee enthusiast.

A coffee addict on the way.

A frustrated latte artist.

An aspiring professional barista.

Now, a trainee at a coffee academy.

But during the first Latte Art Throwdown that I attended, someone told me that OJT would just be a waste of time. He said that it would be the coffee industry that will hone me, being employed as a barista.

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Words didn’t come out. I was lost for words.

But in my mind, I had my answer.

I had my stand.

I just couldn’t say it directly.

“I’m sorry but I disagree.”

“I’m sorry but I made a decision to finish what I’ve started.”

When we do meet again, I might just have the courage to say this to him:

“Thank you for telling me that OJT would be a waste of time. Because now, I’ve proven it otherwise.”

God bless us!

My First Latte Art Throwdown

Ooopps! Before you assume that this latte art throwdown is something I participated in, well, you’re correct; in a way.

Yes, I participated; but just as a spectator. (As you may have seen/read my previous posts, it will be a disaster for me to join such competitions at this point.)

Last March 14, 2015, a Saturday, I was planning to go somewhere but it got cancelled. (Someone cancelled on me. Gee.)

As I was not on barista trainee duties that day, I was planning to just rest and read some books. I was planning to finish a book and write a review here. But then, Ate Jay asked me if I can go to school since the OJT trainee that day was not able to report for duty. Since I’ve got nothing to do, I willingly obliged.

After my OJT duties, we had our lunch. An assistant instructor, Sir Jeff, who recently resigned from the school joined me, Ate Jay and Ms. Con. He told to me that there will be a latte art throwdown later in the afternoon that day at 3pm in Coffee Empire. Though I said I am interested to watch, I wanted to go home first to change clothes. (I got a little clumsy during the clean-up and I was wearing a white shirt! I had some coffee stains and dirt. Oh my clumsiness, sometimes! haha)

Anyways, we went to the coffee shop after our lunch and arrived at around 3:30pm. ( We took time to commute, not by taxi, that is.) It was my second time visiting Coffee Empire. The competition hadn’t even started yet as participants were still not rounded-up. Sir Dave, my previous instructor, was a participant for the throwdown. Aside from my mission to watch the event, we went there to show our support.

Not surprisingly, I saw Ate Kristine (my classmate during my barista classes) and I also met Eirene, Sir Tryke. I got to talk to them for a bit. Sir Dave arrived at around 4:30 pm. But the competition hadn’t also started right away. I think it was past 6pm when the competition finally started. ( I was really minding the time since the place I am staying is far from the venue.)

For this year’s Coffee Empire Free-Pour Latte Art Throwdown, these are the guide for the Visual Score Sheet:

• Contrast
• Harmony and Position
• Creativity
• Difficulty

There were three judges. (I’m sorry I was not able to take their names. I’m still exploring the coffee world; so I don’t know everyone yet.)

To cut my story short, Sir Dave was not able to qualify during the first rounds but we were proud of him since he was the only artist (that I saw) who made his free-pour latte art in front of the judges! I admire his confidence.

I quickly said my goodbye to Sir Dave, Sir Jeff, Sir Tryke, Eirene and Ate Kristine after. It was past 7pm and I had to be at home, fast!

So much for my first latte art throwdown! I was not able to watch until the end. tsk tsk.

But I had a great time! I was able to meet new people who share the same interest, even love, for coffee.

I hope one day I will be able to participate at one latte art throwdown. To be really a participant, not a mere spectator.

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But for now, I will strive to be better as a barista and a latte artist.

God bless us!

There is no such thing as perfect.

Some people may say that I’m a perfectionist.

Maybe I am guilty.

Charged with perfectionism?!

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To be honest, I don’t know if doing the best I could in everything I do to the extent of chasing perfection would qualify as a “crime”. Just kidding. Crime is too much of a word for this one.

Last Monday, I was practicing my heart latte art. It was the kind of latte art I’m good at (during my Barista 102 training, that is) and someone told me I should first get better with it before I try doing the other basic latte art. So I did. I did practice doing only heart pattern while an On-The-Job trainee in PBCA.

I was able to make a better heart pattern than before:

So I got overly excited and posted it on my FB wall with a caption that says, “My first cup for this week. Heart’s still not perfect, so I’ll keep on practicing!”

I was taken aback when someone commented that, “There is no such thing as perfect!!!”

Yes, I was too conceited.

I forgot that I was speaking of perfection.

Perfection, which doesn’t exist in this world.

No one is perfect.

No object is perfect.

No work is perfect.

Indeed, there is no such thing as perfect.

But what I realized is this: I may be guilty and charged with perfectionism, but I will still do the best I can in everything I do.

I may not achieve perfection, but I want to be closer to it.

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Rather than perfection, I now realized I should seek something else: excellence.

Let’s chase excellence than perfection!

God bless us!

The Barista Project Continues

After my last post on February 23, 2015 about passing my Barista 102 class, I was contemplating if I’d start with implementing my business plans. My planned coffee shop business has been overdue for long.

My plan was to go back to my province right after I pass my Barista 102 class. However, I got lazy and postponed it for a week. I had no clear plan in mind; though I was planning to finish reading a book and writing a book review. (But you see, I failed in that too, until now, I haven’t finished any book!)

In that extended week stay, I was just writing on my blog and was also thinking of starting my book. (Frustrated writer here!)

But I was writing more on my other blog; more because I can freely write anything in there. Unlike here, where I got two main themes: coffee and books.

While I was on “stand-by” mode, I was reminded of the real reason why I started taking up barista classes and planning a business. It was not really for me.

So I went home after that “meditation week” – I was planning to recharge. Recharge and renew the growing love I had for learning and inspiring many people. And I knew I can do it better at my home province where I am closer to nature. They say, “closer to nature, closer to God”.

I stayed at my province for only a week then went back to PBCA to apply for their OJT program.

I had my interview just last Tuesday, March 10, 2015 and got accepted. My OJT immediately started the next day.

Yes, I signed up for something that will not reward me any monetary benefit. I was after the liberty of practicing with machines I do not own and other consumables that I won’t pay. Although my previous instructors were already resigned from the school, (which was such a waste I didn’t get to learn from them!) I still applied. I was after the learning; even if I have to learn mostly everything by myself.

Also, even if I may get physically and mentally tired from doing work without monetary compensation, I realized I’m doing something I’m starting to love – learning the art and science of making good coffee. Also, being a beginner again and again as I assist students taking up barista classes. I also realized I want to help people in any way I can – even if it may cost me my vulnerability.

These are my seasoning shots last Wednesday, March 11, 2015:

And fortunately, even after a long, tiring day, I got to practice for several rounds although my recalls for my previous latte art training were hazy. I tried making a heart and a rosetta. But unfortunately, I failed. But I will keep on practicing!

My first day was still fun as I got to meet new people – new aspiring baristas.

Please look forward to my journey as I get better being a barista and a latte artist. 🙂

God bless us!

Barista 102: Day 4 (Last Day!)

February 21, 2015. Saturday. My last day with advanced barista training at PBCA. Its too soon!

I cannot believe that time flies so fast; especially when you’re really having fun. Yes, I’ve proven this truth for myself. Four days seemed too short as I learned to love being a latte artist.

It even cost me my sleep! (A bit exaggerating, I know.)

But I really did have no sleep – for two days. I just can’t properly sleep, no matter what I did. (Except perhaps if I took sleeping pills, which I strongly oppose. I’d rather seek natural remedies.)

That’s why I was too early for the last day. I was somewhere near the area at around 8 am when the evaluation started at 9. I dropped by a convenience store and ate my breakfast. Yet again, incidentally, RM too, dropped by to take his breakfast. He really is the best student – ever punctual.

We went to the school together and arrived to see that Sir Dave and Sir Jeff, with two trainees, already there making coffee. Or rather, practicing latte art. I was too sleepy to engage in their lively conversation, I may just ruin the mood. I don’t want to be a “mood crusher”.

I decided to take a quick nap; I was resting my head on my arms waiting for sleep angels to visit. But I guess they’re already sleeping since the daylight.

So I ran to the restroom. Yes, as in really running! I needed to wake my mind and body up. And gladly that trick did it.

As the pre-eval was not finished yesterday, five of us had our turn. I was third to do it and I was able to pull off a 11:50-something minute (I cannot recall the exact time) performance of the three required latte art. I was so close to exceeding the 12 minute target time.

After all five of us had finished, Sir Dave reminded us of the mechanics/scoresheet and we were off to the evaluation. The order was determined through draw lots. This time, I was fourth. Lucky! I can still observe from my other classmates and to calm myself down.

Just like the evaluation in Barista 101, music was allowed, encouraged even. I already had my playlist – three songs totaling to around 12 minutes. I aimed to finish my performance before the end of these three songs:

1.  Higher by Creed

2. Somewhere Only We Know by Lifehouse (A Cover)

3. First Time by Lifehouse

So yeah, rock on. I want to rock my performance. 🙂

But most of all, I remembered to focus. I focused on what to do. I focused on the reason why I need to get through this successfully.

To cut the story short, I nailed it in 11 minutes! God is good!

But unfortunately, my latte art was not as good as my practice. Anyways, I’m still glad they looked like what they are supposed to be:

My heart somehow looked like an apple:

My rosetta was close to a failure but at least there’s a recognizable leaf:

 

My signature latte art is my favorite! It looked cute. 🙂

I was satisfied with my performance.

After that, all I prayed for was that all of us will pass the evaluation. I already wished my classmates good luck and encourage them to do well, the night before.

At around 1:00 pm, all seven of us had finished and we were told by Sir Dave to wait for just a few minutes for the result. Both RM and I didn’t bring lunch; we were both hungry. Good thing Sir Dave offered slices of cake given by someone celebrating his/her birthday so I munched on it while waiting. (We weren’t the only ones in the school on a Saturday after all.)

Sir Dave entered the classroom. And exited. And re-entered.

The suspense is killing me.

I was eager to know if we all passed! (And to take my lunch, and sleep…haha)

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We did it! We all passed! Thank God.

I could not contain my smile; I was really happy not only for myself but also for my teammates. No one got left behind, again, this time.

Sir Dave instructed someone to look for a graduation song. I could not help but to laugh as a familiar tune played. Its too silly for me to handle. 😂😂😂

We got our certificates and took our class picture:

(Photo credits: Lean C.)

Although I was invited by Ate Kristine to hang out since it’s still early, I went home. I was sleepy. I felt sorry that I was unable to join them. But she told me there can always be a “next time”.

I updated our FB group name description into Team Awesome. We were all awesome in our own ways.

So that’s it. The training has come to a close.

I’m already missing the room, the smart pitcher, the caffe mauro mug, the steamwand (who left a mark on me, yes, a slight burn), the automatic coffee grinder, the synesso. And most of all, the people who were with me during my humble beginning as a latte artist – my classmates – Ate Kristine, Lean, Eive, Christin, Kuya Mic and RM; the instructors – Sir Dave and Sir Jeff; and the admin staff of PBCA – Ate Jay (my sister at heart) and Ms. Con.

I thank God for letting me meet such amazing people.

I thank God for answering my prayers.

I thank God for everything I have and will have.

“For this reason I tell you: When you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it, and you will be given whatever you ask for.” -Mark 11:24

God bless us!

Barista 102: Day 3

February 20, 2015. Friday, my third day as an aspiring latte artist.

The day before was declared a national holiday (Chinese New Year) thus I had time to practice. I’ve got no espresso machine and actual coffee beans and milk but I bought myself a milk pitcher. I was going to practice with water. Practicing while imagining that I’m actually pouring into real coffee and using real milk.

I was determined to practice more than ever remembering the “10,000- Hour Rule”, something I learned from reading the book of Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It is said that people would likely be truly successful if they’ve performed/practiced their craft or special skill for 10,000 hours. Although innate talent is undoubtedly relevant, opportunities that prompted long hours of practice made the person triumphant.

I did practice for several hours until my arms and wrists felt sore. I planned to go to bed early but I can’t catch any sleep! I was trying not to think about a lot of things but I just couldn’t sleep. I ended up with no proper rest and walked around like a zombie. Gee.

I tried hard not to let it show, but I was getting sleepy while commuting on my way to the school. A time that I should really have been awake and vigilant. Fortunately, nothing bad happened and I arrived at the school early, safe and sound; but sleepy.haha

Sir Dave made us practice free-pouring a rosetta in the morning. Lucky! I wanted to really practice doing that art. But after consuming my carton of milk, I didn’t have much progress. Sigh. But I will keep on trying!

Just before lunch break, Sir Dave reminded us to come up with our signature latte art design for during the afternoon session, we would be practicing it. He also said that a pre-evaluation, again, will be done – this time, for a maximum amount of 12 minutes for 3 latte art: rosetta, heart and signature latte art design.

I already thought of mine – a very simple, not really creative design – a four-leaf clover. I was wearing a necklace with that kind of pendant. It was a symbol for good luck – four-leaf clovers are very rare because it is an uncommon variation  of the common three-leaved clover. It is said that each leaf is believed to represent something: the first is for faith; the second is for hope; the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. (Source/Credits: Wikipedia)

But after practicing it, I found it unappealing and even Sir Dave commented that he thought I was making an etched butterfly. So I changed it. (Although I loved the idea of the design.)

I decided to do a teddy bear face. I also like stuffed teddy bears. I had seen a video from Youtube on how to etch it. I just wonder if I could also pull that off. On the first try, I somehow managed to make it and Sir Dave gave an OK. So it was decided, I was going to make an etched bear for my signature latte art design.

I gave the “successful” etched bear to Ate Jay and she suggested some improvements on my art and I was off to make another one. I gave the other bear version to another female staff – Ms. Con.

Just then, I realized something. Even without sleep, I felt energized doing latte art as I gave my successful attempts to Ate Jay and Ms. Con. I realized I wanted to make people happy – even in the slightest bit. And if making this kind of art will bring even just a tiny smile on other people’s faces, I already felt accomplished. 🙂

Luckily, I managed to make something close to a tulip while practicing my bear:

I asked Sir Dave and Sir Jeff if this would count as a signature latte art design and they both gave an OK. But my only problem is that if I could still make the same art again.haha

After several rounds of practice, here are the best latte art I did so far:

Then we were off to pre-evaluation. But since it was already past 5 in the afternoon, Only two of my classmates – Eive and RM was able to be pre-evaluated. The rest of the class will have the morning pre-eval.

And tomorrow is the big day – the evaluation. The test to determine if I will pass or all of us will pass!hehe

I had a lot of fun today although I had no proper sleep.

I think I’ve fallen in love –  fallen in love with doing latte art and making people feel even the slightest bit of happiness.

Sir Dave and Sir Jeff were both very helpful, they’re the kind of barista I would like to be. Cool, witty and passionate.

“Pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can.” – Proverbs 23:12 GNT

I hope you’re positively rooting for me and my classmates.

God bless us!

Not About Coffee

I haven’t written in a long while. (More than five days is too long for me.)

While I created this blog to talk about coffee, let me share this one post talking about something else. Something else not entirely unrelated to coffee.

I am no writer, but by any means, I aspire to be one. I have this one crazy dream of becoming a best-selling author. It sounds impossible right now. But the thought stirs me; like what coffee can do to me.

English is not my first language. However, I like it better when I’m writing and expressing myself through it. Although my vocabulary is quite limited, I’ll try my best to write in the best way that I can – to write from the heart.

I started this blog to write and talk about coffee and my coffee shop business. At the same time, I wanted to practice writing. Maybe not professionally, rather, occasionally. I may not write everyday, but each post contains at least one word from the heart. To write and share my thoughts, my experiences mostly about coffee and somehow, to stir someone. Stir their imaginations and curiosities;  stir some inspiration into them.

Coffee may be the main theme but it doesn’t limit me to write about something else. After all, my writing begins with a cup of coffee. Every morning, while writing, I’m drinking coffee to wake my “thoughts” up.

My coffee passion is still on a growing stage; while I may not think about it all day long, (maybe that’s quite an exaggeration) the thought of finally practicing the coffee making skills I learned gets me pumped up. Likewise, writing gets me excited; sometimes I’m surprised of what I’ve written. When I’m really into the “zone”, writing comes naturally.

I hope to write more about things  that can “stir” someone.

God bless us!

Keep the Fire Burning

My “coffee passion” is still at an early age.

I’ve only taken up a basic barista training; my knowledge of coffee and coffee making is still that of a beginner. I don’t have the resources yet such as an espresso machine and a handful of coffee beans to practice with. Unfortunately, as of now, I can’t use what I’ve learned.

As much as I want to, I’d like to work in a coffee shop. Not only I can practice what I’ve learned, but my work will be paid. However, I cannot. I’m still in the process of preparing legal papers for my proposed coffee shop business. There are a lot of things to do.

There are rare times that I thought of giving up. But after realizing I’ve gone through some accomplishments already, I said to myself, “why give up now?” I’ve done my best for the past few months. I know the “fire” in me is still growing. I need to protect it.

When I have the time, I would watch videos on the internet about coffee, and especially on latte art. I am fascinated by how skillful baristas can be. I would love to be a professional like them. That’s why, next year, by the month of January or February, as circumstances will allow it, I am determined to enroll into an advanced barista training. I’d love to tell you about it.

For everyone still on the way to their dreams and especially for those already “living their dreams”, keep the “fire” burning!

God bless us!

A Cup of Coffee A Day

I’ll be honest, I cannot not have a cup of coffee every morning.

Although I was advised by the doctor to limit or ultimately remove coffee from my system, I really cannot. A day without coffee makes me “weak”.

When I was under medication for my “acute gastritis/ulcer” (I’m not really sure which of the two since the doctor was not able to tell me), I was told not to drink coffee for 7 days. (This was during the month of September.) A week that made me “weak”.

Why, you may ask.

During that week, I was always sleepy throughout the day. I was feeling low on energy and can’t sleep well during the night (what an irony). But I have to endure not having coffee since I wanted a fast recovery. After 7 days, I had my cup of coffee (only instant coffee though), even if my mother reminded me that I shouldn’t have.  I missed it so much.

As expected, I was not so sleepy throughout the day and I was able to sleep at night. I guess my system missed their friend ‘caffeine’. Although at that time I only knew of instant coffee, I realized I might develop my interest about coffee further. It might be my “lost passion”.

It turned out that weeks later, I found the “better dream” of putting up a business- a coffee shop. Awesome! I may be on the way to my “passion” as well.

Now, I am nourishing, developing my passion for coffee. I have taken up a Basic Barista Training and I intend to level-up on my skills.

Please look forward to my journey which I will also share with you.

God bless us!