A brewed cup of wonders

MANILA, Philippines - I am a college student who always enjoys coffee. When I learned that Nestlé was conducting an essay writing contest for college students like me, I immediately took out my pencil and paper to draft my article — I am indeed excited to write about the theme of the competition. I can relate to the topic, for I am a devoted coffee drinker.

But you know what? I’ve discovered that coffee is such a wondrous beverage in more ways that one. Read on and find out why.

I got the habit of picking up an aromatic and flavorful cup of coffee from my parents. They, too, are coffee lovers. Because of them, I already inculcated coffee in my academic routine. Every time I would take up my homework, reviews or projects, I would never forget to put a cup of coffee on my desk.

What’s special about my coffee drinking habits is that I prefer only one brand: Nescafé. It is perfect for my keen taste. With it, I relished many great moments in my student life.

I recall a scene during one cold December afternoon when I, together with some classmates, visited another classmate’s house. We were about to do our group projects then. But due to the chilly atmosphere that time, we couldn’t concentrate on our tasks. We all complained how cold the weather was.

So Jana, the host, offered us something. “Want to have some coffee?” I readily nodded to her hospitality. She went to the kitchen and took some cups, teaspoons and the jars of Nescafé Classic, Coffee Mate, and sugar for us. She also heated water in a kettle. We had to wait for a while before we mixed our cups.

Finally, we had our coffee break. As we made our drinks, we experienced the soothing aroma of coffee. And as we sipped in our cups, we tasted how good coffee is. We actually had a nice bonding together over cups of coffee. Afterwards, we felt better working on our projects.

Because I am a certified coffee lover, I try to enjoy it anytime, anywhere, as much as possible.

I already mentioned that I always have coffee to drink during those hours of writing, reviewing and cramming. Aside from that, I love to share coffee with my siblings and my parents, whether it’s computer playing time or merienda time. We like to dip bread into coffee before eating. We also take coffee in between meals.

In the dormitory, I also enjoy mixing Nescafé 3-in-1 in my mug. I usually drink coffee in the afternoon after classes or during study time. I invite one or two other friends in the dorm to have a coffee drinking session. While having it, we would talk and talk and talk about everything and anything.

I even drank coffee in one of my classes. I remember that class where I felt so sleepy and bored. So, to cope with it, I opened and mixed a sachet of Nescafé 3 in 1 in my mug and brought it to class. As the professor discussed his lessons, I sipped my coffee little by little. That kept my attention going. It helped me focus on the lectures of my professor. I even got a 1.25 final grade in that subject.

These, and many more, are some events in my life where Nescafé played an important role. Truly, the great moments are here to stay each time I drink coffee.

What’s even better to know is that coffee, like fruits and vegetables, brings health benefits. Apart from its aroma and taste, one can take pleasure in coffee’s nutritional contents.

I learned that coffee is a natural source of antioxidants. Scientists have proven that antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body cells. Taking in foods rich in antioxidants can aid in preventing premature aging caused by free radicals. So, drinking coffee is a good way to maintain youthfulness.

During my rides on the MRT, I have heard tidbits about coffee. One piece of trivia is that coffee is a natural stimulant that increases one’s focus and improves one’s mood. But did you know that coffee also helps make our skin smoother? Some scientists attest to this, pointing out that coffee also help flush out toxins and impurities found in the skin. Hence, drinking coffee each day may just help us get better-looking skin, cup by delicious cup.

Because I am a student, I must be conscious about my food intake. A student needs essential nutrients to sustain good performance and wellbeing; therefore, I should choose which ones will induce positive effects on me. Luckily, coffee — my favorite drink — is a healthy beverage. I am glad that I simultaneously enjoy good taste and health in every cup of coffee.

Being a versatile, all-occasion beverage, one can never run out of reasons to enjoy coffee: when busy with schoolwork and term papers; when bonding with family during merienda; when bonding with friends and classmates. One can even get a coffee boost in class and achieve a higher grade. All these special moments, together with a surge in mental powers, plus health benefits — truly, few beverages can match the wondrous effects of coffee.

Alongside the pleasure and nutrition coffee gives, it is interesting to note that, with each cup of Nescafé Classic or Nescafé 3-in-1, about 30,000 Filipino coffee farmers are provided with livelihood. That’s because Nestlé uses local coffee beans in order to produce each cup of instant coffee that we enjoy. Indeed, the benefits of drinking Nescafe go beyond our personal interests.

Relating it to my student life, I really must include Nescafé in my consumption as it promotes nationalism — we should buy our own products — and has economic benefits as well for our farmers.

I think I’ve already proven how essential coffee is in my college life with these three good reasons: satisfaction, health, and patriotism. I get satisfaction whenever I experience coffee’s aroma and flavor over friendly conversations and school-related get-togethers. Health is gained because coffee contains antioxidants. And I practice my patriotism and concern for my fellow Filipinos whenever I buy local products like Nescafé.

Isn’t that simply amazing?

I recommend that college students like me should start mixing Nescafé Classic or Nescafé 3-in-1 in their cups so that they, too, can experience and enjoy the rewards of coffee.

Right now, as I am encoding this essay into the computer, I am savoring Nescafé 3-in-1’s goodness. Let me take a sip first… Hmmm… Ahhh. That’s perfect. Now I can continue typing.

Let me end my article by describing coffee in a foreign language. I choose Portuguese to say it. “A minha chávena do café é muita maravilhosa.” (My cup of coffee is very wonderful.)

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Roldan Pineda is the first place winner of the first Nescafe 3in1 Collegiate Essay Writing Contest. He is currently in his sophomore year as a political science student at UP Diliman.