Origins: A travel journal

CEBU, Philippines – A notable fresh-coffee brand has collaborated with startup businesses, travel writers, and artists on the project “Origins: A Travel Journal,” a playbook that encapsulates the creativity of local talent and the beauty of the Filipino culture.

The travel journal is composed of a reusable jacket that utilizes hand-woven fabric from Cebu-based social enterprise Anthill Fabric Gallery and an insert filled with full color illustrations. Bo’s Coffee spearheads the project.

“We started out with our showcasing Philippine Coffee Origins Arabica beans, and then we redesigned our branches and turned it into an avenue for homegrown merchandise and events that encourage conversations about supporting Filipino culture,” says Steve D. Benitez, Bo’s Coffee CEO. “‘Origins’ was created because we recognize the importance of supporting fellow homegrown brands and talent.”

The startup businesses participating in the “Origins” project are Trail Adventours, Culture Shock PH, Route +62, FlipTrip, Kawil Tours, Gouache, Nipa Foods, Habi Footwear, Gugu, 22 Tango Records, Gawad Kalinga – Enchanted Farm, Friggies, Olivia and Diego. It is designed to let its readers experience Philippine Coffee Origins locations – Sagada, Benguet, Mt. Matulum, Mt. Kitanglad, and Mt. Apo – by its flavor profile and through the experiences of travel writers Estan Cabigas, Jona Branzuela Bering, and Johanna Michelle Lim. The brand also worked with Cebu-based illustrator Kenny Badana for the sketches in the journal. The travel journal is available at Bo’s Coffee branches nationwide.