The Yield Specialty Coffee celebrated its first anniversary in a way that perfectly captured its identity: championing craftsmanship, nurturing community, and elevating Iloilo’s specialty coffee culture. On its milestone year, the Jaro-based café transformed into the bustling venue of the CAFFINITY Brewdown Brewing Competition, an event that brought together baristas, enthusiasts, and coffee creatives from all over the city.
Held inside The Yield’s warm and homey space at Lopez Jaena corner Sta. Isabel Streets, the competition placed the spotlight on skill and passion. Twelve baristas stepped up to the challenge, brewing head-to-head using beans roasted and distributed by Primal Brew Roastery. Each competitor showcased their unique techniques — from dialing the grind to perfecting their pours — all while highlighting the aroma, flavor, and character of the featured beans.
Guiding the competition was head judge Jancy Kilayko, owner of Primal Brew and an officer of the Philippine Coffee Board. Known in the community for her expertise and advocacy for coffee excellence, Kilayko led a panel that assessed each brew with precision and professionalism. Despite the intensity of the rounds, the atmosphere remained friendly and collaborative — a reflection of Iloilo’s close-knit and ever-growing coffee community.
Adding to the festive energy were acoustic performances, which filled the café with music throughout the event. Regular customers, friends, and fellow baristas gathered not only to witness the brewing showdown but also to celebrate the connections that coffee has fostered inside The Yield’s walls over the past year.
After a series of elimination rounds, John Deric Martin was crowned CAFFINITY Brewdown Champion, earning well-deserved recognition and cheers from the crowd. His victory underscored the level of talent emerging from Iloilo’s barista community — one that continues to grow stronger with the support of shops like The Yield.
As it marks its first year, The Yield Specialty Coffee proves that it is more than just a place to enjoy a great cup. It has become a hub for craft, collaboration, and culture, playing an active role in shaping Iloilo’s thriving specialty coffee scene.
The Yield Specialty Coffee
📍 Lopez Jaena corner Sta. Isabel Streets, Jaro (near Biscocho Haus), Iloilo City
🕖 Open daily, 7 AM – 8 PM
