Blugre Coffee opens at Festival Mall in Alabang

BLUGRE COFFEE AT FESTIVAL MALL - Gloria Cuaresma (center), owner of Blugre Coffee, joins Nanette de Lara-Feliciano (left) and Kitti Marphorn Doll, franchisees of Davao's famous Blugre Coffee, at the opening of its 15th branch at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City recently.

Davao's famous Blugre Coffee continues to make waves as it opens its 15th branch at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa recently.

“This development is in response to the many customers who’ve been clamoring for us to expand,” says Benjamin Cuaresma Jr., and Gloria Cuaresma, owners of the establishment, during an exclusive interview.

They add: “We are happy that now we’ll be able to bring the Blugre Coffee experience to our new patrons in Metro Manila, hopefully soon, to other places.”

So far, Blugre Coffee has opened 15 branches nationwide. “Our proposition is as unique as Davao’s famous Durian Coffeeccino. Our coffee shop is highly established, marketable and much sought-after."

The couple are also exploring the idea of expanding abroad. "We already have a license to open in New Zealand. It's up to us if we will grab it or not. For now, it's something that I want to consider but not immediately," says Gloria, whose coffee shop is one of the favorite catering services in Malacanang Palace.

Today, the coffee shop is a go-to destination of both Davaoenos and tourists. Because of its exceptional products, relaxing ambience and friendly service, Blugre Coffee is credited for boosting the coffee culture in Davao. Testament to this are the recognitions it has been bestowed upon by National Shopper’s Choice Awards (where it is a Hall of Famer), Asia-Pacific Shopper’s Institute which named it Best Coffee Shop in Davao, Shopper’s Choice Magazine, Essence Privilege Card, and the Asian Philippine Association of Marketing Professionals.

Blugre Coffee will add more surprises to its list of flavorful espresso, aside of course from its delectable desserts like Choco Torte with Cream Sauce, Durian de Leche Cheesecake and Red Velvet Cake.

"After Durian Coffee, we might come up with rice coffee. Our marketing concept would always depend on the area. Kung ano ang meron sa lugar na 'yun, that's what we will offer. Nahirapan kami sa Metro Manila kasi wala namang something unique dito," adds Gloria.

Blugre Coffee is still open for franchising. To entice future franchisees, it is worth noting that no less than world-famous boxer, Senator Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee, are owners of a Blugre Coffee franchise.

Business partners Nanette de Lara-Feliciano and Kitti Marphorn Doll are the newest franchisees of Bluge Coffee.

"It's about time we patronize our own. This is a local brand. However, it's one of the best more than other coffee in the country. You have to try Durian Coffee because that's the flagship product of Blugre Coffee," says Nanette.

Both Nanette and Kitti admit that they do not like durian fruit. But when they tasted it for coffee, they liked it.

"Bluge Coffee is 100 percent Arabica unlike other brands. I grew up smelling the coffee of my parents when I was younger. That time I was not allowed to drink coffee. Now I really like coffee. Why do Fiipinos go for other brands? Most of them taste like water for me. So I want them to be proud of what you have," says Kitti.

Blugre Coffee’s franchise is flexible as it offers two formats: a counter or kiosk and a full store. The counter requires an area of at least 30 square meters, while the full store requires an area of at least 100 square meters. Franchise fee and total investment are below the cost of similar franchise businesses. Plus, franchise owners have the distinction of owning coffee shop that is proudly 100-percent Filipino. For more information about the Blugre Coffee franchise, check out website www.blugre.ph. - ROBERT REQUINTINA