Steve Benitez brews passion in coffee. I have never met anyone who is so passionate about brewing a perfect cup. I remember my first encounter with Bo’s when it was not even called that. It was , if memory serves me right, called Coffee Club then. It was a small kiosk in a great location at the ground floor of the Ayala Center. I think it had 6 tables then. I remember going there for the cold coffee creations. It was my first real encounter with gourmet coffee.

I had been wanting to write about the story of Steve for a long time. I wanted to write about how he started a revolution in the coffee habits in Cebu. I wanted to be able to write a perfect story just like Steve wants to brew a perfect cup. Then I came to the realization that the story of Bo’s actually reflects my own coffee journey.

I love coffee. I love the feeling that it gives me when I want to relax. I love the spark it provides me when I wake up in the morning. I appreciate the relaxation and the jolt it provides to resume my afternoon. How did I end up this “addicted” to coffee? Yup, it’s Steve’s fault.

Coffee to me in college was just a way to keep myself awake while studying. I remember many nights spent at a popular donut shop at the Fuente Rotunda, having group study with a cup of coffee. That was it until one day, I found myself walking around the new Ayala Center and seeing the new coffee club kiosk. I was fascinated but could not bring myself to pay that much for a cup that I could either stir myself or buy at my donut shop for much less.

Until, a friend convinced me to try their iced coffee, then I was hooked. I asked Steve about how it felt starting out. He would laugh and shake his head. He recounted , “There was a time a old woman came to the kiosk and asked if she could order a cup. Then suddenly she saw the price, and she cancelled. I started to talk to her and explain the difference. But she was not convinced. So I gave a cup for free and asked her to try….”

I feel very connected with Bo’s and Steve’s story because it shows many about the power of beginnings. This brand who started out as a small kiosk is now found in almost all key cities in the Philippines. It is because of Bo’s that coffee is a very vital part of my daily routine. I cannot imagine going through the day without it. I guess a lot of people agree with me, looking at how it’s always full.

Steve is an inspiring story that Cebu is very proud of. It showcases the abilities and capabilities of Cebuanos to compete with the best. I don’t know whether this is a story of Steve or a story of how I ended up addicted to coffee. What I do know is that Steve has shown me that passion and dreams make a heady brew. Thank you Steve for inspiring others, and showing how a perfect cup of coffee can lead to a very interesting day.
Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.