John Eric Enopia of ‘The Cooking Dad’ places on the podium in Bangkok, shining a spotlight on the future of Philippine coffee.
A Filipino coffee roaster made his mark at a regional competition held during THAIFEX–HOREC Asia 2026 in Bangkok, where hospitality professionals from across Southeast Asia gathered for three days of trade and industry events.
John Eric Enopia, owner and head roaster of The Cooking Dad Coffee Roastery and Cafe, finished first runner-up in the Home or Individual category of the ASEAN Coffee Roasting Championship 2026, one of the key competitions staged alongside the trade show.
“Malaki yung potential ng Philippine coffee, lalo na kung ma-ro-roast ng mas maayos. Unang una nating dapat nabibigyan ng pansin ay yung mga farmers natin bago ang lahat,” Enopia told radar Business.
Based in Imus, Cavite, Enopia has been roasting coffee for nearly six years. He joined the competition independently while visiting Thailand with his wife, treating the experience as both a learning opportunity and a chance to represent the Philippines on a regional stage.
Strengthening roasting practices
The competition tested both skill and adaptability. Participants were assigned beans sourced from across ASEAN and given 30 minutes to produce a single roast they believed best expressed the coffee’s qualities. Enopia drew Davao excelsa, a less common variety known for its distinct profile, and presented his entry for judging through a public cupping.
The championship featured two categories—Professional or Team and Home or Individual—with participants representing countries such as India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. The format highlighted precision, consistency, and the ability to bring out flavor characteristics from regionally sourced beans.
Beyond the competition, Enopia described the experience as an opportunity to learn from fellow roasters and industry professionals. He said the exposure reinforced his belief that Filipino coffee can compete internationally, given the right attention to quality and sourcing.
THAIFEX–HOREC Asia 2026 ran from March 11 to 13 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, buyers, and industry players exploring new ideas across hospitality, food service, and café sectors.
The trade show also featured workshops, product showcases, and other competitions, reflecting the growing interest in specialty coffee and café concepts across the region.
For Enopia, the recognition was a milestone but also a reminder of the work needed to elevate Philippine coffee further. Strengthening roasting practices and supporting local farmers, he said, will be key to building a more competitive industry in the years ahead.
From Imus to Bangkok: Roaster John Eric Enopia secures a podium finish at THAIFEX–HOREC Asia 2026, highlighting the global potential of Philippine specialty coffee.
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