Counting My Blessings

I feel for the hundreds of lives affected by yesterday's Boston Marathon bombing. Whether it's a sick coordinated prank or an act of terrorism, it leaves a stigma to the whole world that America (the whole world even) is as vulnerable as any other country. Safety is always uncertain.

There's something about "Bean Town" that makes it close to my heart! It's the first US State on my wish list immediately upon getting (after 3 denials) my US Visa; I'm a BIG Celtics fan since birth (thanks to my brother Fred), and my ultimate dream is to be able to send Kiddo to a University in Boston either for college or post graduate studies.

Our honeymoon destination

Rewind to January 2013 as we were planning our annual summer getaway. All roads point to the US (Boston in particular) as the annual Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) was to be held there. Oh and as an added bonus, two days after the SCAA, the Boston Marathon was to be staged - COOL! And as an icing to the cake, there will be a Celtics-Pacers NBA game scheduled in TD Garden a day after the marathon - PERFECT!

For some strange twist of fate, in February I learned that my In-Laws were headed to Europe - Spain and France to be exact, same time as the SCAA Show. I couldn't trace back as to why or how I decided to join them at the 11th hour, but someway-somehow it felt "proper" to be with them in another continent. In a nutshell I opted for the less obvious choice...

Fast forward to today, I am thankful as I write this post in the comfy confines of my abode. Friends who attended the SCAA and stayed a few days after to hobnob or take-in "Bean Town's" beauty were either stranded or severely inconvenienced due to the senseless bombing; and the Celtics-Pacers NBA game was cancelled for security reasons - SAD!

With full confidence I am cheering for Boston's resiliency, to immediately rebound from this bump. The good always wins. See you soon "Bean Town!"

Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) 2012

A lifetime of gratitude to our  STASERO USA Family for the warm reception and for sponsoring our visit to the 24th annual Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Event, held last April 18-19, 2012 in the Rose City of Portland, Oregon (PDX).

Thank You Mr. Kabani! Here's to a 100 more years, even beyond...

The STASERO brand, proudly made in Seattle, Washington is a loyal member and exhibitor of the SCAA, and is well-represented by Far Skyes Enterprise in the Philippines (including some parts of South-East Asia) since 2003. Pleasure was ours to once again touch base with the Kabani family and reaffirm our commitment as brand-partners.

Calm before the storm, getting ready for the show

Proud event-sponsor BOYD's Coffee USA

Opening Remarks by the SCAA Officers

Scratch one off our "coffee geek" bucket list as this event, our first in both the show and the city,  is truly the mecca for anything and everything CAFFEINE (and many more). A weekend where the stars of the Coffee Universe all came together, and the perfect venue to rub elbows with fellow aficionados and industry friends - both old and new!

Peaches Go-Tiu of Far Skyes Enteprise with Ms. Aisha Kabani
of Eagle Beverage, proud owner & manufacturer of the Stasero Brand

Metting up in PDX with good friends, Boyd Coffee Philippines
President Roberto Francisco & Wife Dr. Christine Santos-Francisco

Enjoying my 1st cup, experts say "Superb coffee begins w/ great beans.
 Coffee should be well roasted resulting balance and fullness in flavor ."   

Global exhibitors ready to showcase their stuff

One day is not enough for "looksies" and hobnobbing. Here are some photos we took of the SCAA 2012 show...  Happy viewing!

The Astoria Team Came in Full-Force

Such a kick-ass roaster!

Sampling Single Origins via Pour-Overs - Public Domain

Cold Brew never tasted better... 

Proudly Guatemalan

Free Coffee everywhere! ♥

The whole SCAAA experience stamped a huge and lasting smile on our faces, knowing the Brands we represent and promote are of fine reputation. Limitless possibilities await the coffee industry as well, as this drink has proven time and again that it transcends culture, barriers and even recession.  Time for the attendees to head back to their respective points of origin, yet with a united outlook of positivity for the industry we all love! Looking forward to the next one?  See you all in BEAN Town 2013!

"Take in our city's innovative cafes & roasteries, but also enjoy the natural beauty
 that has played an integral role in bringing so many people here. It's an exciting
time for Portland and specialty coffee alike, and we look forward to celebrating
 it here together." -  Chris Ryan,  Editor,  Fresh Cup Magazine