Chef Ernie’s passion and affinity for coffee takes root from his six-year experience at DOME Café, where he was part of the opening team for every branch and was consequently awarded Master Barista. He went on to become a consultant for over 30 different cafes in Metro Manila, plus several across the Philippines. He is regularly tapped to be a Head and Technical Judge for barista competitions. His aversion to mediocrity and persistence to learn more about coffee, as a science and as an art, has helped him share his knowledge most effectively. Among his prominent coffee mentors are Fabio Doni and Luca Dore (La Spaziale of Bologna, Italy) and Jason Wang (Grand Master Barista and Owner, Jas Café Shanghai, China).
Chef Ernie became a guest instructor at the Magsaysay Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. In 2005, he started to share his expertise with coffee enthusiasts and students alike at the Heny Sison Culinary School, where he feels at home because of his shared value of passion and work integrity. With all his accomplishments, acquired knowledge, and experience from his erstwhile 25-year practice in the Food, Beverage, and Service industry, Chef Ernie continues to pay it forward by motivating his students to strive for excellence, just like “making a perfect pull when preparing an espresso.”