Filipina barista and supervisor Maryjane Palma clinched the National Champion title at the 2024 Aeropress Competition held in Qatar. This victory marks a significant milestone in her seven-year journey abroad, where she has risen through the ranks from a casual server to a barista and now a supervisor.
Maryjane began her career at Fuel Specialty Coffee in August 2018, starting as a casual server. Reflecting on her beginnings, she shared with The Global Filipino Magazine, “I started off being a casual server at Fuel Specialty Coffee in Aug. 2018 to start my journey in coffee and got hired as a barista in Dec. 2020 in Fuel, promoted as a supervisor in 2023 until now. I consider winning the championship this year to be my greatest achievement in life.”
Her ascent in the coffee industry was marked by determination and hard work, despite starting with no prior knowledge.
“When I started in the coffee industry, I had zero knowledge, but I am grateful to the people who taught me and inspired me on my journey and push me because sometimes I really don’t know what I want. The fact that someone trusts me and guides me on this path makes me happy. They have enabled me to achieve my dream,” Maryjane shared.
Winning the National Champion title was an emotional moment for Maryjane.
“Even though I can’t believe it, I’m thrilled to have made it to the finals and win,” she expressed. Her participation in the Aeropress Competition was fueled by the unwavering support of her family, friends, and colleagues. “Thanks to my family, friends, and those who always support, encourage, and aid me, I am capable of doing this,” she added.
Maryjane’s preparation for the competition began last year.
“The interest in joining the Aeropress championship was last year, 2023. Unfortunately, the date of that competition hit my vacation month, so I was not able to join. Since then, I started to explore and tried many techniques and equipment. Since I was determined to join the 2024 Qatar Aeropress Competition,” she explained.
Her dedication to refining her skills and techniques paid off, leading to her victory this year.
With the national title in hand, Maryjane is now set to represent Qatar at the World Aeropress Championship in Lisbon, Portugal, on September 20, 2024.
“This competition is something I’m looking forward to, even though I know there are many champions there. Nonetheless, I will give my best shot. My family, friends, and Fuel family are all believers in me. The support I receive makes me feel like I’ve already won,” she said.
Maryjane acknowledges her strong support system, crediting her family, friends, and colleagues at Fuel Specialty Coffee.
“Family, Fuel Family, and Friends are the support that I will cherish in my life,” she said.
Balancing her passion for coffee with other aspects of her life has been a key to her success.
“Time management is helping me get to this point. Being a supervisor is a new experience for me, so I need to maximize my time. My passion for coffee is something that I want to learn more about simultaneously. My mentorship from the management team has played a significant role in helping me reach this level,” she explained.
To her fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) around the world, Maryjane has a message of encouragement and resilience.
“What makes it happen is just to follow your passion and have dedication to your work. When we encounter a new challenge in our lives, whether it is personal or professional, consider it a challenge. Don’t whine, just give it your all. You won’t notice that you’re changing to become a better version of yourself. If you become exhausted, take a break but do not give up,” she advised.
Notably, another Filipino expat, Aaron Barredo, won the same competition in Oman. Both Maryjane and Aaron will compete this month at the World Aeropress Championship in Lisbon, Portugal