About Me

Hi, I'm Paolo.

My day job is in tech, but coffee is my first love. I started @paololearnscoffee on Instagram as a way to document my journey of learning about coffee, and this site is an extension of that mission.

From F&B to Tech (and Back Again)

My journey didn't start in a startup; it started in the Philippines back in 2014. I graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and I entered the coffee industry when the specialty scene there was still in its infancy.

While I eventually stumbled into the tech world, I never lost that "front-of-house" soul. For me, coffee has always been an extension of hospitality. I don't just see it as a caffeine hit, I see it as a service, an experience, and a way to connect with people.

It's Not About the TDS

In a world of high-end grinders and endless talk about extraction percentages and TDS, I've realised that I don't actually care about the "nerdiness" for the sake of it. I work in tech, so I get enough "optimisation" in my day job. When it comes to coffee, I'm much more interested in the meta-aspects:

• Human Behavior: Why do we gravitate toward certain rituals?
• Theories of Joy: How can a simple cup of coffee genuinely change someone's mood?
• Community: How does this "fun little hobby" build bridges between strangers?

Making Coffee Approachable

My goal with @paololearnscoffee and this site isn't to tell you that you're brewing "wrong" because your water temperature is off by a degree. I want to strip away the gatekeeping.

I believe coffee should be approachable, inclusive, and, above all, fun. Whether I'm collaborating with a Barista Champion or sharing a recipe for a simple home brew, I'm looking for the happiness and the community that coffee creates, rather than the "perfect" technical extraction.

I'm here to learn out loud, explore the theories behind why we love this drink, and hopefully help you enjoy your morning cup a little bit more—regardless of what gear you're using.

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Let's Chat

Find me on Instagram at @paololearnscoffee.