Blugre GenSan's one-two punch

"Blugre GenSan’s one-two punch"
Sun.Star Davao, March 7, 2009

Dynamic husband and wife team Gatchi and Larcy Gatchalian are touted as the pioneers in creating the ‘coffee culture’ in Davao City.

Established in 1998, their highly successful Blugre Coffee was a spin-off of an apparel line by the Gatchalians which they opened in the mid-90s. Although they are both Manileños, the entrepreneurial couple consider themselves as Dabawenyos by heart.

“The coffee shop was conceptualized as part of the services for our clothing clients. Fortunately, the response was so overwhelming and from apparel, we switched to Blugre Coffee as our main business”, shares Gatchi.

Gatchi and Larcy have since then operated three Blugre Coffee branches in Landco Corporate Center, Matina Town Square and SM City Davao.

Almost eleven years after, Blugre Coffee has not only endeared themselves to Dabawenyos but other Mindanaowans as well.

Last February 23, 2009, People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao and business savvy wife Jinkee became Blugre Coffee’s first-ever franchisees under the name MP Coffee Company. Jinkee, who is a mom of four, acts as the general manager of the said company.

“The one who contacted me was Jinkee. They were looking for a business that they could put up at their JMP Building along South Osmeña Street in General Santos City”, says Gatchi.
“The Pacquiaos wanted a coffee shop which will be easy to manage and has a brand recall. From the beginning, they simply knew that we were the one they liked”, the marketing whiz enthuses.

“They called our franchise consultant and the rest is history. In fact, Jinkee is looking at other locations and even other branches in GenSan”, Gatchi smiles.

Gracing the inauguration and blessing of Blugre GenSan were Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao, Gatchi and Larcy Gatchalian, General Santos City mayor Jun Acharon, actors Philip Salvador and Bayani Agbayani, boxing champ/comedian Onyok Velasco, JMP Building architect Rex Acdal, GMA TV Manila reporter Jay Taruc, members of the GenSan City Media Office Bureau and the Pacquiaos’ and Gatchalians’ relatives, friends and business associates.

Also present was Davao-based sculptor, furniture and jewelry designer Ann Tiukinhoy Pamintuan, one of the members of the globally respected Movement 8. Ann exclusively designed the signature Blugre lamps which are among the focal points of the specialty coffee shop’s new look.

Blugre GenSan serves the coffee shop’s signature drink, Durian Gatchpuccino (inspired by Gatchi’s name), “a hot cappuccino concoction that blends espresso and durian fruit”. The cold version of this popular drink is Durian Larcepuccino (coined after Larcy).

Aside from its great tasting coffee like espresso, latte, mocha and cappuccino, Blugre offers Blugre Shakers, chocolate drinks, milk and flavored tea drinks which can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

Not to be missed, too, are Blugre’s scrumptious line of desserts and pastries such as Chocolate Chips Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, Choco Torte with Cream Sauce, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Decadence, Banana Cream Pie, Mango Cream Pie, Choco Dome, Banana Streusels, Oatmeal Fudge Bar, Cheese Roll Bites, and lots more.

The coffee shop, which has likewise become a favorite family hang-out, is known for its lip-smacking pica-pica, panini (sandwiches), pasta and other tummy-filling meals as well.

Blugre merchandise items like souvenir shirts (for men and ladies), ceramic mugs and stainless mugs are also available to the coffee-loving customers.

Gatchi discloses that he feels extremely honored that Manny and Jinkee chose to open a Blugre coffee shop in their beloved hometown.

“The Pacquiaos felt we were a good match, Manny being a Mindanaowan icon and Blugre Coffee which is an original Mindanao concept”, Gatchi reveals.

Undoubtedly, this winning combination is Blugre GenSan’s one-two punch that will perk up the tuna capital’s booming coffee scene.

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BLUGRE BUZZ. Blugre Tagum, which is another franchise, is scheduled to open in the second half of 2009 while Blugre Landco will undergo renovation in time for Blugre’s 11th anniversary.

For franchise inquiries, please call (0917)8080303 and look for Blugre Coffee president Gatchi Gatchalian.

To my dear friends Gatchi and Larcy, “Keep on brewing!”