In celebration of National Coffee Month, this October series of Good and Green episodes features inspiring stories from Filipino coffee advocates and entrepreneurs. In this episode, Chit Juan sits down with Imelda Dagus, founder and CEO of Dennis Coffee Garden, the first heritage coffeehouse brand rooted in the Kahawa Sug tradition of the Sulu Archipelago. Imelda shares how she transformed her family’s 1962 coffee legacy into a thriving business that uplifts farmers, preserves Tausug culture, and empowers communities. From her years as an OFW to becoming a cultural entrepreneur, Imelda reflects on legacy, sustainability, and the power of coming home to build something meaningful.

GUEST BIO:

 Imelda A. Dagus is the Founder and CEO of Dennis Coffee Garden, a heritage coffeehouse from the Sulu Archipelago that celebrates Kahawa Sug. She also serves as President of Suluk Holdings, Inc., and has expanded her brand through multiple branches, bottled coffee products, and a roastery and nursery to support local farmers. A recognized advocate for heritage-based enterprise, she has received national and regional awards for entrepreneurship and cultural preservation and is currently pursuing a Master in Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How a 1962 family café inspired a modern heritage coffee brand.
• Preserving Tausug culture through Kahawa Sug coffee and traditional pastries.
• From OFW life abroad to building a legacy-driven enterprise at home.
• Empowering farmers and youth through sustainable, inclusive business practices.
• Faith, heritage, and leadership as anchors for lasting community impact.

QUOTES:

• It was more than just opening a cafe for me. It was about continuing my grandmother's legacy. — Imelda Dagus
• Drinking coffee is a way of life for us. — Imelda Dagus
• You can't stop a good thing. — Chit Juan
• I see Dennis Coffee Garden as a platform to earn money, preserve culture, empower out of school youth, and help the farmers. — Imelda Dagus
• My mantra is: if I can do something to help not just my family, but the whole community, why not? — Imelda Dagus

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Imelda Dagus on:

• Dennis Coffee Garden Website 
• Dennis Coffee Garden on Instagram  
• Dennis Coffee Garden on Facebook 

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