No Juan Is An Island

It is always a lovely feeling when you pair the crisp, cool air of Baguio City with a slow, intentional afternoon. As someone who has always held a deep appreciation for matcha, I jumped at the chance to attend the Intro to Matcha drink-making session. Hosted by The Shared Table, this beautiful, intimate event found its perfect home at the cozy Out of the Ordinary Cafe. It was my very first time learning the craft behind the cup, and I left with my spirit lifted and a heart full of gratitude.

Here is a look into that wonderfully mindful afternoon, the beauty of Maru Matcha, and the simple art of the perfect whisk.
The Sacred Art of the Whisk
Before this session, my relationship with matcha was purely as a consumer. But sitting down with the tools of the craft changes your perspective. We were introduced to Maru Matcha, a premium local brand that sources its vibrant, high-quality stone-ground green tea directly from Japan. Good matcha shouldn’t feel intimidating, and Maru Matcha embodies exactly that—approachable luxury. 

We learned that crafting a proper bowl of matcha is an exercise in presence. The process is almost meditative:
Sifting: We began by sifting the brilliant, emerald-green powder through a fine mesh strainer to ensure no clumps remained.
The Water Temperature: We used water heated precisely to around 80°C. Boiling water is a death sentence for matcha, scorching the leaves and bringing out an unpleasant bitterness.

The Frothing Motion: Using a traditional bamboo whisk, or chasen, we learned the proper technique. It’s not a circular stir; it requires a vigorous, energetic back-and-forth motion shaping the letters “W” or “M” using just the wrist.
Watching the liquid transform, catching the rich aroma of toasted nuts and sweet grass, and seeing a dense, creamy micro-foam form on top was incredibly satisfying.

Exploring the Maru Matcha Flight
One of the highlights of the workshop was learning about the distinct profiles within Maru Matcha’s curated lineup. Much like specialty coffee or fine wine, matcha flavors vary beautifully depending on the harvest and cultivar:
Hana Maru: This is their beautifully balanced, smooth everyday choice. It features a natural, creamy sweetness with zero harsh bitterness, making it an absolute dream for velvety matcha lattes.
Asa: On the incredibly creamy side, Asa brings a wonderful hint of nuttiness to the palate. It’s light, vibrant, and pairs flawlessly with plant-based or dairy milks without needing any added sweeteners.
Nami: A premium, ceremonial-grade pick that boasts an incredibly deep, rich umami flavor profile. It is exceptionally smooth and savory, perfect for drinking pure with just warm water.

A Mindful Baguio Afternoon
The warm, rustic aesthetic of Out of the Ordinary Cafe provided the ultimate backdrop for this creative escape. Surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, the entire experience felt less like a rigid class and more like a warm gathering of friends sharing a quiet passion.
There is something deeply grounding about working with your hands to create something beautiful. Taking that very first sip of a beverage I had personally whisked to perfection was pure bliss. My spirit felt completely lifted today—calm, focused, and deeply grateful for the simple, fine joys of life.

Have you tried whisking your own matcha at home yet? Which Maru flavor profile sounds like your perfect cup?