19/08/2026
Thank you so much for sharing our story so beautifully! 💚
Reading this brings such overwhelming joy and pride to our entire family. Britos Cafe & Roastery is truly a labor of love—rooted in the memory of our parents, Brigida and Tito, and built with every bit of heart, teamwork, and hard work from each of us siblings. What started as a humble dream with modest means has grown beyond what we ever imagined, and we could not have come this far without so many who believed in us.
We are deeply grateful to DTI and the Negosyo Center—for the invaluable guidance, mentorship, and support that truly turned things around for us. From learning better ways to serve you, to connecting us with our wonderful local coffee farmers, every bit of help has shaped us into the business we are today. And to our beloved customers and community in Maitum—thank you for welcoming us, supporting us, and making this journey worth every effort.
This story is proof that when family stands together, when we keep learning, and when the right support meets hard work—dreams really do grow. We are so proud to stand as part of Sarangani’s growing story, and we promise to keep serving you with the same passion, gratitude, and love from day one.
Thank you for honoring our journey! 🫶☕
In the heart of Maitum, Sarangani Province, a family’s passion for coffee, creativity, and entrepreneurship has blossomed into a thriving local enterprise, the Britos Cafe & Roastery.
The name “Britos” is a tribute to their roots, beautifully combining the names of their parents, Brigida and Tito. What began in March 2023 with an initial capital of P150,000 has grown into a promising family business built on talent, teamwork, perseverance, and the right support.
The cafe was envisioned by Ivan Carlo Santillana and his siblings, and inspired by their brother Michael, a seasoned barista from Singapore. They wanted to start a business where each sibling could contribute their unique skills and creativity. From carefully crafted food and beverages to custom-made furniture, every corner of Britos Cafe & Roastery reflects the Santillana family’s passion and ingenuity.
When the cafe first opened, it quickly became a favorite among young professionals and coffee enthusiasts. However, as customers grew, so did the challenges. With limited equipment and meager daily sales, the family found it difficult to keep up with the growing demand.
Recognizing the need to strengthen their business, Ivan actively sought opportunities to learn and improve. Through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), he participated in various capacity-building programs, including the Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprises (KMME) and seminars on Customer Service, Marketing, and Financial Management facilitated through the Negosyo Center.
The knowledge and mentoring gained through DTI’s interventions helped the Santillana siblings improve their business practices, strengthen their decision-making, and gain a clearer perspective on managing and growing their business.
DTI’s support also extended to the cafe’s supply chain. Through the DTI’s RAPID Growth Project, Britos Cafe & Roastery was linked with local coffee farmers, helping establish a more reliable source of quality coffee beans while creating opportunities for local producers. This connection allowed the business to strengthen its commitment to sourcing its raw materials locally and contributing to the growth of Sarangani’s coffee industry.
With enhanced knowledge, stronger linkages, and improved resources, the Santillana siblings gradually transformed Britos Cafe & Roastery. Their operations became more organized, facilities and equipment were upgraded, and the quality of their products and services improved. The results were remarkable. Their daily sales have increased by up to 200%.
Today, Britos Cafe & Roastery is more than a thriving family-owned cafe. It has become a showcase of Sarangani’s local products, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The journey of Britos Cafe & Roastery is a testament to what can happen when family passion meets continuous learning, mentorship, market linkages, and government support. It is a story of siblings who dared to dream, learned to adapt, and worked together to turn a modest family venture into a growing community enterprise.
Indeed, Britos Cafe & Roastery proves that success is best brewed with passion, perseverance, family, and the right support. END/Hazel Daze A. Flores
