Wake up and Smell the coffee

You can chuck that list of resolutions out the window. Tomorrow, you will wake up to the same morning, look at an older face in the mirror, and wonder why life has not changed. Half-asleep, you brush your teeth using the same toothpaste, eat another ho-hum breakfast, and taste the coffee you've been drinking all your life.

But that's not acceptable; it's a new year and life's supposed to be different. Look for a new toothpaste flavor, have a vegetarian breakfast. Or better yet change your coffee brand.

Here's a list of new bean brands to perk up the mornings of your new life:

Boyds Coffee. A must-have for coffee enthusiasts, Boyds is a full-service coffee company, which means it supplies both coffee hardware (beans and machines) and software (business concepts and training). Also, for more choices, it has two coffee brands: Coffee house roaster, a line that uses Arabica and Robusta beans, and the Italia D' Oro, an Italian style coffee.

Gourmet's Farm. Not a lot of people know that this country store, known for its pito-pito tea and banaba iced tea, also offers coffee choices. Gourmet's Farm's lineup consists of six blends: Maynila, Barako, Premium, Espresso, Mountain-grown Arabica, and Reserve Blend.

Monk's Blend. The coffee has a savory aroma. Credit that to the coffee beans, which, as announced by the name, were selected by monks. The beans come from the Monestary of Transfiguraton's plantation in Bukidnon. Also, it's good to know that part of proceeds goes to scholarships for farmers' children, medical aid, and livelihood projects.

The Coffee Beanery. This coffee shop is operated by the group that started Cravings, a trendy restaurant in Katipunan. It offers perhaps the most extensive collection of espresso drinks and gourmet coffee.

Siete Baracos. This brand's for coffee lovers with powerful, Pinoy taste buds. Bayanan Delicacy Center's coffee comes straight from its plantation in Batangas. It features four flavors: Pure Barako, which credits its taste to the size of its beans; 3 In 1 Blend, a mix of Arabica, Robusta, and Barako; Black Gold Blend, a mix of Arabica and Barako beans that's roasted longer for a traditional taste; and the Brewmaster Blend, a blend of the three beans with a dominant Arabica taste.

Segafredo. This cafe's "High on Coffee" promo is in the list for mallrats. Located at Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, the set consists of a two-tiered platter with savory canapés and sweets. It's served with espresso Americano for two.

Mocha Blends. This is another cup for the mallrat. The Australian-grown coffee company is giving local coffee makers a run for their money with a unique yet Pinoy-friendly brew. It features locally grown Arabica beans from the Mountain Province, Palawan, Iloilo, and Bukidnon, mixed with an Australian twist.

Bon Vivant. For those succumbing to the European trend, this one will fill your cup. It offers varying blends of plain coffee such as Lite City Roast, Viennese Roast, Rich Espresso, Traditional Dark French Roast, and the Pinoy's favorite Philippine Barako. Also it features flavored coffee blends like French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Irish Cream, Hawaiian Macademia, Cinnamon Spice, and Chocolate Raspberry.