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Batangas Delicacies Local Flavors to Share with Loved Ones

Beginner-Friendly Mountains in Batangas Easy Trails for Your First Thrilling Mountain Journey

26 20 Say Cheese A Journey Through Galleria Taal’s Camera Collection

Feast on a Budget! The ₱500 Ala Eh! Festival Challenge 32 Vessel Feature Get to

38 Beyond the Buzz: Inside Saranghae Bee Farm’s Success

48 The Wedding Gift A Monument of Love and a Nerve Center for Revolution

56 Spilling the Beans: A Double Shot of Chika with Cafe Liberica’s Barista

Your travel fortune for April

ARIES (MAR 21-APR 19)

Travel vibe: bold, spontaneous trips

It’s your season! Motivation is high, making this the perfect time for solo adventures and exploring new perspectives. Everything feels alive when you’re moving—just be sure to act with purpose.

TAURUS (APR 20-MAY 20)

Travel vibe: luxury and relaxation

Chill vacations are calling for you. Resorts, nature trips, and food tours are good this month as your energy shifts into slow, sensual enjoyment. However, there’s also an unexpected shift in your finances and values. Enjoy your vacation, but watch your spending.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 20)

Travel vibe: busy, social, and dynamic

Your social life is peaking! It’s a great time to network, travel, and chase your goals. While you’re thriving on movement and new connections, be sure to balance your busy schedule to avoid burnout.

CANCER (JUN 21-JUL 22)

Travel vibe: comfort and emotional grounding

Choose destinations that give you comfort and safety, somewhere tied to home and family. You enjoy peace and relaxation, so you prefer places that are familiar and emotionally meaningful. Hometown visits, bonding trips, and beach stays are your thing.

LEO (JUL 23-AUG 22)

Travel vibe: expansion and exciting experiences

This month is all about boosting your social life and embracing new experiences. Seize every opportunity to visit places where you can shine and express yourself with confidence. Be sure to include festivals, nightlife, and scenic destinations in your travel itinerary to truly feel alive.

VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 22)

Travel vibe: thoughtful and refreshing trips

Take a solo pamper trip to a spa or hot spring to process your emotions, reset your boundaries, and realign your life priorities.

LIBRA (SEP 23-OCT 22)

Travel vibe: romantic aesthetic and shared beauty

This is a gentle and beautiful moment for you, as this marks the beginning of your travel in beauty era. You are more drawn to aesthetic trips with visually stunning places and romantic experiences. Savor that energy and visit art galleries, candlelit dinners, and engage in intimate conversations.

SCORPIO (OCT 23-NOV 21)

Travel vibe: mystery and transformation You may be experiencing a full and demanding month, but your creative energy and passion are strong. You crave depth in your trips, so it may feel intense and life-changing. Sacred places, retreats, and off-grid travels are good for inner reflection and transformation.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22-DEC 21)

Travel vibe: freedom and global exploration Channel your high energy into hiking or international travel. Embracing these outdoor pursuits and new cultures will lead you to major discoveries.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 19)

Travel vibe: practical and quiet rewards While your travels often center on work and duty, they ultimately yield deep satisfaction. Once you’ve earned a reward for your hard work, head to a scenic, nature-based destination to recharge your energy and gain fresh perspectives.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20-FEB 18)

Travel vibe: unconventional and experimental

You may feel a boost in your communication during this time, so go out of your comfort zone and share your wisdom in new conversations. Solo adventures, quirky destinations, and volunteering experiences help feed your curiosity and break routines.

PISCES (FEB 19-MAR 20)

Travel vibe: dreamy escape and spiritual flow

A soft and meaningful month that guides you to gentle, restorative experiences. You are fascinated by calming places that feed your creative and spiritual senses. Beach getaways, quiet retreats, and slow travel tap into your intuitive, creative flow.

Goto

Tawilis

Lomi

Bulalo

Kapeng Barako

Batangas Delicacies to

Enjoy with your Loved Ones

Food has always been at the heart of Filipino gatherings, whether with family, friends, or that special someone. In Batangas, every bite comes with a story, every dish a reason to linger at the table a little longer. From laughter shared over steaming bowls to conversations sparked by sweet treats, dining together is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of connection. Here’s a roundup of Batangas delicacies worth savoring with the people you love most.

Bulalo

Almost every Filipino is familiar with this special dish. Isang higop mo pa lang sa sabaw ay mapapapikit ka na agad sa sarap! This is what makes Batangas Bulalo special--its sabaw. Its long preparation time elevates the simplicity of the dish, making every sip memorable and every bite special to the bones! Speaking of bones, sinong tatanggi sa bone marrow na nakatago sa gitna ng makapal na buto nito. Siguradong Simot to the bones talaga!

Batangas Goto

Rice porridge or lugaw is commonly known as a comfort food for Filipinos as it’s usually served when you’re sick. However, Batangas Goto puts an extraordinary twist to this dish by incorporating several internal organs. Hindi lang ‘yan ang nagpapa-special sa Batangas Goto dahil wala rin itong kanin. Batangas Goto is a savory soup filled with beef internal organs and annatto powder.

Deep Fried Tawilis

Tawilis is a freshwater fish which can only be found in the lakes of Taal. Maraming posibleng putahe ang mga Batangueños para sa isda na ‘to pero syempre you shouldn’t miss out on the classic deep fried tawilis. Sa sobrang crispy nito, pwedeng pwede mo ‘to kainin mula ulo hanggang buntot nang hindi natitinik. To add more flavor, you can pair it with bagoong Balayan or just simply dip it with vinegar to balance out its saltiness.

Kapeng Barako

Mainit man o malamig ang panahon, hindi mawawala ang kape sa mga Pinoy and Batangas happens to house a well-known coffee blend that Filipinos love--known for its strong dark taste and inviting aroma, the Kapeng Barako. Ika nga ng mga Batangueño, unang higop mo palang ay siguradong magigising at mabubuhayan ka agad. A cup of kapeng barako paired with some fresh pandesal from local panaderias is best enjoyed while catching up with your loved ones and being in the moment with them.

Tiktok

Batangas Lomi

Esteban’s Hauz is one of those Lomi houses na masasabi mong mapapa at home ka talaga kapag natikman mo ang iba’t ibang Lomi recipes nila–and their secret sauce? Just the perfect dip you couldn’t get enough! Esteban’s famous picks are their famous Tiktok Lomi, which is topped with Egg, crunchy Bagnet, Kikiam, and Chicharon.

May Instagram din sila, a perfect post-worthy bowl, as this selection combines the heartiness of Egg and savory Tapa with the satisfying bite of Siomai, all finished with the essential Batangas Chicharon.

Hindi mo rin dapat mamiss ang kanilang

‘Chubby’ option, a generously loaded bowl filled with Tapa, Egg, Kikiam, and a mound of Chicharon.

Syempre kung may chubby, mayroon din silang

’ It’s a full-bodied bowl that will entice your palate with a savory mix of Tapa, Egg, Kikiam, and crispy Chicharon.

Last but not the least, Sisig Lomi–an ultimate mash-up for the adventurous eater. This bowl takes the best of Filipino comfort food, featuring smoky, chopped Sisig, a mix of Chicharon, Egg, crunchy Bagnet, and Kikiam.

Sexy, Chubby

Beginner-Friendly Mountains in Batangas

The cool dry season is finally here! While Batangas is known for its water resorts and activities, have you tried climbing their mountains yet? It’s as refreshing as bathing in the water but with a much thrilling journey and fulfilling end.

“ It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. “

Mt. Batulao

Also known as the ‘Beginner’s Playground’ in Nasugbu Batangas. It features stunning panoramic views which offer both old and new trails. At its peak, its tall grasslands and green bushes dancing along with the wind makes the scenery a breathtaking view that will take all your worries away. The best time to visit is during the cool, dry season (December–February), though it can get hot and crowded.

Registration Fee: PhP150 per person

Guide Fee: PhP 500 for 5 persons

Difficulty: 4/9

Jump-off Point: Hillcrest Golf Course

Location: Nasugbu, Batangas

Sponty VOYAGE

I learned that there’s a place in Batangas where you can say that you are grateful that you were born in the Philippines.

As of now, Nasugbu because I had a recent adventure there. What’s your favorite place in Batangas? and why?

Adam Taruc / @adamselindistress_ / @alanskiezxc

Mt. Talamitam

Mt. Talamitam is another popular hiking spot for beginners. It’s a 2-hour hike that might hurt your knees a little because of its challenging steeps but as you reach its peak, it’s worth the pain. It features stunning open cogon trails, scenic rocky, and grassland views, with a river crossing that would instantly refresh your mind and soothe your soul.

Registration Fee: PhP 40 per person

Guide Fee: PhP 500 for 5-8 persons

Difficulty: 3/9

Jump-off Point: Brgy. Kayrilaw Tourism

Reception Area or Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga

Location: Nasugbu, Batangas

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Mt. Gulugod Baboy offers a spectacular view of a balanced mix of various seascapes and landscapes. At its peak is a harmony of open grassy slopes, three distinct peaks, and direct views of nearby islands like Sombrero and Maricaban, making it a popular spot for trekking, camping, and sunset viewing.

Registration Fee: PhP 50 per person

Guide Fee: PhP 500 for 4 persons

Difficulty: 2/9

Jump-off Point: Philpan Dive Resort in Brgy. Anilao, Mabini, Batangas

Location: Mabini, Batangas

Mt. Manabu

Mt. Manabu is yet another beginner-friendly mountain in Batangas that is worth all the pain. The mountain’s trail is covered by a bushy forest that provides fresh air and a shade from the blazing heat of the sun. It’s a great spot to create new memories as they don’t just offer refreshers for the soul but also refreshments like buko juice and their special alamid coffee for your gut.

Registration Fee: PhP 20 per person

Guide Fee: PhP 500

Difficulty: 2/9

Jump-off Point: Sulok, Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sto. Tomas

Location: Sto. Tomas, Batangas

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Have you ever heard of this expression? Did you also read it with a prominent Batangueño accent?

In the dialect of Batangueños, “ala” is a term that translates to “well” while the term “eh” has no definite meaning but it’s used as a word to provide emphasis. With reference to this famous expression, Batangas created a festival to encourage people to visit their province. In 2008, Batangas introduced their Ala Eh! Festival to mesmerize tourists with the rich and varied culture of the province and to further promote tourism in the region.

Feast on a Budget: The

₱500 Ala Eh! Festival Challenge

In December 2025, the Ala Eh! Festival was finally back in full swing. Batangas City was alive with street dancing, trade fairs, art, music, and sooooo much color.

But the best part? The Food.

We Filipinos are huge foodies. For us, a festival isn’t just a sight to see; it’s a menu to explore!

I stepped into the festival grounds with just a single ₱500 bill in my pocket. Could I actually survive AND THRIVE at the biggest festival in Batangas on that budget?

Here’s how my ₱500 food crawl went:

Fresh Watermelon Juice

I arrived in the afternoon and the scorching heat was no joke! I needed something to refresh my soul and conquer the fever. I spotted a stall selling fresh fruit juices chilled in giant dispensers. The vibrant red of the watermelon enticed me. It was the best first move I could’ve made!

Chicken Poppers

With my thirst quenched, the hunger kicked in. I grabbed a serving of Chicken Poppers—bitesized, crispy, and easy to eat. They were the perfect “walking food,” allowing me to munch while passing through the sea of revelers.

The Photobooth

Okay, I KNOW this wasn’t edible. But what is a festival without a souvenir, right? RIGHT. I stumbled upon a Photobooth and just had to do it. Just look at the photo; it’s so cute! Definitely worth it for the memory.

4 Japanese Fries

I noticed a huge line around one particular stall. I got curious. I asked the tindera what it was, and she introduced me to Japanese Fries. They were incredibly loooooooong— honestly longer than my face—can you believe it? They were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Totally worth the wait in line.

5Plato Wraps

To finish my ₱500 journey, I went with an old favorite: Plato Wraps. It’s heavy, filling, and easy to carry. It gave me that final burst of energy I needed for the long walk back and the commute home.

Still Craving? Head to the Night Market!

I walked away with a full stomach, a cute souvenir photo, and pure euphoria. The Ala Eh! Festival proves that you don’t need a fortune to experience the richness of Batangas (just a big appetite and a bit of “Ala Eh!” spirit).

Even though the festival is over for now, you can still go on a food trip! If you’re craving right now, just head over to the Night Market at the Lumang Palengke (Old Market) in Batangas City. There are so many stalls and different kinds of food to try. It’s not all just Batangas food, but that’s the fun part—there’s something for everyone

Ready to start your Batangas food crawl?

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UNDERNEATH THE DEEP BLUE SEA CREATION

Anilao serves as the Philippines’ “Eden,” or birthplace of scuba diving. It has 40 diving sites recognized as Batangas’ scuba diving capital. The best diving sites are in Sombrero Island, Maricaban Island, Cathedral, and Mapating. Anilao diving is renowned for its incredible diversity, abundant reefs, variety of fish, unexpected critters, and nudibranchs that appear.

The rare soft coral forests can be found 70-130 ft deep. Activities in Anilao is not only limited to diving, but also include snorkeling, kayaking, and island hopping.

Anilao and Batangas City are unexpectedly safe locations during Taal Volcano eruptions, and diving is still allowed because they are located miles away from the volcano. Residents near the vicinity of the volcano are usually relocated to these areas in case of catastrophic eruptions.

SAY CHEESE

If photos could talk, they wouldn’t just speak; they would whisper, shout, and weep.

“

In an era where billions of digital images are captured and shared instantly, the true power of the photograph often gets lost. But long before the smartphone, to capture a photo was an act of preservation against the silence of the grave—a permanent certificate of existence.

These enduring images are the silent witnesses to history, chronicling everything from the scars of war to the triumphs of independence, reminding us that our present was forged through centuries of struggle and grace.

To truly understand this legacy, we must look at the Philippines’ first and most critical repository of photographic history: Galleria Taal: A Dual Archive of History

As the first Camera Museum of its kind in the Philippines, Galleria Taal is a unique cultural institution that functions as a dual archive: preserving both the hardware of photography and the historical images it helped create.

The museum’s primary draw is the staggering personal collection of Manny Inumerable, which contains approximately 170 to 200 cameras dating from the late 1800s to the present day. Visitors are taken on a journey through the evolution of photographic technology, from bulky bellows cameras to the sleek Leicas used by WWII photojournalists.

The collection’s diversity is remarkable, featuring everything from large-format studio equipment to rare subminiature spy cameras. Iconic brands like Leica, Nikon, Canon, Rolleiflex, Hasselblad, and Kodak are displayed alongside rare specimens such as Sanderson, Graflex, and Ontoscope.

The collection’s centerpiece is the massive 8x10 Century Studio Camera, manufactured between 1900 and 1907, which once stood as the industry standard for professional portraiture in the early 20th century.

Beyond the gleaming hardware, Galleria Taal serves as a critical repository for rare Philippine antiquarian photographs. These images offer an invaluable visual record of the country’s profound socio-political transformation, spanning the late Spanish colonial period through the American occupation and the mid-20th century.

A significant portion of the photographic archive is dedicated to the Filipino-American War (1899–1902). This powerful exhibition documents the transition from Spanish rule to American colonization following the 1898 Treaty of Paris, exploring key, often brutal, themes of the conflict, including:

• The Struggle for Sovereignty

• Military Conflict

• The Brutality of War

• The Bridge in San Juan

Century Studio Camera

These rare images provide a unique window into the past, giving visual weight to historical accounts and reminding us of the struggles that defined the nation.

In the current digital landscape, Galleria Taal’s mission is more vital than ever. It is an essential, living institution that connects contemporary audiences not only to the nostalgia of the tactile “click” of a physical shutter and the distinct smell of darkroom chemicals but ensuring that the past is never merely a memory but a tangible, documented reality.

Ultimately, Galleria Taal teaches us that the greatest purpose of a camera is not just to capture a moment, but to preserve a truth—a truth that belongs not just to the photographer, but to the nation itself. It is here, among the bellows and the antique prints, that we can truly see our collective story, framed and waiting to be understood.

And just as the Phoenix rose from the ashes, she too will rise.

"

The vessel, aptly named Phoenix, serves as a powerful emblem of the Chelsea Group’s DNA. It symbolizes our unwavering resolve to rise above industry complexities and emerge more formidable with every challenge.

Much like the mythical bird, the Phoenix represents a continuous cycle of innovation and rebirth, signaling our commitment to redirecting our goals and sailing toward a future defined by growth and operational excellence.

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Tourist Bunk Beds

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Cabin A

• Mixed gender room

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Reclining Seats

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Cabin B

• 2 pax per room

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Economy Bunk Beds

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• Common toilet and bath TOTAL PAX CAPACITY: 690

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Beyond the Buzz:

Inside Saranghae Bee Farm’s Success

Have you ever felt that buzzing feeling when you’re hooked on something? For Raymund Mendoza, that something was honey, and it all started with needing a little warmth.

Back in the freezing weather of Korea, Raymund found his warmth in honey. It was his personal, pocket-sized heater—for his health, and even for his chapped lips!

Honey user talaga ako gawa ng ang lamig kase ng panahon [sa Korea]. Ang ginagawa ko sa honey nilalagyan ko siya ng bawang kase fi-ne-ferment ko siya tapos tuwing umaga bago ako pumasok sa trabaho umiinom ako ng isa o dalawang kutsara.

That personal obsession with honey was the unexpected fuel that eventually launched a buzzing business when he went back to the Philippines in 2017.

Pagdating ko dito sa Pilipinas noong 2017 naghanap ako ng honey kasama ko yung brother-in-law ko napadpad kaming Lipa sabi ko ‘ang layo naman ng bilihan ng honey dito. he said.

Since he found it hard to source honey in their area, the bee keeper had a wild idea: “Sir, why not raise your own?” That was a big “Aha!” for him. He took the leap, bought three initial colonies (bee boxes), and by August 2017, he was officially a beekeeper-in-training. All he had to do was set up his queen-led colonies and wait for the “honey flow.”

The business validation? It was instant. His very first small harvest from those three boxes yielded about ten small bottles. Thanks to his brother-in-law, who worked at a bank, those 10 bottles were sold immediately!

He knew the business was a huge success. He scaled up fast, from 3 to 5, then to 10 colonies, and by the summer of 2018, his backyard was literally buzzing with bees. When customers started actively showing up, he knew it was time to get serious.

He opened a small store and didn’t stop there— he enrolled in professional training, studying beekeeping at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the prestigious University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

The farm today is a whole ecosystem, managing a diverse cast of bees: the peaceful Stingless Bees, the native Laywan (our local tough guys), and the imported European Bees.

Maintenance is a constant puzzle for the founder, who likens each bee species to a distinct personality. While the native bees are spirited and demand extra protection from local pests, the European honeybees are more fragile, prone to catching devastating mites from the very native pollinators they share the fields with.

It’s a complex operation, all centered around the Queen Bee, the “egg-laying machine,” supported by a specialized crew: Soldier Bees for security, Nurse Bees as nannies, Forager Bees who are the busy shoppers, and even Undertaker Bees for clean-up duty.

But this farm is doing more than just making honey. Bees are nature’s tiny heroes, especially the Stingless variety, who are crucial pollinators. They’ve partnered with local organic and vegetable farms, like those in Rancho Blanco, pushing a “win-win” integrated farming model. The best part? A recent project saw them distributing bees to coconut farmers.

Sa present may mga partner kaming farms na mga organic and vegetable farm kase ang bees no.1 pollinator specially ang stingless bees. Dito din sa area namin natutuwa din ang mga kapitbahay namin kase yung mga tanim nila biglang madami yung yield. he shared.

The bees pollinate the coconuts (boosting the crop yield), and in return, they produce honey! Even the government is getting in on the sweet deal, with the provincial veterinary office funding beekeeping training and distribution.

The farm has since expanded to become a key supplier for beekeepers across Batangas, reaching areas like Taal, Calaca, and Nasugbu. It’s a success story with a wide reach— benefiting everyone from the tech professional looking for natural lip care to the entire local agricultural community.

Raymund’s journey is a powerful reminder for all of us. His story is a brilliant example that when you take a brave leap of faith into the unknown, armed with dedication and hard work, you can not only pivot your career but also achieve unexpected new heights and contribute to a greater community.

FACT!

The question that has everyone buzzing: How do you know if a honey is real or fake?

Answer: You don’t, unless you do a lab test.

But take note: Honey doesn’t expire so if you see an expiration date in the package, run.

Batangas Grand Terminal - Main, Diversion Rd. Alangilan, Batangas City, Philippines

Starbites

Your moment of bliss starts here!

Let the stress melt away in our luxurious massage chair.

Fantasy World, Lemery Batangas

Sponty VOYAGE

What’s your most memorable experience in Batangas?

The first long ride with me and my bf’s first ever motorcycle, heading to Lumampao.

Every trip before you can reach your destination, you must first pass through a very challenging road, but in the end, every hardship makes the journey truly worth it.

The Wedding Gift

Marriage is often described as the ultimate destination, but in reality, it is more than the orchestrated exchange of vows; rather, it is the quiet, invisible intertwining of two souls and the permanent combining of hearts into a single rhythm.

And sometimes, love isn’t usually whispered through such invisible connection–it demands a physical monument—a way to ground that ethereal connection into the very earth. For some, the ultimate expression of this devotion is the gift of a home.

The Villavicencio-Marella House stands as that very testament. It wasn’t merely a structure of mortar and wood; it was a grand, tangible vessel for a husband’s adoration.

Don Eulalio Villavicencio was a 19th-century Batangas shipping and sugar magnate who commissioned the construction of the

The house was designed with a cheerful, feminine, and colorful palette. It features a unique floor plan where the main double doors of the zaguan are built on either side of a central bay that sports large decorative wrought-iron grills with a palmette motif.

The house is also heavily decorated with Victorian-inspired stenciled walls and colorful wallpapers, reflecting the high fashion of the 1870s Philippines. The dining room, or comedor, features a long mahogany table that could accommodate twelve guests, emphasizing the family’s role as prominent social hosts in Taal.

However, the Wedding Gift House was not just a grand gesture of love, rather it is a physical representation of the couple’s combined commitment to the nation

Villavicencio-Marella House as a wedding gift for his bride, Gliceria Marella.

The Role of the Gift House in the Revolution

Eulalio Villavicencio and his wife Gliceria Marella Villavicencio were key figures in advancing the propaganda movement. Rather than merely enjoying their status and wealth, they leveraged their resources to fund the movement. They were also active participants in the logistics and strategic planning of the revolution, particularly after the outbreak of armed conflict in 1896.

The Villavicencios donated a massive sum of PhP 18,000 delivered personally by Eulalio to Jose Rizal in Hong Kong to fund the publication of Rizal’s works and the revolutionary cause. Meanwhile, Gliceria Marella has donated the SS Bulusan, one of the family’s merchant steamships. Converted into a war vessel, it became the first ship of the fledgling Philippine Navy.

The ship was used to transport troops, armaments, and food supplies to the Bicol and

Visayan regions, and played a crucial role in transporting Spanish war prisoners to Romblon for confinement.

The couples’ commitment was not limited to financial patronage but also their hospitality. The Wedding Gift House functioned as a revolutionary underground for visiting dignitaries and, more importantly, for revolutionaries.

According to family accounts and historical researchers, the house contained a secret room located beneath the dining hall. Access to this chamber was through a trap door hidden under a wedding portrait of the couple. This secret room was utilized by Andres Bonifacio, Miguel Malvar, Vito Belarmino, and Felipe Calderon to plot strategies and distribute coded letters and ammunition.

Gliceria also organized the “Batalyong Maluya” (Maluya Battalion), a combat group that saw action in Batangas, Tayabas, Capiz, and Iloilo. She provided not only the financial and material support for the battalion but also the moral leadership required to sustain guerrilla warfare.

Her role was so instrumental that General Emilio Aguinaldo officially designated her the “Madrina-General de las Fuerzas Revolucionarios” (Godmother-General of the Revolutionary Forces) during the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898.

This title was not merely ceremonial; it acknowledged her as the logistical backbone of the revolutionary army in the Southern Tagalog region.

Ultimately, the Wedding Gift House stood not just as a monument to the couple’s union, but as a critical, clandestine nerve center whose hidden rooms and open hospitality were fundamental to fueling the Philippine Revolution. But most of all, the wedding gift house became a permanent symbol of love, sacrifice, and domestic secrecy that was weaponized for the greatest cause, cementing its place in history as the revolution’s silent, beating heart.

Sponty VOYAGE

If Batangas were a person, it would be Jose Rizal, because he was someone who worked very hard. The BATANGUENOS are very committed in their work or in whatever they do.

Lobo, Batangas; that place gives me peace of mind and a wonderful experience. Recommended place

Lorybelle Andal / andallowrie

My favorite place in Batangas is Montemaria, which is a famous pilgrimage site.

Be ready to explore, stay committed to the adventure, and follow through with your plans.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Dwight Bunao | Montemaria

Spilling the Beans: A Double Shot of Chika with Cafe Liberica’s Barista

The Batangas Port is a place of constant motion—heavy bags, rushing passengers, and the rhythmic drone of vessel engines mixed with terminal announcements. Located right in the heart of the terminal, Cafe Liberica sits perfectly lined with the busy stalls and stores. Amidst the travel chaos, the air here smells of rich Barako and steamed milk.

Here, 24-year-old Marc Allen Viado stands at the espresso machine, his hands moving in a blur of muscle memory. To the thousands of travelers passing through, Marc isn’t just a barista; he is a calm stop in the middle of a frantic journey.

A Tourism graduate from Mindoro, Marc’s path to the counter was built on grit. Before landing in Batangas, he spent two years honing his craft as a barista in his hometown.

Moving to a new province meant starting from scratch, even working as a food packer in a commissary just to get his foot in the door. But Marc knew his place was behind the bar. He fought to return to the F&B industry, eventually joining Cafe Liberica as part of its pioneering team.

For Marc, the cafe’s tagline, “Crafted with Care, Served with Love” is a daily mission.

“Kasi rito sa Batangas Port, we’re not just serving Filipinos. We’re serving everyone from all over the world—Latinos, Americans, French, Japanese. The craftsmanship of the Filipino is what we get to give to other races,” he explains.

However, Serving with Love is tested during the port’s peak seasons. He describes a highpressure environment where manpower is lean and the rush orders never end. The challenge isn’t just the volume of drinks, but the temperament of the crowd.

“Mainit ang ulo ng mga tao kasi may mga delayed trips. Sa amin naiibato yung init ng ulo nila,”

Marc recalls.

He remembers a demanding customer who refused to be satisfied despite the team’s best efforts.

“It’s a bit offensive when you give a hundred percent of your heart and there’s no appreciation.”

Yet, he finds fulfillment in the chaos. When a rush is handled successfully and a frantic traveler leaves with a smile, Marc feels a deep sense of personal fulfillment.

Marc’s recommendations depend entirely on your mood.

If you want something sweet, he suggests the classic Cappuccino or the indulgent Nutella Latte.

For those who need a strong caffeine kick, he points to the Latte or the Caramel Macchiato But if you’re looking for that perfect balance of salty and sweet, his top pick is the Iced Sea Salt Latte—a drink he insists must be enjoyed strawless so you can properly taste the cream on top.

For those having a rough day, he recommends an Americano paired with a cheesecake (or any pastry): “The bitterness of the coffee and the sweetness of the pastry will balance your mood.”

Marc’s journey with Cafe Liberica has also been one of professional transformation. He first traveled to Caticlan for intensive training, but it was in Ormoc City, Leyte, where he truly stepped up. He served as a trainer, discovering that his most valuable skill wasn’t just making coffee—it was leadership.

“Ang isang team, hindi talaga siya magfu-function kung hindi maganda ang leadership,” he shares.

This growth fuels the legacy he wants to leave behind. He aspires to be a Master Barista, alongside his team, to inspire the next generation.

“Gusto ko yung matatandaan nila ako na, ‘Taga-Cafe Liberica ka dati, ang sarap mo gumawa ng kape.’ And gusto ko yung iiwan namin sa susunod na generation ng barista is yung kung paano kami gumalaw at magpa-satisfy ng customer.”

While he dreams of the international cruise line industry, Marc remains grounded in the beauty of the daily grind.

His advice for aspiring baristas is honest: “Being a barista is not as easy as you think. Pero naroon kasi yung passion to share connections, comfort, and the satisfaction of every customer you serve. If you truly love what you do, then go for it.”

WHAT YOUR COFFEE SAYS ABOUT YOU

Source: What Does Your Coffee Order Reveal about You? (2022, September 22). PsychCentral. https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-does-your-coffee-reveal-about-you

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