The recently concluded third edition of the Batangas Barako Festival, held from February 13 to 15, celebrated the quality coffee of the Southern Luzon province, boosting the local economy by showcasing products from various cities and municipalities.

According to Bryan Diamante, president and CEO of Mentorque Productions: > “Hotels are fully booked. Restaurants are always full. It couldn’t get any better than this.”

Approximately 250,000 guests attended the previous two editions, with around 500 small businesses participating this year. The festival featured trade booths, food stalls, and a playground with inflatables, accompanied by sporting events and concerts over two nights.

Additionally, a job fair was organized on the final day.

A Two-for-One Event

The festival coincided with the inauguration of Section 3 of the bypass road by Eric Africa, the mayor of Lipa City, and former provincial governor Vilma Santos-Recto. The 5.39-km project of the Department of Public Works and Highways was completed and opened in stages since March 2022. A groundbreaking was also held for The Bean at Barako Triangle, a park designed to be the main tourist attraction in the area.