Biyaya Festival, an enhanced version of Manila Coffee Fest 2.0 by Rich Watanabe, showcases coffee farming communities while celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the families that support them, in collaboration with Tahi by Tati Miranda Fortuna. It’s exciting to be part of this inaugural festival at the beautiful Parqal Mall, inspired by “Park + Kalye” in Parañaque, located in Aseana City.
Here’s what you can look forward to at the inaugural Biyaya Festival:
WHY BIYAYA MATTERS
At its heart, the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival is about the communities—farmers, artisans, and designers—whose dedication ensures that Filipino culture not only survives but also thrives. By nurturing these communities and promoting their heritage crafts and practices, the festival underscores the profound connection between cultural conservation and environmental protection.
By highlighting the inspiring stories of these cultivators, this endeavor hopes to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. It serves as a vital platform hoping to spark conversations about the intersection of coffee, craft, clothing, culture, community, and the environment.
“When we protect, nurture, and grow the heritage craft and practices of Filipino communities, we ensure their sustainable livelihood,” says Richard Watanabe, founder of the Coffee Heritage Project and co-founder of the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival. “In the process, these communities can continue to live on the land of their ancestors, safeguarding not just their culture but also the environment. Thriving, sustainable communities are the foundation for environment protection.”
By emphasizing community support, Biyaya promotes a holistic approach to sustainability where preserving tradition ensures both people and the planet can flourish.
BEST OF BIYAYA FEST
Award-Winning Heirloom Barako.
The festival’s highlight is the exclusive opportunity to taste the award-winning Liberica from Niña Guinto and Marvin Macalintal, crafted from the heirloom Barako variety—proudly Filipino Batangas coffee. Medium roasted to enhance its unique terroir, it features notes of saba and a smooth sugarcane sweetness that will redefine your perception of Barako.
(Medaille Gourmet (Gourmet Medal) in Hors Catégorie from AVPA PARIS was awarded to the microlots of Martin Marvin Macalintal (Alitagtag, Batangas) and Niña Guinto (San Juan, Batangas). Both feature heirloom barako coffee from the Kalaw-Katigbak estate. This special award honors exceptional coffees with unique characteristics that don’t fit standard categories but deserve recognition.)
The Single Origin Bar, your first stop at the Biyaya Festival, showcases the finest and award-winning single-origin coffee beans in the Philippines.
AVPA Paris Awards. This year, four Philippine coffee entries won prestigious awards from AVPA Paris across three categories. In the Acidulé Floral category, Arabicas from Sagada, Mountain Province, earned a Silver Medal for the microlots of Andrew Tomeg, Mary Tomeg, and Felipa Villicana in Northern Sagada, while George Dapliyan’s microlot in Southern Sagada received a Bronze Medal—both recognized for their bright acidity, floral notes, and pleasant sweetness. In the Café Ronds category, a Gourmet Medal was awarded to Rebecca Gacayan’s fine Robusta microlot from Kulaman, Sultan Kudarat, for its exceptional balance of flavors. Finally, in the Hors Catégorie category, a Gourmet Medal was awarded to the microlots of Martin Marvin Macalintal (Alitagtag, Batangas) and Niña Guinto (San Juan, Batangas) for their outstanding and unique coffee profiles.
TAHI. The TAHI Sustainable Fashion Show by Tati Miranda Fortuna was a breathtaking celebration of heritage and sustainability at the stunning The Walk at Parqal Mall. Showcasing the exquisite weaves of the Cordilleras in modern, eco-friendly designs, the collection—crafted in collaboration with Jun Escario—beautifully merged tradition with innovation. More than just a runway show, it was a bold statement that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable, setting a new benchmark for ethical design.
Sustainable Crafts. Beyond coffee, you can explore and shop for authentic indigenous weaves, crafts, and tribal designs, celebrating the artistry and heritage of coffee farm communities.
Mamonaku Kohi. Discover our Japanese-inspired specialty cold coffee creations—home of the iconic Chizu Kohi and the best mochi donuts in Manila! Visit our cozy hole-in-the-wall cafés in Scout Rallos and Elyu, La Union, and treat yourself to favorites like the Iced Tres Leches Kohi, Yuzu Espresso Tonic, and Chizu Biscoff Latte.
Must-Try Food & Drinks! Don’t miss the chocolates by Ruthchil, the Barako-infused kombucha by Boocha Mama, the coffee-infused draft beer by Cubao X Brewery, and the nachos with Mediterranean pita bites by Bait Lehem—a perfect fusion of flavors to elevate your festival experience!
Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset that bathes the festival in a golden glow, setting the perfect scene for a cool, alfresco ambiance—ideal for a memorable “sustainable future” date.
Biyaya Festival runs from March 14 to 16, 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, at Parqal Mall, Aseana City. Grab your day pass for ₱500 per person here: https://biyayafestival.helixpay.ph.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s awesome to be part of the first ever Biyaya Festival – Congrats to Rich, Tati and Kingson!
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. We are media partners for Biyaya Festival 2025.
P.S. Check out the UV DTF Stickers for your coffee mugs and laptops.
The post BIYAYA FESTIVAL 2025: A Celebration of Award-Winning Coffee, Sustainable Culture, and Heritage Crafts appeared first on Awesome! – Our Awesome Planet.
