More Dine Out Options at SM City Lipa

Pepper Lunch
(located at the second floor of the main mall, beside Foodcourt)

Pepper Lunch is a “fast-steak” restaurant concept which originated in Japan in 1994. It was created by Japanese chef and inventor, Mr. Kunio Ichinose who wanted to serve quality, fast food without the need to train a chef for years. At Pepper Lunch, diners get to cook their own food over a patented electromagnetic plate that is heated up to 260 degrees Celsius within one minute. Choice cuts of beef, chicken, pork and salmon are served with rice and vegetables for guests to cook and season using flavors of teriyaki, onion sauce, honey brown sauce (Amakuchi) or garlic soy sauce (Karakuchi)—and that dash of freshly ground pepper to give you that delicious, flavor-filled meal. Now there are over 200 Pepper Lunch outlets in Japan and all over Asia, including South Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Mesa
(located at the ground floor of the main mall, in front of BDO)

Thanks to food franchising and restaurant operations company OBIC APIL Inc, Mesa is now coming to SM Lipa. What makes Mesa different from other Filipino cuisine restaurants is its innovative twists to traditional cuisines while not losing the essence of the original recipe. For instance, Lechon, which is loved by all Filipinos for its crispy pork skin is made crispier and thus called “crispchon”. Our well-loved crispy pata on the other hand was made boneless. They also serve sea-foods like Prawns Wrapped in Egg Noodles and Crab in Salted Egg.

Shakeys
(located at the second floor of the main mall, beside Bon Chon)

Another addition to pizza places at SM Lipa is Shakeys. Having started its first store in Metro Manila back in 1975, Shakeys now operates with a strong store count of 177. This will be Shakeys’ second branch in Lipa City. Aside from pizza variations, their best sellers are its mojo potatoes, fried chicken and pasta.

Once A Coffee Giant

Last Oct 21st marked the 129 years of Lipa's elevation to a villa equivalent to a city status during Spanish regime. The elevation was a result of Lipa ancestors' hardwork in propagating the coffee industry which made Lipa the richest municipality in the Philippines during that time and became a major supplier of coffee in the world market.

At present coffee plantation in Lipa is very few and production has almost overtaken by other locations like Northern Luzon and Cavite. Good thing is that coffee industry in Lipa though small is still alive through Cafe de Lipa and now Taza Mia Coffee. Both companies use local coffee beans and are founded by true blooded Lipenos. Both Cafe de Lipa and Taza Mia Coffee shops are competing with international brands and situated in prime locations not only in the city but there are also several branches outside Lipa.

Kapeng Barako is proudly from Lipa and should be given a consistent & grand celebration in the city. Tourism in Lipa has a big potential to encourage both local and foreign tourist if given focus and good projects. Other than coffee, Lipa boasts of its lomi, churches, religious people, and beautiful weather & location.

Lipa Has The Most Number Of Subdivisions In Batangas

Lipa City has the most number of subdivisions in Batangas with about 116 to date. With this number of subdivisions alone, Lipa City is no doubt the most populated in Batangas as of 2015 according to Philippine National Statistics Office.

Other than its proximity to Metro Manila and Lipa City being the southern tip part of the new Mega Manila, Lipa is one of favorite locations to investors and settlers in CALABARZON because of its lovely climate and elevation. I am just hoping that the city government has a comprehensive plan in protecting the environment while accepting more housing projects in Lipa. Lipa LGU has to make sure that the city will be free from floods by improving drainage, planting plants & trees, keeping the streets clean and creating ordinances that will protect environmental issues. Likewise, residents and guests of the city should be doing our part in making Lipa free from trash and respecting our environment.

Here are the subdivisions in Lipa City:
1 Acela Heights
2 Acropolis Heights
3 Adelina Homes
4 Amaia Scapes I
5 Amaia Scapes II
6 Amapola Homes
7 Amiya Rosa
8 Amiya Rosa II
9 Avida Settings Tambo
10 Avida Sta. Monica
11 Bahayang Pilipino Village
12 Barangay Homes
13 Base View Homes
14 Bel-Air Residences
15 Bella Vita
16 Beverly Hills Lipa
17 BF Town Village
18 Bloomfields Heights by Robinsons Land
19 Bloomfields Tambo
20 Bon Giorno Homes
21 Brixton Homes
22 Camella Lipa
23 Carmel Heights
24 Casa Feliz
25 Casa Sto. Nino 105
26 Catalina Village
27 Cita Ville
28 City Park Subd.
29 Classica Villa Africa
30 Corinthian South
31 Diamond Heights
32 Dizon Village
33 First World Homes
34 Golden Homes
35 Greenville I
36 Greenville II
37 Guadalupe Heights
38 Guadalupe Subdivision
39 Hacienda San Benito
40 Indigo Estates
41 Ironwoods Estates
42 Kassel Residences
43 La Finca
44 Legacy Homes
45 Lipa Countryside Estate
46 Lipa Heights
47 Lipa Royale Estates
48 Lipa Verde
49 Lumina Lipa
50 Lynar Subd.
51 Lynville Subdivision
52 Ma. Cristina Village
53 Mabini Homes
54 Magnificat Executive Village
55 Mahogany Place Lipa
56 Majestic Subd.
57 Marian Heights
58 Markville Subd.
59 Masagana Subd.
60 Miracle Heights
61 Miracle Heights II
62 Miracle Heights III
63 Monte Carlo
64 Monte Claro
65 Monte Flora
66 Mt. Malarayat Residential Estates
67 Neviare
68 Normans Ville
69 Nuvista Lipa
70 Palos Verdes
71 Plantacion Meridienne
72 Riverside Subdivision
73 Roma Ville Subd.
74 Rosewood
75 Sabang Subd.
76 Sakura Executive Village
77 Sampaguita Homes
78 Sampaguita West
79 San Carlos Homes
80 San Francisco Village
81 San Isidro Homes
82 San Lorenzo Ruiz Subd.
83 Sentrina
84 Siena Hills
85 Silverlaz Subd.
86 Sorrento
87 South Brooke Village
88 South Lake Village
89 St. Francis Residences
90 St. Joseph Homes
91 St. Joseph Village
92 St. Matthews Subdivision
93 St. Peter Subdivision
94 St. Vincent Homes
95 Sto. Nino villa de lipa I
96 Sto. Nino Villa de Lipa II
97 Summer Hills
98 Summit Point Residential Estates
99 Sunrise Point
100 The Edinhburgh
101 The Residences Lipa
102 Tierra Maria Estates
103 Tierra Maria Estates
104 Tierra Vista
105 Transville Homes
106 Tres Marias
107 Vigan Village
108 Villa Beatriz
109 Villa Lourdes Subd.
110 Villa Monica
111 Villa Natividad
112 Villa Rosa Carmel Subd.
113 Villa San Jose
114 Villa Soledad
115 Woodberry
116 Zen Executive Homes

In photo: Bloomfields residences from Robinsons land website.
List was provided by Donsar of Skyscrapercity.

Local Bakeries Recognized By SM On World Bread Day

Lipa City - Five bakeries and bakeshops were given recognition through a one-day exhibit last October 16 at the Events Center of SM City Lipa in time for the celebration of World Bread Day.

The participating bakeries include La Esperanza Bakery from Batangas City, Abaksa Bakery from municipality of Lemery, Nene’s Bakery from the municipality of Taal, Golden Merengue Bakeshop from the town of Lian and Donappetit Cakes from the town of Santo Tomas.

The celebration kicked off with the ceremonial slicing of the kapeng barako cake led by SM Lipa mall manager Liza F. Dimaculangan and DTI Batangas’ Maris Argente. At about four in the afternoon, book authors Amy Uy and Jenny Orillos of “Panaderia: Philippine Bread, biscuits and bakery traditions” graced the event through a simple book signing activity.

Each participating bakeshop were also given a copy of the Panaderia book by Anvil Publishing and a certificate of participation from SM City Lipa.

In Photo: DTI Batangas OIC Maris Argente (center) leads the ceremonial slicing of the cake symbolizing the beginning of the World Bread Day Fair. On the left is SM Lipa’s Mall Manager Liza F. Dimaculangan, while on the right is Taal heritage Foundation’s Dindo Montenegro.

TOP 15 BEST RESTOS IN BATANGAS

Casa Marikit Ristorante Italiano in Lipa City is on top of the list of best restaurants in Batangas as rated by members and guests of TripAdvisor website according to quality of food, service and ambiance. TripAdvisor, Inc. is an American travel website company providing reviews of travel-related content. It also includes interactive travel forums.

Casa Marikit is a fine dining restaurant which offers authentic Italian cuisines. It is located in Banay Banay Concepcion in Lipa City. Here are the other restaurants that made on the list as of Oct 2016:

1. Casa Marikit (Lipa City)
2. El Cocinero by Chef Arnaldo (Nasugbu)
3. Don Juan Boodle House (Taal)
4. Johannas Grill (Batangas City)
5. El Torro (Batangas City)
6. Chez Deo Ristorante Italiano (Balayan)
7. Cafe de Lipa (Lipa City)
8. Lipa Grill Restaurant (Lipa City)
9. D'Ursi Pizza Autentica Pizzeria Napoletana (Lipa City)
10. Hapag Filipino Restaurant (Lipa City)
11. Liam's Lomi House (Lipa City)
12. Uncle Cheffy's (Lipa City)
13. Rose & Grace (Sto Tomas)
14. Taal Bayview Bistro (Taal)
15. Feliza Taverna y Cafe (Taal)

Disclaimer: Rankings may vary from time to time depending on the members and guests rating the restaurants they visited.

Photo: Casa Marikit FB page

OPINION: THE FIRST 100 DAYS IN LIPA

The first 100 days of our elected officials is up and I am keen to understand what has changed or what has improved in our city so far since most Filipinos is crying for a change. My opinion is based on what I have observed as an employee and resident of Lipa and from what I am reading and watching from social media. This article has no negative intention to anyone of our local officials but to challenge them and to gather more information from the rest.

First, lets talk about the positive changes and developments:
1. War Against Illegal Drugs - based on the reports by PRC Lipa, the statistics are pretty impressive.It will not be surprising though since this is a national agenda and our President is hands on with this war.
2. Growth in Private Sector - Lipa is not being emptied when it comes to new stores or shops. You don't need to go to Metro Manila for most of our needs since most of the shops, food, clothing, gadgets etc are already in Lipa and more are investing and coming in our city. There's no doubt that Lipa is currently the center of lifestyle, commerce and entertainment in Batangas.
3. Drop in Crime Rate - I personally observed this and I must say that there is really an improvement when it comes to crime rate as compared to past 2 years where news of killings was like almost every week.
4. Solid Increase in Population - some might look at population increase as negative but I would rather take it as advantage for Lipa City. Lipa took the #1 spot as the most populated in Batangas since last year. On a positive note, it means people are looking at Lipa as better option to live.
5. More CCTV Cameras - I am so delighted to see not only a handful but a lot of CCTV cameras built along the streets and public places. I just hope that these cameras have high resolution and someone is monitoring it real time.

Now let's move on to needs improvement.
1. Busted Street Lights - I wish I could go back to the time when I was working in Makati. During that time as I go back home from work, I was so impressed to see how Lipa streets were well lit from Bugtong to Banay Banay. Today, a billionaire city like Lipa doesn't deserve a gloomy night.
2. Traffic - I already wrote an article 2 years ago on the worsening situation of traffic in Lipa during rush hours such as 6:30am until 8am, 11am until 1pm and from 5pm until 7pm. There has been a lot of rerouting scheme, policy on jaywalking and even schedules in using a pedestrian lane (believe it or not only in Lipa). The situation is the same or got even worse. I am not exactly sure why the local government can't invest for a long term solution like traffic lights and countdown timers.
3. Garbage Everywhere - nothing has changed. I could still see a lot of garbage not being collected for days along the major streets of Lipa. Its really an eye sore similar to the spider web like cables and wires if you look up along the streets.
4. Inconsistent Ordinances - Lipa has a lot of ordinances that can be useful for a more urbanized, organized and safer streets that should be given proper and consistent implementation like jaywalking, illegal parking, no smoking, no littering, use of helmet/seatbelt and more.
5. Below Average Resolutions - I am watching sessions uploaded in Youtube and I am surprised to know about some of the resolutions being passed on by some Councilors. Some of the resolutions seem to have not been thought overnight. I am looking for resolutions that will make Lipa world class and competitive.
6. Power Interruptions - as one netizen posted in Lipa City Philippines group, "bata pa ako hanggang magka bata, walang nagbago" (since I was a child until I had a child, nothing change) on frequent power interruptions in Lipa. Just in our company alone, our Lipa branch along with Dumaguete has the most number of power interruptions recorded.
7. Color Branding - the first 100 days of our elected local official had controversy over non attendance in sessions of some Councilors. From day 1 of the newly elected officials, colors blue and yellow should have been turned into white. Everyone should have been united and should be thinking on how they will be an efficient leaders to lift the status of Lipa City and its people.

National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines could have been true with its rating to Lipa in terms of Government Efficiency where Lipa is consistently rated low while enjoying high score in terms of Economic Dynamism because of continues growth of our Private sector. If we could have both the government and private sectors efficient, Lipa will definitely rise above our neighboring cities in CALABARZON. The first 100 days is just 9% of their time as officials and leaders of our city and they still have 91% to improve and make impressive changes in Lipa to satisfy taxpayers. While the residents, students and workers in Lipa should do our part in helping our local government. Lipa should not only be looking at its ever growing commercial opportunities but we have to look in establishing & improving our infrastructure, ecology and tourism.

Levitown Market: The New Night Market of Lipa

The new night market of Lipa is opening this coming Oct 1st located at the back of newly opened Jollibee in Marawoy. This is different from the previous Lipa night market in P Torres Street.

Levitown Market will be managed by Leviste family headed by the former Vice Governor of Batangas, Mark Leviste. They will cater the same demographic of the previous night market. It will also offer food, drinks, clothing, and more but will be operational for almost 24 hours. Also in the pipeline is the possibility of having a free wifi connection to its customers.

Will Levitown Market equal or surpass the popularity of the previous night market especially now that the same group is operating just few meters away from Levitown? Nevertheless, this will be a good welcome back for those who missed going to the night market.

In Photo: The 7th Jollibbee store in Lipa City which opened recently in Marawoy (Levitown area).

Dencio's and 2nd Yellow Cab Pizza Opens in Lipa

Dencio's 3rd branch in Batangas will open tomorrow, Sep 21, along Ayala Highway in Lipa City infront of Metro Event Zone. The concept of Dencio's Grill and Bar is to bring Philippine food tradition in metropolis. They are giving free Krispy Sisig and Beer Holder to their first 50 guests from Sep 21 until Sep 23.

Opening as well beside Dencio's is the 2nd branch of Yellow Cab Pizza in Lipa City. Yellow Cab serves New York-style pizza with premium ingredients and generous toppings. Their first branch in Lipa is located in SM City Lipa.

Both Dencio's and Yellow Cab belong to Max's Group along with Pancake House.

Daiso Japan To Open In Robinsons Place Lipa

Daiso Japan started in 1972 by selling household items in Japan. It expanded outside Japan in 2001 and finally reached the Philippines in 2009. It is one of the retail formats under Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. which holds the exclusive sub-license to sell authentic Daiso merchandise from Japan and operates the legitimate Daiso Japan store concept in the Philippines.

Very soon this year, Lipa City will be their next stop as they open their 56th store at the 2nd floor of Robinsons Place Lipa between Department Store and Food Alley.

The brand aims to provide unique experience of curiosity and enjoyment to its customers and go home satisfied. Keeping in mind their three values - Quality, Variety and Uniqueness, they never fail to satisfy their discerning customers. Daiso Japan offers a wide assortment of unique products - from home and kitchen ornaments, office knick-knacks, and beauty essentials to curious merchandise that are both practical and collectible starting at P88!

Daiso promises to have lots of Finds, Surprises and Fun!

Photo: Luckycitrine Blogspot (Daiso in Shangri-La)
Article with approval from Robinsons Mall

Two Religious Celebrations In Lipa On Same Day

Lipa City has two different religious holidays on the same day this Sep 12 (Monday).

First is the 13th edition of the National Pilgrimage to Lipa. This is a major annual event of Archdiocese of Lipa recognized by Vatican City and attended by Marian devotees from around the Philippines. While the other one which is coincident this year with National Pilgrimage is the Muslim worldwide celebration of "Eid al-Adha" or Feast of the Sacrifice.

Both celebrations have one purpose and that is to give appreciation for the blessings received and prayers for peace and prosperity.

Photos credits:
June Perez for National Pilgrimage
Mai Shaheen for Ed al-Adha

Strange Fruits In Lipa

In a span of two weeks, two different stories on strange fruits came to the enchantment of netizens of Lipa after it was originally posted in Lipa City Philippines group.

First was the papaya shaped like a carabao's head with two horns in Baranggay Antipolo del Norte. The other one was almost 5ft in height banana overload in Baranggay San Isidro. Both photos are not edited and taken directly from the cellphone of the photo contributors.

There has been a lot of same stories around the world with unusual shapes of fruits and vegetables but it always amuses us whenever it will give us a perfect resemblance of human body parts for example or shape of an animal in this case in Lipa. According to Plant Answers website, Vegetables or fruits usually grow into unusual shape or size due to environmental conditions. Damage to one part of the vegetable or fruit can cause the growth to change from its normal appearance.

Photo Credits:
Carabao Head Like Papaya - Belle Bautista
Overload Banana - Angelica Palicpic Pera

Quick Facts: Lipa Banking

As of March 2016 from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas website on Philippine Banking System statistics, Lipa City is ranked #10 among Luzon cities with highest Deposit Liabilities and #35 nationwide where Makati City and Manila are on top two spots (see table below).

In terms of number of banking offices, Lipa City is #3 in CALABARZON next to Calamba and Santa Rosa Cities.

Jollibee's 7th Store In Lipa

Jollibee opened its 7th store in Lipa City last week along the highway of Marawoy to cater travelers using Levitown exit, students, workers and residents of the area. This store has drive thru as well similar to Tambo and Uptown (Ayala) branches.

Jollibee's existence will boost Levitown as additional commercial district of Lipa similar to Tambo where they opened their 6th branch and eventually other establishments followed. Also in Marawoy specific to Levitown area, present are local food stores, University of Batangas - Lipa Campus, Citi Hardware and APEC School.

Lipa remains to have the most number of Jollibee stores in Batangas. Where do you think is the location of Jollibee's 8th store in Lipa?

TeleTech Is Celebrating 10 Years In Lipa City

It was 10 years ago when TeleTech has announced its mass hiring for the opening of its provincial site in Lipa City. Occupying portions of 1st & 2nd floors and whole 3rd floor of Robinsons Place Lipa, TeleTech started training inbound agents for a British broadband company last August 2006 and successfully routed a caller from UK to a Customer Service Representative in Lipa City last Sep 2006.

TeleTech Lipa is the pioneer call center in Batangas and has marked another major expansion of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) operations outside Metro Manila. It was in Aug 30 2007 when TeleTech Lipa was inaugurated by the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo together with former TeleTech’s Vice President for Asia Maulik Parekh and former Governor of Batangas now Lipa City Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto.

TeleTech’s presence in Batangas and Lipa in particular has opened new opportunities for the city and its residents. Lipa is consistently among the Next Wave Cities of the Philippines while Batangueños has conquer the world without leaving their hometown and working closer to their families and friends.

At present, TeleTech Lipa has more than 2,000 employees providing world-class customer service to 3 international brands of Australia, USA and New Zealand.

In Photos: Talent Acquisition (hiring department) of TeleTech Lipa celebrates 10 years with applicants. Aggressive hiring is ongoing for 200 employees for Australian Telco. Visit TeleTech during regular days at 2nd floor Robinsons Place Lipa.

Is Lipa Ready To Host Passenger Airport?

In 2012, the former Congressman now Governor Hermilando Mandanas created a bill for Fernando Air Base in Lipa to be utilized for both military and commercial purposes. It was in 2nd reading that time but had no further updates. Then last year, Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) was pushing to scrap Sangley Point project in Cavite and develop Clark and Lipa airports instead to decongest traffic in Manila.

This year in 17th Congress, Representative Raneo Abu of Batangas City introduced House Bill 469 to include Fernando Air Base in Lipa City in the conversion of military reservations into other productive uses to decongest Metro Manila and to hasten economic development in CALABARZON. It can be recalled that Rep Abu was a former executive assistant of Gov Mandanas before the former Gov Vilma Santos-Recto (now Congresswoman) seated in 2007 until he became Representative of Batangas 2nd district in 2013 replacing Mandanas.

It seems that our current Governor is serious in lifting Batangas into an economic powerhouse by having a passenger airport in Lipa City other than the existing Batangas seaport. If this will push through, Lipa will be anticipating major economic advancement that will require traffic, facilities, roads and infrastructure improvements & developments as early as now. Just like any developments it will always come with pros and cons but regardless if it will put into reality or not, Lipa City should bring its physical and organizational structure into next level.

photo: from PAF website

Lipa's 2015 Total Operating Income

Lipa City bounced back to #9 spot among CALABARZON Cities in terms of Total Operating Income for 2015 as released by Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Lipa City was at #10 rank last 2014 with 1.155 Billion pesos and now up to #9 again (same rank in 2013) with 1.368 Billion pesos total operating income. Calamba and Santa Rosa cities which are known for having multiple techno parks remained at #1 and #2 spots respectively while Batangas City known for having heavy industries and sea port came third this time.

Lipa City's main contributors to its operating income are portion of light industries from LIMA techno park like Epson, BPO industries, Nestle, PKI, private establishments like malls among others.

data source: Bureau of Local Government Finance

New Shopping Experience In Lipa Soon

AboitizLand Inc. is bringing the first and only authentic outlet shopping experience in Luzon through the soon to open "The Outlets in Lipa". According to Business World Online, it will be located on a 9.4 hectare lot across Lima Technology Center. It will be patterned after the outlet centers abroad but will be six times bigger than its counterpart in Cebu, which is The Outlets in Pueblo Verde located in Lapu Lapu City.

The Outlets will carry world-famous labels and restaurants with unique homegrown concepts. In Cebu, they have outlets of Onitsuka Tiger, Nike, Asics, Puma, F&X and more brands which are also expected to open their outlets in Lipa version. The Outlets in Lipa is expected to open in April 2017.

Photo below in Cebu is how The Outlets will look like. It is just a portion (a new wing) of the The Outlets in Cebu.

Photo: Cebu Daily News (Inquirer)

The 6th Mc Donalds Branch In Lipa

The 6th Mc Donald's branch in Lipa opened last Friday infront of La Salle Lipa. Its official branch name is Mc Donald's JP Laurel. In this branch can also be seen the first Mc Cafe logo in Batangas and houses a dedicated counter for Mc Cafe menus like espresso, float, frappe, smoothie and others.

It can be recalled that the first Mc Donald's branch in Batangas is also located in Lipa which is just few steps away from this new branch. Also in photo are LipaSallian Folkloric Guild which performs during the grand opening day.

Where do you think the 7th branch of Mc Donald's in Lipa will open?

Photo: LipaSallian Folkloric Guild

Mesa Soon To Open In SM City Lipa

There's no stopping for more dine options in Lipa as Mesa (Filipino Moderne) restaurant will soon open in SM City Lipa.

Mesa is a prominent Filipino restaurant in Metro Manila and known for its best sellers crispchon, hito flakes, tinapa roll, tofu salad, baby squid in olive oil among others. From its website, Mesa serves a wide variety of items from appetizers to soups, main dishes to grill items, choice meat and seafood complemented with a selection of desserts and coupled with specialty drinks. In contrast to others, substantially all items are prepared daily inside the restaurant’s kitchen facility using high quality and fresh ingredients based on innovative and authentic regional recipes.

Mesa is currently hiring for several positions for its Lipa branch like Managers, Supervisors and Crews for both kitchen and dining. You may send your resume to leonard_lao@yahoo.com with subject "Application to Mesa SM Lipa".

Sendok and Garpu: Indonesian Cuisine In Lipa

Sendok and Garpu or spoon and fork in English is now open in SM City Lipa. If you want to try something different from your usual meal but not far from Filipino delicacies then you have to try Sendok and Garpu.

Sendok and Garpu is serving world's best Indonesian cuisine such as Rendang and Satay. These authentic cuisine from Indonesia is now available in Lipa and another first in Batangas. Their menu is ranging from 60 pesos to 150 pesos only.

We tried Rendang (spicy meat dish cooked slowly for 5 hours), Mie Ayam (noodles with vegetables, mushroom and bits of chicken), Pisang Goreng (banana fritters), and Indomie Goreng (spicy noodles fortified with vitamins). Surprisingly all meals served satisfied our bellies with full of intense flavour. They also serve coffee for 80 pesos where you have to choose fresh beans from different places like Sagada and Lipa then they will grind it for you to drip brew.

Kenny Rogers Roasters Is Back In Lipa

Kenny Rogers is finally back in Lipa. After 8 years, they are back in their newest branch in Lipa City located along the bustling Ayala Highway beside Lipa Medix.

What makes Kenny Rogers Roasters different from the usual food chains is their healthy meal options. They offer high fiber, high protein, and low calorie meals. Other than their best selling and famous roasted chicken, there's a variety of menu to choose from which includes salads, home made muffins, pastas, sandwiches among others.

photo: Kenny Rogers Roaster Philippines

Lipa Dropped To #19 In Ph Competitiveness Index

Lipa City dropped to #19 spot in the 2016 Competitiveness Index by National Competitive Council of the Philippines out of 110 component and independent cities from #13 last year while Naga City remained unbeatable at #1 spot. Overall (including Highly Urbanized Cities), Quezon City was reigned supreme as they claimed the Most Competitive City award this year overtaking Manila who was ahead last year while Davao and Cebu take 5th and 6th spots respectively.

The Competitiveness Index is being measured based on the sum of scores from 3 pillars such as Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency and Infrastructure. Among 3 pillars, Lipa City is once again lowest at Government Efficiency where it ranked only at #63 but soaring high at #7 in Economic Dynamism among Component Cities. In CALABARZON region, Bacoor was #1 while Batangas City was at #5 spot and Lipa City at #8. Please note that Highly Urbanized Cities like Lucena and Cavite City have their own ranking while overall ranking among Highly Urbanized and Component Cities are not yet available in the website.

Developments in Lipa City:
New international and local shops opened in Lipa City recently like Krispy Kreme, Kenny Rogers, Cabalen, Kuya J's, Dominos Pizza, Power Mac, Adidas among others.
SM Lipa is currently having major renovation on its department store as it already surpassed premier status in terms of sales while Robinsons Lipa did also a major facelift on its supermarket.
Additional major player in BPO industry has been added as well in Lipa which locked the city as among the top ten next wave cities in the Philippines.
Local entrepreneurs lined up in the newest food stop in the city via Metro Event Zone while few more additional commercial buildings are currently under construction which will give more options to shoppers, foodies and tourists including the first premium condominium and hotel building in the province.

With these exciting developments in Lipa, netizens are hopeful to see improvements and consistencies in ordinances, traffic, garbage collection, and security.

source: National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines website

Rock Liwag's Lipa Paintings

Lipa Status is privileged to be trusted by a young painter named Rock Liwag on his work of art to be viewed and shared in social media. His paintings, originally intended for exhibit last Lipa City Day celebration, illustrate the two famous landmarks of Lipa such as City Hall and the demolished arch which used to greet visitors coming from the north using JP Laurel highway.

Rock Liwag is 19 years old from Rosario, Batangas but his grandfather is native of Lipa. He is currently sourcing from his paintings to accumulate enough amount of money to continue his studies. He learned his skill by just viewing from other artists' actual paintings. Expressionism is Rock's style of painting which is the approach that departs from the conventions of realism and seeks to convey inner experience by distorting rather than directly representing natural images.

If you are interested on Rock's paintings, feel free to message him directly in his Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/rock.and.tron

Please note that pictures below are not allowed to be downloaded for personal or public use without Rock Liwag's consent.

Top 25 Thing You Should Know About Lipa City

Top Thing You Should Know About Lipa City

1. Lipa is the first city in Batangas which was approved on June 20 1947.
2. Lipa is currently the most populated city in Batangas as of Aug 2015 according to Philippine Statistics Authority replacing Batangas City (capital of Batangas) on top.
3. Lipa is consistently among the Top Ten Next Wave Cities or top locations for information technology business as chosen by DOST-ICTO, IBAP and LPC along with Baguio, Dasmarinas (Cavite), Sta Rosa (Laguna), Naga, Malolos, Taytay, Dagupan and Cagayan De Oro cities.
4. Lipa is attributed as Little Rome of the Philippines by Department of Tourism due its numerous religious houses.
5. Lipa is the home to world's best and multi awarded health spa and resort, The Farm.
6. Lipa is the last town elevated to Villa (City) of the Philippines under Spanish regime on Oct 21 1887 for its progressive coffee industry.
7. Lipa in 1887 was once the richest town in the Philippines because of its coffee industry and once became a major supplier of coffee in the world. From then, "Kapeng Barako" became an icon of Lipa and Batangas in general.
8. Lipa became known once again worldwide because of Marian Apparition of 1948.
9. Lipa's top tourism destinations are the century old San Sebastian Cathedral (which has many resemblance with St. Peter's Basilica of Vatican City) and Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church.
10. Lipa is also the most commercialized area in Batangas for having the most number of lifestyle destinations. Most of the shops branching in Batangas are first opened in Lipa or can only be found in Lipa.
11. Lipa is elevated 1,225 ft above sea level which is next to Baguio and Tagaytay cities of Luzon. It is nestled between two mountains which make its location safer from natural calamities.
12. The first woman governor of Batangas is from Lipa City which is also the city's first woman Mayor and now first Congresswoman, Vilma-Santos Recto.
13. Epson plant in Lipa City is the biggest manufacturing plant of Japan's Epson with expected workforce to reach 20,000.
14. Other than coffee or Kapeng Barako, Lipa is also famous for its thick noodle soup known as "Lomi". Lomi of Lipa originated in 1968 from To Kim Eng from China who came to live in Lipa. Everywhere you go in Lipa, there will always be a lomi store to eat.
15. The first elected governor of Batangas was from Lipa, Simeon M. Luz, who served in 1903.
16. Lipa City was once the cleanest and greenest city in Region 4 along with Puerto Princesa City during the 90s and early 2000.
17. Lipa's SM Mall is the 2nd largest mall in CALABARZON at present after SM Dasmarinas.
18. Lipa is the only place celebrating "Buling Buling" or splashing of water during Sunday before Ash Wednesday. It is a tradition but not regulated by either church or local government.
19. Lipa is 2nd to Calamba with the most number of banks in CALABARZON.
20. Aisa Mijeno, world famous and multi awarded SALt (alternative lamp that runs on saltwater) inventor is from Lipa.
21. Bishop Alfredo Obviar who was declared Servant of God of the Catholic Church in 2005 with saint protocol number 2398 is from Lipa City.
22. Bienvenido Lumbera, a National Artist of the Philippines and recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award is from Lipa.
23. Mikaela Dimaano Fudolig, former child prodigy who entered college at 11, graduated summa cum laude in Physics at 16, and took her master’s and Ph.D. degrees shortly after is from Lipa City.

24. Lipa City is currently #14 in ranking among top destinations for retirement choices of foreigners in the Philippines according to Lamudi Philippines (a property portal).

25. Jose Rizal wrote a poem "Hymno Al Trabajo" to praise the zeal and industry of the Lipeños in January 1888.

What other substantial facts do you know about Lipa?

More Residential Options in Lipa

From Torre brand, Lipa will have its first premium residential and condo-hotel type residences to be located in Lipa Uptown through Tierra Lorenzo Lipa.

It will have three 11 floor buildings consisting of hotel and residential condominium. Amenities included in the plan are pool bar, multipurpose pavilion, adult pool, kiddie pool, playground, fitness center and more. It will rise in Altamirano St., Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City just few minutes away from malls and schools. Site development is expected this month while construction of building 1 will start in first quarter of 2017. It will have a total of 678 units.

Another incoming residential project in Lipa is from Rockwell Land Corporation, the property arm of Lopez Group of Companies. Their project for middle income earner in Lipa will be their first residential township in Batangas.

Lipa City is currently the most populated and most commercialized area in Batangas.

LCP Visited Lipa City Police Chief

Arven Bravo, head Admin of Lipa City Philippines (LCP) community group, paid visit out of courtesy to head of Philippine National Police in Lipa City, PSUPT Barnard Dannie V. Dasugo. Also present were Eric Molato, co Admin of LCP and PO3 Anne Noriega.

PSUPT Dasugo is thankful for creating an online community based group for Lipa City where they can read first hand experiences, feedback and opinion from members. He is also amazed by the number of members LCP currently have and how members are highly engaged in posting and giving comments.

PNP Lipa is actively participating in LCP as well by promoting their programs and providing comments to some posts related to them through their account PCR Lipa. Since his inception last Oct of last year, PSUPT Dasugo is sincere in uplifting the image of City Police when incident of crimes in the City became striking. Last April of this year, Lipa City Police Station was applauded for having 0 crime in a week for the first time in history of Lipa through "Lambat-Sibat" project. Just this week, netizens of LCP praised Lipa Policemen for clearing the highway of Inosluban and Marawoy from illegal parking. He also mentioned that reported cases of drug users and pushers have increased remarkably from estimate 300 to 1,300 cases.

PSUPT Dasugo would like the netizens of Lipa to continue to be vigilant and to work with them by immediately reporting cases or incidents. They will continue to monitor posts in LCP as it also help them in many ways. The humble Chief also mentioned that the feedback they arecreading in LCP should serve as a opportunity for them to be better.

Lipa City Philippines or LCP is the pioneer social media group in Lipa and remains the biggest with more than 42,000 highly engaged members.

Indonesian Cuisine Is Coming To Lipa

Indonesian cuisine is said to be the most vibrant and colorful cuisines in the world with full of intense flavour. Some of their dishes are bakso (noodle), cap cai (stir fried vegetables), gudeg (vegetable and meat in coconut milk sauce) to name a few.

But the world's best Indonesian cuisines are Rendang and Satay which are #1 and #14 respectively according to CNN Travel. These authentic Indonesian dishes will soon be available to foodies of Lipa City as Sendok and Garpu will open its branch in SM City Lipa.

This incoming restaurant in Lipa is definitely something new in Batangas and will be competing with numerous Filipino, American, Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Italian restaurants available in the city.

Sandok and Garpu will be another first for Lipa and Batangas in general. Their presence will continue to make our city as the food capital of Batangas.

Lipa City Is Now Batangas' Most Populated

According to Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA as of Aug 1 2015 (released May 19 2016), Lipa City is now the most populated among the cities and municipalities of Batangas with 332,386 residents which pushed down Batangas City, capital of Batangas, to #2 spot with 329,874.

Two years ago, I wrote an article in Lipa City Philippines group or LCP that Lipa City will soon become the most populated city of Batangas between 2017 and 2018 but it happened earlier than calculated based on the 3.11% annual growth of Lipa.

With heavy traffic and longer rush hour, multiple new subdivisions from low cost to high end, new commercial establishments that are sprouting like mushrooms and expanding commercial areas of Lipa City, there's no doubt that Lipa has surpassed the capital city of Batangas in terms of population while Lipa remained to be the most commercialized area of Batangas.

At baranggay level, Sta Maria in Sto Tomas pulled up on top as the most populated with 27,843 residents while Sabang stepped down to #2 with 23,535 residents followed by Santa Rita Karsada of Batangas City with 18,276.

I am excited to know the plans of the local government of Lipa in the next 3 years to improve the peace and order of the city, traffic, waste management, readiness for natural calamities and other programs & developments in Lipa considering rush of people coming in the city to work, study and reside.

Lipa City Philippines (LCP) & Hello Lipa Joined Forces

Lipa City Philippines or LCP, which is the pioneer and largest online group dedicated to Lipa City signed Memorandum of Agreement with Hello Lipa, largest blog site for Lipa City.

The signing of MOA was held last night at Cafe Veronica in Trinity Building Center along Ayala highway. It was attended by Spouses Jayzar and Aisha Recinto, owners of Hello Lipa and Administrators of Lipa City Philippines namely Reman Recio, Chii Yap, Peejay Cueto, Eric Molato and Arven Bravo.

The MOA is another milestone for Lipa City Philippines group as it will strengthen its position as the biggest and most visited online group for Lipa City while its partnership with Hello Lipa will further enhance its mission in pulling up Lipa City's status in tourism industry.

Lipa City Philippines started in July 2009 by Arven Bravo with current filtered membership of almost 41,000.

Dorm Type Residences In Lipa

Kassel Residences Lipa will soon rise in Inosluban beside a gas station and Eternal garden.It will be different from the usual dormitories or residential areas in Lipa and Batangas. It will have seven three-storey buildings with a one-storey commercial building. The project will also have amenities like basketball court and recreational areas.

It will have over 2,000 units available and intended for students and employees from BPO, malls, industrial park and others which are just near the location. The project aims to improve the living condition of individuals renting specifically in terms of privacy, hygiene and security. A person can rent for as low as 1,100 pesos per month starting amount.

Abenson Returned In Lipa

Abenson returned in Lipa in their new store at the newly opened RDC Plaza building along Ayala highway in Balintawak. To recall, Abenson came first in Lipa few years ago via their branch in Fiesta World mall.

Abenson had their grand opening in Lipa yesterday which started with motorcade highlighted by beetle cars and fiesta drum beaters. The opening was graced by top management of Abenson. Hundreds of customers visited the new branch to take advantage of the 1 day only free Samsung galaxy star phone plus freebies and discounts.

Abenson has more than 70 branches nationwide and has been awarded as one of the Top Retailers in the Philippines by Retail Asia Magazine. For more information, you may call at (043) 741 6917.
photo: Bunny Garing

The Return of Kenny Rogers Roasters in Lipa

It was Oct of last year when Lipa Status first posted the return of Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant in Lipa. The post received positive comments and has been viewed by almost 30,000 netizens which shows how Lipa is excited for its comeback.

The tarpaulin along JP Laurel Highway or more famous to many as "Ayala" highway beside Lipa Medix Medical Center is now visible and the construction is ongoing. Lipa Status is privileged to be given a copy of building perspective of how Kenny Rogers Roasters Lipa will look like. The concept is modern and far from their previous 2-storey building in the old bus stop about more than 10 years ago.

Kenny Rogers Roasters is an American based restaurant founded by country musician, Kenny Rogers. Target date of opening is on April or May this year and will have its initial hiring of staff and crew on Feb 18 (Wednesday) 10am at Zen building in Hotel Cara just across Caltex and Central also in Ayala highway. You may also send your resume at shprgi888@gmail.com. Their minimum requirement is 18-35 years old and at least 2 years in college.

Kuya J and Bagnetified Opens in Lipa

Two more dining out options are added to the growing restaurant businesses at SM City Lipa as Bagnetified and Kuya J opens its doors to the public last December.

Sticking true to its name, Bagnetified incorporates the Ilokano dish bagnet in all of its dishes, thus the name Bagnetified. For instance, instead of using beef, Bagnet is used in its Kare Kare. Same thing goes with their pork sinigang, sisig and even burger. The interior has a contemporary design that allows a laid back casual dining experience.

Kuya J is a homegrown Cebuano eatery, which currently has 19 restaurants across Luzon and Visayas, the latest of which is now up and running at the second floor of the annex building of SM City Lipa. The restaurant is fitted with bright and sophisticated interiors, while serving well-designed and well-executed native dishes that cut across regional palates.