Lipa 2017 Brands

Lipa City will remain as Batangas' center for food and lifestyle as it closes the year 2017. Additional roster of establishments that opened first in Lipa City for this year are Anytime Fitness, La Lola, Teriyaki Boy, Dolce Milano, MemoXpress, and J.Co Donuts.

Other shops and restaurants that opened this year are 7th Mc Donald's, 4th Greenwich, DQ, Super8, Huawei, NewStar, Unica Hija, and the return of Figaro among others.There were also a lot of local brandsopened in Food Parks of Lipa, High5 Square and Big Ben complex.
Next year, Aristocrat Restaurant (another first for Lipa) is expected to open along with Buffalo Wings. The Outlets at Lipa which is attributed as the biggest outlets in the Philippines will open in Summer of 2018. First phase of Tierra Lorenzo and new STI buildings are also expected to open next year.
Meanwhile; Batangas City, Lemery and Sto Tomas are aggressively opening new and additional reataurants & shops. Let's see if more international and national restaurants or shops will branch out in Lipa City next year.

Dolce Milano

Dolce Milano is an Italian bakery which opened its first branch in the Philippines in Lipa City. They offer wide variety of breads and pastries like cornetto, croissant, cannoli, baguette and more. Also in their menu are pasta, drinks, desserts, pizza, cakes etc. 

They are located at High5 Square building in Ayala highway. For more information, you may visit their pagehttps://www.facebook.com/dolcemilanoPhilippines/

Big Ben Celebrates 20 Years

Who remembers Texas Chicken, RACKS Restaurant, Anonymous, Library Comedy Bar, and more? It was in 1997 when Big Ben opened and became the first all in one shopping center of Lipeños until malls such as Fiesta World, Robinsons and SM came on the scene.

Big Ben Complex used to house a billiard hall, comic book stall, boutiques, food chains, and even a multiple stall of bars at the back. Now on its 20th year, Big Ben remains strong and competitive with its line of tenants. It continues to upgrade through the years with The Courtyard as their latest attraction. Very soon, J.Co Donuts and few more services will draw more patrons in the complex.

Congratulations, Big Ben Complex on your anniversary!
photo: Cesar Cambray

Baranggay Parol

Parol or Christmas Lanterns were paraded this morning from City Hall to Plaza Independencia as part of the local government's seasonal activity and to promote waste management and cooperation among Baranggays of Lipa.

Main criteria for judging Christmas Lanterns should be made of recyclable materials and was participated by majority of Baranggays in the City. Brgy Banay Banay emerged as the winner followed by Brgy Malagonlong and Brgy Dos (2) in second and third place respectively.

photo credit: grabbed from Lipa City Philippines [LCP] group
Jayson Mendoza, Manny Jun Icaro, Edwin Perez, Edson Mercadero & Wilson Magalang

Traffic Solution: Flyover and Diversion Road in Lipa

Approximately 2.87 kilometers that will pass through JP Laurel highway in Lipa City, the Manila-Batangas Flyover will cost approximately 4.3 billion pesos. This project by DPWH through coordination of Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto along with Congresswoman Lianda Bolilia and other officials is expected to finish by 2021.

The Manila-Batangas Flyover is one of the three multi year projects in Districts 4 & 6 of Batangas. The other one is the Lipa City - Padre Garcia Diversion road amounting to approximately 1.2 billion pesos. Both projects will definitely decongest the north and south bound lanes of the main roads of Lipa City.

For more information you may check the entire video of the project at Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto's page https://www.facebook.com/vsrecto/videos/1661007287284543/. 

LCP Dinner for a Cause 2017 Highlights

Venue: Purple Beetle Café Lipa City 

Partners: DemeterLand, Queen's Honey Bee Farm, Hotel 1925, Lipeño Tarpaulin Printing, Aquazone Purified Water, Geleroise World of Flavors,Jeans House, Cake It Away, Lipa Status, Hello Lipa

The highlights of annual fund raising activity of the biggest social media group of Lipa, Lipa City Philippines or LCP.

Cin Cin Italian Restobar

Cin-Cin Restobar pronounced like "chin chin" is an Italian word which means toast to a good life and the newest Italian restaurant bar in Lipa City, Batangas. It is located along Ayala highway beside Dayton Food Park.

You will never believe how reasonable their price for their flavorful wide variety of Italian dishes in their cozy Italian feel like ambiance. They also have live acoustic that will make your meal or bonding extra special. Come and taste their food today.

Dayton Food Park

Dayton Food Park is the latest option to foodies of Lipa City and nearby towns. It has total of 15 tenants to date and all of them are locally owned stores.


Dayton has beautiful ambiance, elegant buildings, good security, and free parking. 

UPDATES: The Outlets at Lipa

Published by: The Outlets at Lipa

The Outlets at Lipa is bringing its celebration of fashion directly to shoppers.

Premium brands such as Levi’s, Giordano, Dickies, NBA Store’s Outlet The Yard and US Department Store will be joining the largest outlet mall destination in Luzon in its opening this 2018. Estimated to draw more than 10 million visitors annually, shoppers will be offered with premium brands in their preferred-style and budget. More brands are expected to join to make sure that the brands are well-represented for fashionistas to millennials, moms and savers.

Located in Lipa, Batangas, the site can accommodate as much as 27,000 sq.m. for outlet shops. It offers 80sqm. to 600sqm. parcels for anchor stores, restaurants, service businesses and other retail uses.

The Outlets at Lipa is set to be a world-class shopping destination in the Philippines. It will feature more global retail brands, positioning this shopping hub as one of AboitizLand’s biggest developments.
source: outletslipa.com.ph

J.Co Donuts to open in Bigben Lipa

The long waited J.Co Donuts and Coffee shop is expected to open in Big Ben complex by December. It will occupy the former Western Union office extending beside Le Manays.

The latest addition to cafe and donut retail restaurants in Big Ben will be another first for Lipa and Batangas. This donut brand from Indonesia has successfully penetrated the Philippines in 2012 and has been consistent in the wishlist of the Lipenos. They also have branches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

The brand is also known for their high quality toppings and fillings such as toasted almonds, premium dark and white chocolate, matcha, and other ingredients.

Photo and Article: Arven Bravo

Sell Pacia won Ginoong Barako 2017

Sell Jay Pacia of Baranggay Lodlod won the title Ginoong Barako ng Lipa 2017. This first edition of the pageant by Lipa City Tourism Council was held at Lipa Plaza Independencia.

Runners Up were Rodel Baña and Jay Lester Abrenica. The contest also served as the culminating night of the week long celebration of Barako Festival.

Article: Arven Bravo
Photo: Reniar Somar

Round the Clock in Lipa City

Paul from Australia challenged his Lipa Status friends on how he will enjoy Lipa City in 24 hours. Find out how and where he spent his day and night in Lipa.

Lipa kick-starts week-long Barako Festival with a world record attempt

by: Peejay Cueto

LIPA CITY - Thousands of Lipeños/Batangueños line up in an attempt to have a Guinness Book of World Record for the longest line of people simultaneously drinking Kapeng Barako. The event also aims to set world records for most number of simultaneous taking of coffee break, most number of Kapeng Barako served simultaneously, most number of simultaneous selfies, and most number of simultaneous hashtags. The 5-kilometer line stretches from SM City Lipa up to Robinsons Lipa and is participated by an estimated 8,000 people.

Lipa Sets Stage for Kapeng Barako Festival 2017

Lipa City – The Lipa City Tourism Culture and Arts Council is now preparing for the 2017 weeklong celebration of the Kapeng Barako Festival which is set to happen on October 16-21. Kicking off the festival is the city’s attempt to have a Guiness Book World Record for the longest line of people simultaneously drinking coffee. This will be done on October 16, from 6:00am to 9:00am on what the locals knew as the Ayala Highway (part of the JP Laurel Highway which stretches from the Lipa City Hall up to Robinsons Lipa). Several coffee drinking stations will be installed along the stretch, while different business establishments will be providing freshly brewed “kapeng barako” for everyone to sip and enjoy.

Also on October 16 is the launching of the exhibit “Lipa History on Canvass” at SM City Lipa at 10:00am. The exhibit will feature the works of eight artists who volunteered to paint their renditions of the eight different historical eras of Lipa. The featured artists include Joseph Albao, Janina Sanico, Ravenald dela Cruz, Rex Tatlonghari, Rey Bautista, Robert Tiano, Mone Luz and Edward Padilla Jr.. Former Tourism Council President Mr. Alex Maralit will also showcase his illustrations of the Japanese atrocities in Lipa, while former history teacher Mr. Rex Raymond Torrecampo provided a short narrative of the different eras. The exhibit will run from October 16 to October 20. In the afternoon, the talent competition and casual wear competition of the candidates for Ginoong Barako 2017 will be presented at The Events Center of SM City Lipa at 5:00PM.

On October 18, a cooking contest dubbed as “Barako Chef” will be featured at the activity center of The Big Ben Complex. Headed by coffee connoisseur Nina Maralit, the contest will gather the best cooks around the city. Using Kapeng Barako or Liberica coffee as among the ingredients, the participants will be presenting their dish and recipe for entrée (main dish) and dessert. Criteria for judging include taste 30%, texture/consistency 15%, technique used 15%, food safety & sanitation 15%, Presentation 15% and people’s choice 10%. This activity aims to showcase coffee as an important flavor ingredient in savory and dessert dishes while providing a venue for Lipeño chefs and cooks to explore the culinary possibilities of Kapeng Barako as a major ingredient.

The highlight of the festival will be the pageant night and coronation of the Ginoong Barako at Lipa Plaza Independencia on October 21, where nine young men will vie for the title Ginoong Barako 2017. With its thrust to promote Kapeng Barako as one of Lipa’s historical heritage, the winner will be Lipa’s historical heritage ambassador.

Jewel of the Philippines 2017 is from Lipa

Achelle Medrano of Lipa City rocked UP GT Toyota Asian Cultural Center as she bested other 19 candidates in Jewel of the Philippines pageant this year.

Only 17 and from Baranggay Anilao, Achelle joined a pageant for the first time. She also won special awards such as Best in Cultural Costume, Darling of the Press, People's Choice Award, and Best in Swimsuit. Achelle will now represent the Philippines in Jewel of the World.

Representatives from Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Quezon City were runners up.

Photo: Jewel of the Philippines FB page

Dulcissima Bakeshop

Lipa's premium pastries can only be found in Dulcissima Bakeshop. They introduced cream puff in Lipa with original filling recipe from Dulcis' mother. They have wide variety of pastries to choose from like hazelnut brownies, oatmeal cupcake, devil's cupcake, and more. They also have pastillas, cakes, and cheesecake bars. For inquiries, call (043) 756 4098.

Video: Arven Bravo
Photos: Peejay Cueto 
Hosts: Melvin Lat and Chii Yap

UB Lipa Visit and 1st President's Cup

The Uptown

The Uptown is a lifestyle destination with one-stop shop lifestyle offerings as evidenced by its exciting mix of tenants. It will have casual fast food, dessert’s place, convenience store, retail shop, service center, entertainment facility, spa, salon, gym and office hub.

Positioned atop The Uptown is JET HOTEL, the real business traveler’s destination in Lipa City, also made for various events and functions.

The property is located within the heart of Lipa in Ayala Highway, Mataas na Lupa along the busiest rotunda and streets of Robinson’s Place. This will have the first LED ads display along the Lipa Highway. The building looks different with its pop and metro-looking perspective plus the idea of putting together a community mall and business hotel.

As of the moment, the construction is ongoing and will occupy some known tenants. There are some available spaces FOR LEASE.

BE PART OF THE GROWING BUSINESS! For inquiries, please contact: +639228027700; duojetcorp.ph@gmail.com or like the page, The Uptown.

Who’s excited for this innovation within Lipa business district? Lipa is really booming and this is a blessing to the community. This will surely give a good employment to Lipeños. Get ready for more development in the metro.


Article by: Patrick John O. Mea

Inside The Box Cafe

Experience a whole new level in drinking coffee in Lipa's first Third Wave coffee shop. Visit them at 2nd floor High 5 building along Ayala highway with contact number (043) 741 2836. Watch our video below.

Video: Arven Bravo
Hosts: Chii Yap and Melvin Lat
Technical: Eric Molato and Rose Ann Herrera

Sinderela At Ang Gintong Sapatilya

Lipa Actors Company has been showcasing great shows since 2008 and with LTN Productions, it recently gave a musical production as part of their 8th season- 2017 Marangal.

Sinderela At Ang Gintong Sapatilya is an adaptation of the well-loved fairy tale, Cinderella. Many can narrate how the story of this princess goes but this locale version is surprisingly different. We specially love the colorful lightings and stage plus the very majestic wardrobe. Of course the music leaves you a syndrome.

The show revolves around the values of contentment, family orientedness, love, and honesty. It was first shown at Batangas Convention Center and recently at Canossa Academy- Lipa.

Turning to its decade of theater presence; truly a pride of Lipa as it continually promotes arts and positive values- We congratulate LIPA ACTORS COMPANY!

Catch their upcoming show! RECTO ISKOOL OF RAK is a contemporary play inspired by the works of Claro M. Recto fused with rock music in between acts. This is not a musical nor your typical play, its Rak-Dula, a mashed-up of rock culture and its construct, its deconstruct and versa, to create an entirely different theater experience- DECEMBER 2017.

Article written by: Pj Mea

(c) Alvin Klenn Hermo Ferraro for the photos

24 Hours Stores in Lipa

Aside from the usual 7 11, Ministop, and now the growing Alfamart convenient stores; Lipa City has several restaurants to choose from when the night is over.

Shakey's in Ayala, Army Navy, Mc Donalds (Ayala, La Salle, Recto, Cathedral), Yellow Cab in Ayala, Taza Mia Coffee in Ayala, and Jollibee (Ayala and Levitown) are among restaurants available 24 hours a day in Lipa City. After night party people and employees working in grave yard shift are mostly the target of the extended hours.

The increasing number of 24 hours stores in Lipa is an indicator that the city has conquered Batangas in commercialism and lifestyle has changed. Lipa's private sector is consistently growing and active even after night.

Ninay's Special Puto and Tamales

The recipe of "kakanin" (rice cake) was passed on to Aleng Ninay from her grand parents who started cooking in 1913. Using only first-grade rice, coconut milk, and sugar; Aleng Ninay is preparing and cooking her puto and tamales just how her lola had prepared them. No wonder, Ninay's puto and tamales became famous and trusted for years in Lipa City.
Know more about Ninay's puto and tamales on this video. For more information, you may call or text them at (043) 756 4350 or 0917 840 2303.

2017 Philippine Competitiveness Ranking: pa is #55 Out of 145 Cities

2017 Philippine Competitiveness Ranking
Lipa is #55 Out of 145 Cities

Lipa has improved its overall ranking in 2017 National Competitiveness Council Philippines from #83 last year to #55 out of 145 cities this year but still behind Batangas and Tanauan cities. Lipa was again affected by Government Efficiency and with addition of Resiliency category which were the lowest for Lipa City according to assessment.

In terms of Component Cities Category, Lipa is still ahead of Tanauan and has improved by 2 notches at #17 out of 110 cities. 

Overall, Quezon City was again hailed as the most competitive city in the Philippines followed by Manila and Makati. In CALABARZON, Antipolo City was on top followed by Binan and Bacoor.

In Provincial category, Rizal is the most competitive province in the country followed by South Cotobato and Cavite. Batangas moved one notch higher at #8 out of 74 provinces.

source: CMCIndex I National Competitiveness Council Philippines

Lipa's Firsts

Lipa's Tragic Historical Events

Traffic Lights Soon In Lipa

Traffic lights will finally be available soon in the major intersections of Lipa City. Initially, there will be 6 traffic light system to be installed this year which should be functional by October if there will be no weather disturbances. It will be equipped with high resolution mounted CCTV which can rotate at wide angle and will be controlled & monitored at Command Center alongside with the rest of Lipa's existing CCTVs.

Traffic lights will be installed along JP Laurel Highway corner Leviste Rd., JP Laurel Highway corner Provincial road going to Sto Tomas, JP Laurel Highway corner San Lorenzo St going to Canossa, two Tambo startoll exits and in P. Torres St. cor F. Manalo St. Expenses for the project will be coming from the city budget.

It can be recalled that in 2015, there has already been plans of putting up traffic lights through assistance of MMDA and had studies on routes and volume but did not materialize.

source: Lipa City Government

The Outlets at Lipa Opening this Summer 2018

The most awaited shopping center in Lipa City is expected to open this summer of 2018. This Aboitiz Land owned commercial center will house top brands like Adidas, Planet Sports, The Yard (NBA Store), New Era among others.

The largest outlet mall in the Philippines will also host an outdoor multi purpose sports field and is set to be a world-class shopping destination.

source: The Outlets at Lipa

Venus Won in WCOPA 2017

Venus Pelobello of Lipa City won several medals in the World Championship of Performing Arts in Long Beach, California. She is Champion in Latin and Soul/R&B/Jazz categories and took bronze medals in Open and Pop categories. Venus was first seen competing in It's Showtime's Tawag ng Tanghalan last year.
This year's Philippine delegation to WCOPA gathered a total of 205 medals where 58 are first place finish in different categories. Since 2005 when Jed Madela first won in this annual event, the Philippines became a country to beat with about 60 countries participating each year.
WCOPA is known to be an International meet for aspiring performers in singing, dancing, acting and modeling.

photos: Venus FB and Sthanlee B. Mirador FB

Arven Bravo: Lipa's Contemporary Patriot

This article is to give appreciation to the students behind LIKHAAN, official Magazine of University of Batangas (Lipa Campus) headed by Allen Alisen for including me in Humans of Batangas. The 4 page feature article was written by Abigail Jane Faina.

According to Likhaan's Editor in Chief; "Other than Cabrera for music, Santos-Recto for politics, Lumbera for literature and Dimaunahan for sports there is more to recognize beyond gratitude and acknowledgements. There is more to appreciate. There is more to treasure. Because we, Batanguenos, have the ability to imagine more; have the ability to do more; have the ability to create more. It is in the nature of abilities that we must seek beyond. We must find beyond. In this scenario we found that Batangas is not just Batangas. There is more to what this province has - its people."

Also included in the Humans of Batangas are Raphael Mijeno of Sustainable Alternative Lighting from Lipa, Ramon Florencio Perez of San Juan, Rico Omoyon of San Jose, Mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan, Father Jose Juan Juarez Perez, Atty Ed Tolentino among others.

Likhaan of UB Lipa City is Luzon's Best College Magazine

Likhaan (by The Brahmans' Journal), the official magazine of University of Batangas in Lipa City, was awarded as the Best Magazine in the recently concluded Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC) held at A & A Hotel, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan last February 22-24 of the current year.

According to The Brahmans' Journal, Likhaan bested other magazine entries of school publications from the entire Luzon with few entries from Visayas and Mindanao. Likhaan of UB Lipa received 8 awards en route to being hailed as this year's top college magazine.

They featured "Humans of Batangas" which will soon be available in the campus. Likhaan would like to feature articles about those who were not often talked about in the local or national news but have made a significant contribution for the city and the province. Humans of Batangas include one of the two geniuses of SALT lamp, Raphael Mijeno; missionary doctor, Fr. JosePerez; the Mangulabnan clan in UAAP; sports analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino; Tanauan City Mayor, Antonio Halili; and the pioneer of culture blogging in Lipa City, Arven Bravo; among others.

Advantages of Lipa City

Advantages of Lipa City

Miss Earth Lipa City 2017

Rianne Kalaw is this year's Lipa representative to Miss Philippines Earth.

She already joined two other national pageants such as Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Tourism Philippines where she won and represent the country in Miss Tourism Universe. Rianne was also Miss Lipa Tourism 2015.

Paris Silva has the best placement from Lipa so far in Miss Philippines Earth when she made it to top 16 and won Best in Cultural attire in 2015. Miss Philippines Earth 2017 finals will be on July 15 at Mall of Asia arena to be shown in ABS CBN the following day.

photos: Ms Earth Ph and Mutya ng Pilipinas

Top Taxpayers of Lipa for 2016

Here are the lists of Lipa City's top taxpayers for 2016 as provided by Business Tax & Fees Division:
CORPORATION
1. SM Department Store
2. Pilipinas Kyohritsu Inc (PKI)
3. Supervalue Inc
4. Nestle Philippines Inc
5. South Supermarket
6. SM Appliances Center
7. CPW Philippines Inc
8. Mary Mediatrix Medical Center
9. Premiere Southern Corp (SM Supermall)
10. Ace Hardware

REAL PROPERTY
1. Epson Precision Philippines
2. Nestle Philippines INc
3. Premiere Southern Corp (SM Supermall)
4. Cereals Partners Inc
5. Pilipinas Kyohritsu Inc
6. Lima Land
7. Active Realty
8. Laguna Properties
9. Communities Batangas
10. Malarayat Golf and Country Club
SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
1. Tagumpay Mart
2. Sampaguita Mart
3. 7 11 (Big Ben & CM Recto)
4. Center Point Builders
5. Sherwin Construction
6. CDR Poultry Supply
7. Mega Steel Center
8. J-One Marketing
9. Hipolito Trading
10. Myron & Lorraine Food Shop

Lipa Advocates

Know the people behind Lipa City Philippines (LCP) group, Lipa Status blog, and Biyaheng Lipa travel mag.
Location: Summit Point Lipa
Music: Cool - Tobu, Wholm & Blume

LCC Graduate is Top 8 in May 2017 CPA Board Exam

Jan Michael Maglinao who graduated Cum Laude in Lipa City Colleges ranked #8 in the May 2017 CPA Board Examinations with 90.5% rating.
List of topnotchers were dominated by University of San Carlos in Cebu and also the top performing school followed by De La Salle University of Manila.
In Lipa City, University of Batangas - Lipa came first with 62.50% over-all passing rate followed by De La Salle Lipa with 50% and Lipa City Colleges with 22.22%.
There are 3,389 out of 9,645 examinees who passed the exams. Congratulations to all who passed.
source: prcboard.com

Top 5 Budget Friendly Eatery in Lipa

We made a survey in Lipa City Philippines group or LCP on what are the most budget friendly but still offers delicious foods in Lipa. The results in no particular order:

1. Senia's Refreshment - 45 years eatery open from 11am until 6pm at Lipa Public Market building.
2. Arthur's BBQ - located along the highway of Marawoy almost infront of St. Joseph Seminary which is open from 5pm onward.
3. Mother's Silog - located at the old bus stop site and open 24 hours.
4. Pongki's Fried Pansit - open from 7am until 11am at the back of MS Supermarket.
5. Nene's Special Mami and Siopao - 30 years eatery open from 4am until 12noon in Lipa Public Market.

Installation Of The New Archbishop Of Lipa

Most Reverend Gilbert A. Garcera DD was officially installed as the newest Archbishop of Archdiocese of Lipa. He gladly received a symbolic key from Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili and was warmly welcomed by the people of Lipa during the installation ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Lipa City or more popular to many as San Sebastian Cathedral.

Archbishop Garcera is a native of Magaro in Camarines Sur and was previously a Bishop of Daet. His predecessor was Most Reverend Ramon Arguelles, DD.

Lipa City is the religious capital of the Catholic church in Batangas and famous in the country as "Little Rome of the Philippines" as attributed by Department of Tourism due to its numerous religious houses while native of Lipa are known to have strong faith and religious.

Photo: Mayor Meynard Sabili FB account