CTBL Opens 2nd Branch in Lipa

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or CBTL opens its 2nd branch in Lipa City at The Outlets at Lipa. It's second branch is more spacious than the one located at Ayala highway.
Home grown brands, Cafe de Lipa and Purple Beetle Cafe first opened in The Outlets in Lipa while 4th Starbucks of the city is expected to open soon.

Lucas Garcia of Lipa Placed 2nd in Idol Philippines

Lucas Garcia of Lipa City finished 2nd in Idol Philippines. A veteran in singing competitions, Lucas is gaining momentum on a national TV this time with Idol Philippines of ABS CBN. His performances are getting millions of views in Youtube & Facebook and is receiving a lot of positive feedback not only from the judges but also from the netizens.

Relieve this moment when Lucas first entered in Top 12.

Mayor Africa Greets LCP

Newly elected Mayor of Lipa City, Hon. Eric B Africa warmly greets the biggest and pioneer social media group of the city, Lipa City Philippines [LCP].
Even before he was elected as Mayor, Hon. Africa is always thankful for feedback and suggestions being posted by members of LCP. The new Lipa City Administation is actively monitoring the posts and discussions in LCP which is the widest and most influential in the city. Watch the greetings of the Mayor on LCP's 10th annniversary.

The Old Grove Farmstead

The Old Grove Farmstead is an upscale countryside venue ideal for team building, family bonding, photo shoot, or any unforgettable affairs.
It is picture perfect and versatile venue that your family or friends will surely fall in love with its rustic setting. It is located in Purok 5, Lodlod, Lipa City. At present, Old Grove Farmstead can only accommodate corporate events and yet to announce its opening for walk ins and small group activity.
For more details, you may call or text 0917 895 2829 with landline (043) 236 4865.

Buling Buling

If you are not from Lipa and you are not aware of the unregulated tradition called Buling Buling (water splash), you might get upset of getting wet if you roam around the city every Sunday before ash Wednesday.

Lipa City Philippines Facebook group or LCP had multiple reactions of this annual tradition in the city. To some locals of Lipa, its a fun activity and you will get blessed if you get splash of water but to others it's a mess and creating inconveniences. Social media put hyped in this year's buling buling.

Since this is related to a religious activity, Lipa Status and LCP is hoping that the Catholic church and Lipa City government will seat down together to regulate this event to create guidelines and make the activity suitable to public in general.

Here are some of the best captured photos from Lipa City Philippines group.

photos: Le Andrew from LCP

Things You will Love in Lipa

1. Weather 

Nestled between two mountains with elevation of about 1,025 ft above sea level, Lipa is enjoying a lower temperature all year round than average Philippine climate. Feel the icy like water when taking a bath and chilled blow of wind in the months of November until March.

2. Kapeng Barako
The first coffee tree was introduced in Lipa by Spanish Franciscan monk in 1740. During that time, Lipa became the coffee capital of the Philippines and one of the world's major supplier of coffee bean. Up to this time, coffee industry is still alive with Cafe de Lipa as front runner. You can also buy Kapeng Barako in public market at very low price.

3. Lomi
Believed to be first cooked in Lipa by To Kim Eng in 1968, a Chinese who married a Filipina and lived in Lipa. To Kim Eng used to cook lomi for his mahjong friends and it became famous which the To couple turned into a business. Lomi became popular snack not only among Lipa people but in the entire Batangas. Anywhere you go in Lipa, you will easily find a store to eat lomi. Among the popular lomi resto in Lipa are Lomi King, Lipa Panciteria, and Liam's.

4. Goto
Another popular dish in Lipa is "goto" but this is not the usual goto in Manila or other places outside Batangas which is similar to congee or "lugaw". Goto in Batangas is soup with beef's liver, intestine, and meat in broth flavored with ginger, onion and other spices. It is a popular breakfast which is usually served with rice and cold drink. Popular "gotohan" in Lipa are Tessie's, Gotohan sa Barangay, and Lhino's.

5. Lipa Cathedral
San Sebastian Cathedral or Lipa Metropolitan Cathedral is the most popular landmark of Lipa. The century old cathedral has magnificent dome with beautiful paintings. Lipa is attributed by Department of Tourism as Little Rome of the Philippines because of its multiple religious houses and Catholic tourists may complete Visita Iglesia inside the city alone.
Along with these churches, Lipa people are known to be very faithful in their religion and for having strong family ties.

6. The Farm
The Farm at San Benito is the world's award winning and very popular holistic medical wellness destination among celebrities. The place is not only promoting clean living but also nurture peace of mind and soul.

photos: Arven Bravo, The Farm at San Benito, Jason Sales de los Reyes (goto)
sources: Philcoffeeboard, Wikipedia

Lipa City Fiesta Grand Parade 2019

Lipa City Fiesta Grand Parade 2019

Ms Lipa City won the right to represent the Philippines in Miss All Nations

Miss Lipa City, Celline R. Negosa of Malitlit, won the right to represent the Philippines in Miss All Nations to be held in Nanjing, China.

She won the title from Miss Philippines 2018 contest held last Dec 30 2018 with a total of 29 candidates from all over the Philippines. Winners are as follows:
2nd Runner Up - Mandaluyong
1st Runner Up - La Union
Ms Ph - Global International - Laguna
Ms Ph - Polo International - Nueva Ecija
Ms Ph - All Nations - Lipa City
Ms Ph - Globe - Gen Trias, Cavite
Ms Ph - Face of Beauty International - Manila
Ms Ph - Tourism Queen International - Tuy, Batangas

Miss Philippines is different from other beauty pageants in the country such as Binibining Pilipinas which send representatives to Miss Universe, Miss Earth Philippines, Miss World Philippines, and Mutya ng Pilipinas.

photo: Edmund Ong Chua II of FAB Manila