MANILA, Philippines – Philippine coffee traces it roots from the Highlands of Lipa City.
In the 1800s, coffee was brought to the Philippines; the seedlings were planted by the first settlers of the area, the Macasaet clan.
The volcanic soil, low temperature and cultivation practices of the Lipenos brought about a unique coffee, Kapeng Barako, an aromatic, full-bodied, strong-flavored coffee that was distinctively Filipino.
This passion for great coffee was continued by Jose H. Mercado and his family, direct descendants of the Macasaet clan. Joe, as he is known by his friends and colleagues, started with the humblest of beginnings.
Café de Lipa’s passion for coffee runs deep, rooted in its ancestors’ commitment to great coffee. They continued on with a love for the magical brew, which still bears the name Kapeng Barako. Considered to be the best among the Liberica species, it possesses a strong and full-bodied flavor. Most people who have tried it attest to the kick or jolt it gives them from every sip. Drinking Barako doesn’t just involve enjoying its taste, but also its aroma. The best way to have it is black without sugar. And before taking a sip, inhale and savor its aroma, then let its flavor and body linger in your mouth before swallowing. Other than the Barako, Café de Lipa also offers a full line of espresso drinks, from latte to cappuccino to Americano, iced-coffee variants and the widely popular ice-blended drinks. In addition to Café de Lipa’s version of a perfect cup of coffee, a wide array of pastries is also offered, such as tableya brownies, calamansi crunch, pili nut bars and moist barako brownies, plus savory dishes like tinapa and adobo paté with pandesal.
Café de Lipa branches are located at SM Mall of Asia, North Arcade beside Hypermart; Market! Market! ground floor, Station Square East Commercial Co.; Petron Macapagal, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Parañaque City; 32 San Carlos Drive, Mataas na Lupa, Lipa City, Batangas; and Petron Star, Km. 80 along the Star tollway, Brgy. Tibig, Lipa City.