Author name: yourtitaja

Blog, Community News, Featured Community

Love local? Tagaytay Weekend Market’s FLEA Vol. 1 is Happening This May!

There’s something magnetic about weekends in Tagaytay; the cool breeze, the coffee, the slow pace. But on May 24 and 25, that easygoing charm gets a fresh, creative twist with FLEA Vol. 1, the very first Tagaytay Weekend Market is happening at Kapihan ni Gunyong SVD, from 8AM to 10PM. More than just a market, FLEA Vol. 1 is a love letter to Tagaytay’s creative community: a space where artists, makers, and dreamers gather to share their craft and connect with like-minded souls. I’m so thrilled because finally, we get a coffee shop as gathering spot for vintage hunters, skaters, brewers, beat-makers, and bold local brands all vibing in one space for 2 days! You’ll find live art and tattoo sessions, music from DJ Candy, and stalls full of handcrafted treasures from hemp fashion and katsa bags, to nail art, trinkets, upcycled pieces, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. There’s even a flower bar to brighten your weekend so I guess you’ll spot me hoarding trinkets here. Haha! Curated by and for creatives, the market features local names like Project PH, Mushroom Park, Marahuyo, Refill N’ Beyond, Kaka’s Studio, and more, each bringing something uniquely theirs to the table. What makes this market special isn’t just what’s for sale, it’s the people behind it all. Their creativity, stories, and passion turn each interaction into something meaningful. Here are the local brands to expect: Project PH (Katsa Fashion) Mushroom Park Marahuyo Flowers Lour Under the Lamp Refill N’ Beyond Ehemplo The Good Rascal Barbershop and Cuts Not Dead Kaka’s Studio Reiso Vintage Tuklasan Taong Bahay Kekel Bead.dazzles DJ Candy And because Tagaytay does things differently, there’s free admission and a reward for the best-dressed attendee which I think is a nod to the self-expression that defines the event. If you’re an artist, a curious soul, or just someone who loves good vibes and good coffee, FLEA Vol. 1 is your weekend scene. See you guys around!

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Blog

Platefuly: This cafe in the South offers a Tea and Pie Party Package for only P399

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious afternoon experience in Tagaytay, you need to check out Platefuly. This local gem started as a small passion project during the pandemic, led by siblings Luisito and Liliane Barcelon. Inspired by their mom’s home recipes, Platefuly quickly grew because of their dedication to making handcrafted, preservative-free pies and goodies. In just a few years, they became a favorite for locals and tourists alike! Afternoon Tea Set Recently, I had the chance to try their Afternoon Tea Set, and it honestly made my whole day. The set is packed with a mix of sweet and savory treats. You get to choose two flavors of savory hand pies (I picked Tuna and Spinach — both so flavorful and satisfying!) and two flavors of sweet hand pies (I went with Ube Buko, perfect for anyone who loves fruity and creamy desserts). The set also includes sandwiches, like the Roasted Chicken Cranberry and Egg Tuna — both classic, fresh, and filling. To make it even better, you also get a selection of their homemade goodies, like cinnamon and chocolate-drizzled Otap, a sweet Ladyfinger (Brojas), and their premium Lengua de Gato that just melts in your mouth. What made the experience even more special was the serving of tea! I tried both the Lemon Ginger and English Breakfast Tea. They also offer one free round of coffee if you’re more of a coffee lover like me. Hehe. The Afternoon Tea Set is priced at ₱399 per pax which I think is a great deal considering how much food and drinks you get, plus the cozy ambiance that makes you want to stay all afternoon. Looking for more? Aside from the tea set, Platefuly also offers a perfect treat for sunny days: their own version of halo-halo, beautifully layered with the classic favorites and priced at around ₱110. It’s a must-try if you’re craving something cold and sweet after your meal. If you’re in the mood for a full meal instead, Platefuly also serves hearty dishes that are just as comforting and delicious, like: These dishes show off the same homemade quality and love that made Platefuly such a standout spot. All in all, my experience at Platefuly was so comforting and memorable AS ALWAYS. You can really taste the love and effort they put into every bite. Soooo if you’re up for a place to hang out with friends, treat yourself to a slow afternoon, or just enjoy good food in Tagaytay, Platefuly is a spot you shouldn’t miss. If you want to learn more about their menu or place an order, you can visit their Facebook page: Platefuly Facebook or their website: Platefuly Website. Where to find them? Treat yourself soon — you deserve it!

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Blog, Featured Blog, Lifestyle, Travel

Tagaytay Staycation: Hidden Paradise in the Little Santorini of Tagaytay

In the last few years, I’ve been to more than 30 staycation spots in Tagaytay. There were units that are extremely alike in terms of aesthetic and service, but there are also BNBs that made my experience so memorable that I always come back for them. One of these is The Hidden Paradise at La Bella Residences in Tagaytay. It is our third time here and our experience was still as amazing as the first time. We arrived at La Bella Residences’ lobby by 3PM and Ate Vhon, the unit caretaker assisted us in the check-in process. Keep in mind that you have to leave an identification card at the lobby that you will claim by time of check out. The Hidden Paradise at La Bella Tagaytay Upon entering the unit, you will be welcomed by the dreamy ambiance of The Hidden Paradise. On the right side stood their kitchenette where you can prepare your food during your stay. They also have a Dolce Gusto machine for coffee lovers and your payment comes with coffee capsules that you can enjoy hot or cold. Of all the staycation spots we visited, this is the only one with the Dolce Gusto machine and we just love how it makes our coffee experience better. We’ve tried brewing coffee from coffee machines at other units before, but you cannot really say if the beans are fresh and if the brew is good. That’s why this improves our mood 100x because every cup of coffee is ensured clean and delicious. Just beside the kitchen is a table for 2, we have always admired this setup because it really gives that romantic date night vibe while watching a movie. To maintain the clean and fresh atmosphere their guests love, cooking is not allowed due to the lack of exhaust system in La Bella Tagaytay. For your convenience, they provide a microwave and rice cooker that you can use for simple meal reheating. But don’t worry, there are a lot of local restaurants to explore nearby! And speaking of movies, this unit offers unlimited use of Wi-Fi and Netflix so you can binge your favorite shows on our 22-hour stay. Their sound bar wraps everything together as a complete movie night package – we love it! As for us, we have finally started watching Black Mirror’s new season which left us too traumatized to continue watching the rest of the show. Hahahahaha! Let us take this a step at a time. What else do I need to know? They also have the softest bed that can fit up 2 adults and 1 kid so if you’re planning to take your family for a quick Tagaytay escape, this might be perfect for you. During staycations, it is understandable that you have to leave the room if you want to buy snacks or supplies and what we love about this unit is that they have available snacks and drinks for sale just in case you’re too cozy to go out. Note: All proceeds from food purchases inside the unit go to Ate Vhon, the unit caretaker. So if you want to tip for her warm gestures and assistance, this would be the best way. 🙂 But if you’re craving something else, you can just go to the lobby because across the walk is a mini grocery where you can buy everything for meryenda, midnight snack, and breakfast. There are also restaurants around the area so make sure to check them out. Lastly, your payment comes with complete toiletries that you can consume during your stay including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, fresh towels, dental kits, and tissue paper. Just what I needed because I forgot my toothbrush at home. Hahahaha! Oh and I forgot to mention that the room offers mineral water to guests which is very convenient given that we run out of bottled water every time so it’s nice to stay in a place where clean water is already provided. All in all, we had a great time as always. The Hidden Paradise is our go-to staycation spot in La Bella Tagaytay and I’m sure once you had a taste of their service, you’ll love them too. Inclusions Amenities Optional Amenites with Minimal Fee Low-Season Promo Rates CHECK-IN: 3PM CHECKOUT: 12NN next day Where to find them? La Bella Tagaytay, Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines Facebook: The Hidden Paradise Airbnb: The Hidden Paradise How to get there? (Via commute) PS: They are offering surprise setups with minimal fee so make sure to coordinate with their account admins for your big plans. Have a great stay! 🙂

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Community News, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Resource Speaker at TED TALK: Cultural Heritage Discussion and Excellent Photography Convention 2025

2 years ago, I was here at Cavite State University Quadrangle for graduation practice. Today, I stepped on the stage as a guest speaker for SET Convention. Thank you sooooo much to all the people behind the success of this event. I am honored to share my stories as your tita and ate alumna. Being part of this celebration is truly one for the books, mabuhay ang turismo ng Pilipinas! TED TALK: Cultural Heritage Discussion and Excellent Photography Convention 2025 yourtitaja.com #Yourtitaja#TitaJa2025

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Community News, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Resource Speaker at 1st Municipal Sangguniang Kabataan Congress, Next-Gen Governance: Building a Legacy of Leadership

Traveled all the way to Baguio City as a resource speaker at the 1st Municipal Sangguniang Kabataan Congress, NEXT-GEN GOVERNANCE: BUILDING A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP! Maraming salamat po sa pagtitiwala, SK Federation- Alfonso, Cavite, SK President Josh Salamat Vidallon at Mayor Randy Salamat.

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Events, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Guest Speaker at The Basics Workshop by Christ Life Youth PH

Another milestone this month! I had the opportunity to share my passion for content creation and social media through my segment “BAWAL IYAKIN DITO: Social Media Responsibility in the AI Generation” at The Basics Workshop by Christ Life Youth PH. Maraming salamat po for trusting your tita, I am beyond happy to meet all of you. Sa uulitin. Eighty Media Yourtitaja Christ Life Youth PH Nagkakape, Ja

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Events, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Guest Speaker at National Coffee Research, Development and Extension Center – Philippines

“In time for Women’s Month, the second podcast episode featured a content creator and a community journalist, Ms. Janella Herrera (Yourtitaja). While the first episode focuses on the labor before it reaches the cup, the second episode talks about the role of coffee as more than a mere beverage in social constructs. As a content creator who spotlights local and underrated coffee shops, Herrera immersed the conversation with stories of entrepreneurs and some members of the marginalized sector joining in the transformative journey that builds coffee communities from the ground up. Highlighting her role as an ambassador of the Kwentong TechTrans of the Banyuhay Project, she has visited several farming communities where she witnessed firsthand the evolution of coffee from being a constant companion to being a catalyst in creating positive changes and serving as an avenue for channeling these changes to the target stakeholders. She considered coffee not just a commodity, but a cup filled with stories and struggles it faces. One example she mentioned was that young people in the farming communities they encountered are more enticed to work in corporate jobs and less likely to continue their family farms. Though this challenges the coffee industry in one way, this creates awareness of the hard work expressed in producing coffee. Further, her exposure to coffee farming communities also allowed her to realize the diversity in coffee culture. Though each location showcases unique systems of production and processes, coffee has been a channel for empowering a certain sector in the community, such as women. “The coffee industry is no longer a boys’ club.” As articulated during the episode, she emphasized that the modern coffee culture portrays a collaborative work of all genders, wherein the need for women in coffee farming, post-harvest, and marketing is now highly regarded. It is also revolutionizing to recognize the fair share of labor in this once male-dominated industry.” – National Coffee Research, Development and Extension Center – Philippines

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Events, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Guest Speaker at Press N’ Brew: Crafting Narratives towards Journalism Excellence Lecture Series

College Jaja would never believe I did this! I was invited to the Press N’ Brew: Crafting Narratives towards Journalism Excellence Lecture Series to share my stories as a Social Media Influencer. Being someone who creates content online, I’ve always wanted to do something beyond building my social media presence and traveling for coffee. For some time, I kept on repeating to myself that my passion for what I do will be seen if I just trust the process. The delulu that I am, I knew it would happen! BUT I never expected to be trusted by my former professors at Cavite State University to take the floor and share my expertise in the social media industry. This, my pamangkins, is one of my ‘I-made-it’ moments and l couldn’t be more thankful for all of you. AGAIN — Salamat po, Department of Communication CAS Cavite State University and Kwentong TechTrans in Luzon: Banyuhay. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the talented, hardworking students behind the CvSU Journalism Guild, The Gazette-CvSU Main Campus, and DZSU Radyo Kabitenyo. Thank you for the good coffee, Science Café by Café Severino. I highly recommend the Mug Shot! TO MY READERS, OMGGGGGG???????? Let’s continue supporting the Press N’ Brew Lecture Series this month, marami pa pong alumni creatives, journalists, and professionals ang invited to talk about their experiences and passion for their crafts. Here’s to more cups of coffee!! Nagkakape, Ja

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Events, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Board of Judges at Science Month 2024, Sacred Heart School of Cavite, Inc – Recoletos de Alfonso

Judge for this year’s celebration of Science Month at Sacred Heart School of Cavite, Inc – Recoletos de Alfonso. Despite feeling unwell on that day, it served as a reminder for me to persevere no matter what. It was inspiring to see children coming together to cheer and perform with all their hearts; reminding me of the same intensity of passion I had when I was still in school. Even more, witnessing the dedication of our educators to the success of the event was moving, as always — saludo po ako sainyo! This is to express my heartfelt gratitude to my alma mater for having me once again. Being part of this community is something I genuinely treasure, salamat pooooo. Sacred Heart School of Cavite, Inc

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