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Blog, Community News, Events, Featured Community

Here’s What Happened at the Light & Local Event in Studio Morii | Alfonso, Cavite

Studio Morii: There’s something about creative events in small towns that just hit differently. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the fresh air, or the way people show up with their bare hearts. I’ve always believed that the best stories aren’t just found in big cities, they’re in quiet corners, at weekend pop-ups, in handmade things. So when I heard about Light & Local at Studio Morii in Alfonso, Cavite, I knew I had to drop by. I didn’t expect anything grand, just a warm space, good food, and local makers doing what they love. And honestly? That’s exactly what I found. I arrived at Studio Morii around 3PM, with the kind of energy you only get after a peaceful solo lunch and a drive through the province. Before engaging with the event, I made a quick snack stop at Lime and Basil, one of those hidden gems tucked away in this part of Cavite. Their spring rolls were light and crispy, and the Pad Thai had that perfect sweet-savory balance, just enough to fuel me for the rest of the afternoon. Studio Morii’s Light & Local felt like a community love letter from the moment I walked in. Light & Local Happenings The space wasn’t overly crowded. It was just enough, enough booths to explore, enough conversations to hold, enough time to take it all in. I made my rounds slowly, weaving between refill stations, handmade pottery, watercolors, and textiles. Each merchant had something to share, not just about their product, but about their process. And that’s what I found most moving; this collective care for craft. While I missed the morning workshops, the energy in the late afternoon was energizing. Live music floated through the venue while people lingered, talked, and supported small businesses. There was no rush. No pressure. Just presence. Studio Morii pulled it all together beautifully. The layout felt intentional, the flow organic. It was the kind of event that didn’t need to be loud to leave an impression. As someone who lives for community-driven spaces and creative connection, this one felt special. A quiet reminder that sometimes, the best kind of day is one spent slowly: talking to strangers, supporting locals, and letting the hours unfold without a plan.

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Blog, Community News, Featured Community

The Faces Behind Tagaytay Weekend Market’s Local Movement

Tagaytay’s local landscape is evolving. Not just through rising cafes and weekend traffic, but through initiatives that genuinely celebrate community, sustainability, and creativity. At the forefront of this movement is the Tagaytay Weekend Market (TWM), co-founded by two dynamic women: Lyca Accad and Cheska Gonzales. TWM isn’t a one-time event or a static location . It’s a mobile, community-first platform that rotates around the upland favorites of Silang, Mendez, Alfonso, Amadeo, and Tagaytay proper. It’s built for those who appreciate intentional local finds, support grassroots brands, and want their weekend plans to feel a little more connected and a lot more meaningful. The Faces of TWM: Creative, Grounded, and 100% Local Meet Lyca Accad Lyca is the face you’ve likely seen on your feed — a model, entrepreneur, and trendsetter with a Gen Z following that mirrors her energy: stylish, socially aware, and unapologetically local. But beyond the aesthetics, she’s a creative force with a cause. Her brand, ProjectPH, turns recycled flour sacks (yes, katsa) into fashion statements. Worn by icons like BINI Maloi, Bretman Rock, and Sue Ramirez, ProjectPH is her love letter to sustainability, Filipino artistry, and confidence through individuality. Her weekends? Often spent skateboarding at Tagaytay Skatepark , a detail that makes her not just a supporter of local culture, but a part of it. This is Cheska Gonzales Cheska, on the other hand, brings the other side. The yin to Lyca’s yang. Her Airbnb, Amanita Tahanan sa Alfonso, is tucked right beside Mushroom Skatepark and offers something not easily found these days: silence. Tucked in nature, this serene spot reflects Cheska’s grounding energy and her deep connection to Alfonso’s natural beauty, from riverside trips to barefoot mornings in the grass. Like Lyca, Cheska is also part of the local skateboarding community, showing how lifestyle and locality can blend authentically. Together, they form a leadership duo that is both visionary and rooted in the community. The Tagaytay Weekend Market Experience TWM is more than your average flea market. It’s curated, meaning vendors are handpicked to reflect the market’s values: sustainability, creativity, and authenticity. Expect everything from upcycled fashion and homegrown snacks to handmade crafts and local coffee. Their first edition, FLEA Vol. 1, was held on May 24–25, 2025, at Kapihan ni Gunyong, a cozy coffee spot that aligned perfectly with the market’s vibe. The event featured live music, curated local vendors, and a relaxing, inclusive atmosphere that attracted both Tagaytay locals and Manila-based visitors. Their latest edition, FLEA Vol. 2, was held on June 1, 2025, celebrated the anniversary of Café Carolina. The market featured curated vendors, delicious food, and live performances. It was a laid-back yet lively gathering that brought together friends, families, and neighbors, continuing TWM’s mission of turning weekends into meaningful, local experiences. This rotating format allows each event to serve as a pop-up ecosystem giving small businesses exposure, engaging local youth culture, and turning weekends into a platform for purpose. Built for Locals, by Locals There’s something powerful about women creating space especially when it’s space meant for others to thrive. Lyca and Cheska didn’t just build platforms for themselves. They used their own entrepreneurial journeys. The boldness of ProjectPH, the serenity of Amanita Tahanan, both to fuel something bigger: a launchpad for like-mind dreamers. Their message is clear: you don’t need to go to Manila to find good taste, talent, or community. It’s all here (yes!!), in the tents of TWM, in the passion of vendors setting up shop at dawn, and in the skate trails that lead to fierce mornings. Why You Need to Visit If there’s one thing consistent about Tagaytay Weekend Market, it’s change — the good kind. With each edition, the market pops up in new corners of the uplands. So far, they’ve captured the energy of places like Alfonso and Amadeo, and they’re just getting started. Stay tuned for their next stop because Tagaytay Weekend Market doesn’t wait to be found. It shows up where the community is, where the energy feels right, and where local dreams are ready to be seen. See you arouuuuund!

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Blog

Tanghalang Lykeion’s stage adaptation of Paz Márquez-Benítez’s Dead Stars

This coming June 7, 2025, Tanghalang Lykeion, LPU Cavite’s official theater company, will stage an adaptation of Paz Márquez-Benítez’s 1925 short story Dead Stars for a one-night-only engagement. The show was previously staged last April 29 and May 3 at the LPU Cavite Auditorium and is back again for a rerun as Tanghalang Lykeion’s season-ender and as a celebration of the short story’s 100th year anniversary since its publication. About Dead Stars The story is set during the apex of American colonial power in the Philippines where Alfredo Salazar, a 30-year-old lawyer, struggles with unfulfilled love and the weight of societal expectations as his engagement to lawyer and socialite Esperanza Laurel collides with his lingering infatuation for aspiring bodabil star Julia Salas, ultimately reflecting on the fleeting nature of desire and the illusion of happiness. The play’s themes of love, duty, and the quiet ache of choices left unmade take center stage against an impressionist narrative that explores how grandeur and great suffering often coexist in a country grappling with its identity. The cast features Khiro Arbiz and Matthew Trinidad as Alfredo Salazar, Ma. Arra Cecilia Lison and Rania Ameri Asong as Esperanza Laurel, and Hannah Charisse Magat and Koleen Edanielle Odiamar as Julia Salas with stage management by Yureika Khalee Pillo and John Jhared Plandes. Dead Stars opens this June 7, 2025 at the LPU Cavite Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at P100 for LPU students, employees, and alumni and P150 for non-LPU. You may visit Tanghalang Lykeion on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok at @tanghalanglykeion for more information. Proceeds will go to LPU Cavite’s Community Outreach and Service Learning (COSeL) and its beneficiaries. LPU Tickets: https://forms.gle/c7HxKV8bnvTbcT9F6 Non-LPU Tickets: https://forms.gle/ghtkzHUKXGeJy1zr5 For more details, you may send Tanghalang Lykeion a message here. #TanghalangLykeion #LPUCavite #DeadStars #TalaDeadStars

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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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Blog, Speaking Engagements

How I Partnered with 500+ Brands as an Influencer Before Turning 25

Becoming a content creator and partnering with over 500 brands before turning 25 wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was a journey of persistence, rejection, and learning how to turn my passion into a career. From getting my first-ever gifted collaboration to working with government-backed projects, my influencer journey has been about more than just numbers—it’s about impact. If you’re dreaming of working with brands but don’t know where to start, here’s my story and what I learned along the way. 1. My First Brand Deal & The Feeling of “Making It” I still remember my first collaboration—it was with a skincare brand that sent me three items for review. It wasn’t paid, but it didn’t matter. After pitching brands for so long and creating content without expecting anything in return, seeing that email made me want to cry. It was the validation I needed that my efforts were finally being recognized. Lesson: You don’t need a massive following to start. You just need consistency, passion, and the courage to put yourself out there. 2. From Cold Pitches to Big Opportunities When I was starting out, I sent over 50 pitches and got just one response. Rejection was normal, and honestly, it was discouraging. But I didn’t stop. I kept refining my pitch, improving my content, and showing up every day. Fast forward a few years, one of my most unforgettable collaborations was with Cavite State University and DOST PCAARRD for Kwentong TechTrans. As an ambassador, I got to travel across Luzon, covering stories from different communities. That moment made me realize that being an influencer is more than just promoting brands—it’s about storytelling and creating meaningful content that goes beyond myself. Lesson: Rejections are part of the process. Keep improving, keep showing up, and eventually, the right opportunities will come. 3. Building a Brand That Attracts Brands One thing I’ve learned in the past few years? Set yourself as the standard. Instead of chasing trends, I built my personal brand around who I truly am. I showed up as myself, whether in coffee content, lifestyle posts, or brand collaborations. That authenticity made brands trust me because they saw me as more than just an influencer—I was a storyteller, a community builder, and someone who genuinely loved what I shared. Lesson: You don’t have to fit into an industry mold. Being you is your biggest selling point. 4. The Secret to Landing More Brand Deals So how did I go from one brand deal to 500+? Lesson: Treat every brand deal like an opportunity to prove yourself. The better your work, the more brands will want to work with you. 5. If You Want to Be an Influencer, Start Today If I could give one piece of advice to new creators, it’s this: Start today. You don’t need fancy equipment, a huge following, or a perfect feed. You just need to start. The best influencers aren’t the ones who waited until they were “ready”—they’re the ones who took action despite the uncertainty. Lesson: Stop overthinking and start creating. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Final Thoughts My journey to 500+ brand collaborations wasn’t just about free products or paid deals—it was about learning, growing, and proving to myself that I could do this. SO PLS PLS PLS REMEMBER THAT whether you’re just starting or already creating content, remember: opportunities come to those who show up consistently. Your dream brand collaboration? It’s waiting for you. But first, you have to take that leap. 🚀

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