Community News Archives

SISID’s SALU-SALO 2: A Feast of Words, Stories, and Art in QC

Creativity takes center stage once again as SISID returns with SALU-SALO 2: Literature Festival, a three-day celebration of storytelling and artistic collaboration. This year’s festival invites writers, filmmakers, and creatives to share their works and insights through an exciting lineup of showcases and discussions spread across three weekends this October. The festival opens with the Playwriting Showcase on October 18 (4–7 PM) at Magdamag Market Café, followed by the Poetry and Prose Showcase on October 25 (5–8 PM) at Chapterhouse Creative Hub, and concludes with the Filmmaking Showcase on October 26 (6–10 PM) at Harong Café. Each event highlights readings, screenings, and craft lectures by some of today’s most compelling voices in the creative scene, including Sabrina Basilio, Jag Garcia, and Leandro Reyes, with performances by Francesca Dela Cruz and Leandro Reyes. SISID, founded in 2024 by Gerald Manuel, continues its mission to cultivate inclusive, artist-led spaces that encourage collaboration across disciplines — from theater and film to literature and visual arts. Through initiatives like Sketches & Ladders, Pira-Piraso Workshop Series, and ESPASHOW, the group has become a growing hub for emerging creators who value process as much as performance. Tickets for SALU-SALO 2 are available for ₱400 (Early Bird until October 12), ₱500 (Regular/Walk-ins), and ₱250 (Students, Seniors, PWDs). 🎫 Reserve your tickets here: https://forms.gle/ajcs4yFV3Hik191k9 Co-presented by Cognayan, Kislap Connect, and Primeluxe Travel and Tours, with venue partners Magdamag Market Café, Chapterhouse Creative Hub, and Harong, SISID’s SALU-SALO 2 promises three nights of community, creativity, and conversation , a true feast for the Filipino artistic spirit. See you around!

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Community News, Events, Lifestyle

Noel Bazaar Kicks Off 25th Anniversary at Filinvest Tent Alabang this October

The country’s most anticipated holiday shopping event is back — and it’s bigger, better, and more festive than ever! Noel Bazaar is officially kicking off its 25th anniversary celebration this October 17-19, 2025 at the Filinvest Tent Alabang, bringing with it a spectacular lineup of shopping, food, entertainment, and holiday fun. Shoppers can expect over 100+ curated brands, offering everything from fashion and accessories to home décor and unique gift finds perfect for every name on your holiday list. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted goods, local delicacies, or stylish statement pieces, Noel Bazaar has something for every kind of shopper. But it’s not just about the shopping! This year’s kick-off event transforms into a full-blown holiday destination featuring: A DIY Corner by MPB Crafts for hands-on, custom freebies Adding even more sparkle to the event, Noel Bazaar fans can look forward to live appearances from Kapuso celebrity ambassadors Skye Chua and AZ Martinez, who will be joining the celebration as part of the bazaar’s star-studded 25th year. “Noel Bazaar has always been more than just a shopping destination — it’s a place where holiday traditions begin,” shares event organizer Cut Unlimited Inc. “This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of bringing people together for a cause, and we’re pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable.” Noel Bazaar is co-presented by GMA Network, for the benefit of the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Inquirer Foundation. Cashless shopping is powered by BPI OneQR. Save the Date: 📩 For merchant inquiries, partnerships, and more information:Cut Unlimited, Inc. – Official Event Organizer Email: info@eventsbycut.com Landline: (02) 8363 4900

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Community News, Events

Aninag Chapbook Series Brings Six Fresh Titles to the Manila International Book Fair

The Manila International Book Fair has long been a home for stories both grand and intimate, celebrated and undiscovered. This 2025, the Aninag Chapbook Series by Packing Sheets joins the country’s biggest book gathering, inviting readers to slow down, listen closely, and rediscover writing in its most personal form. Fresh from its sold-out launch at Museo de la Salle – DLSU Dasmariñas last August 24, the series now makes its way to the national stage of MIBF, bringing with it six chapbooks that hold voices as diverse as they are united by truth. Readers can meet the authors during a special book signing on September 13, 2:00–3:00 PM at the BOOx and Avenida booths. At hindi maitatangging ang mga kuwentong ito—naisulat man o hindi—ang bumubuo sa ating mundo. Lagi’t lagi, may tanong: matatagpuan ba natin ang ating hinahanap? Sa pagsusulat man o pagbabasa?Sa anim na akdang narito ngayon?Hindi natin alam. Ngunit isang bagay ang tiyak:magkakasama tayo ngayon. -Kit, Co-founder of Packing Sheets at the Aninag Chapbook Launch and Signing Each chapbook reflects a unique lens of Filipino experience: Together, these six works form the Aninag Chapbook Series, an exploration of the words unsaid by writers who always find their way back to writing. “Aninag,” after all, means to catch a glimpse, to see faintly yet clearly enough to understand. The Manila International Book Fair offers the perfect ground for this rediscovery. As visitors wander through rows of books, the Aninag Chapbook Series stands as a reminder that stories need not be long to be lasting, nor loud to be heard. Sometimes, it is in the thin volumes and folded pages, that we find the deepest reflections of who we are. Readers are warmly invited to visit the BOOx and Avenida booths at MIBF 2025, explore the chapbooks, and meet the writers on September 13, 2:00–3:00 PM. Whether through poetry, prose, or short fiction, the Aninag Chapbook Series opens a window to rediscover not only writing, but also the self mirrored in its many forms. Get your free ticket here. See you!

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Blog, Community News, Food

Highland’s Crab Opens in Alfonso – Best Place for Fresh Crabs and Family Feasts

If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’ll be thrilled to know that Highland’s Crab has just opened their restaurant last July along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Alfonso, Cavite. Located along the highway yet surrounded by nature, this spot instantly gives off that refreshing Tagaytay-Baguio vibe with cool breeze, cozy atmosphere, and a view that makes you want to stay a little longer. Walking in, I immediately noticed the warm and family-friendly atmosphere. The interiors are thoughtfully designed, with ceiling pieces shaped like a boat (a fun detail you’ll love taking photos of) and a large wall painting of the Alfonso map created by a talented local artist, something that really gives the restaurant a personal, community touch. Let’s Talk About the Food Of course, the star of the show is the food and Highlands Crab does not disappoint. Their SFB-B6 set at ₱6,000 is a feast made for serious seafood fans. It features a mix of crabs (at least 1.2kg total, male and female), shrimps, mussels, and squid rings, all coated in their flavorful Cajun sauce. This massive spread also includes Pork Jamonado, soup of the day, and a rice platter for six. Perfect to share with family, loved ones, friends, and barkada! Speaking of barkada, their Barkada Feast Sides are a delicious mix of okra, eggplant, tomatoes, tangy green mango, bagoong, and salted egg, perfect for pairing with seafood. If you’re coming in with a bigger group, the Choose Your Sauce Set for 6 is a crowd-pleaser: 1.2kg of crabs, 8pcs chicken wings (choice of Honey Garlic, Buffalo, or Smoked BBQ), soup of the day, and a rice platter big enough for everyone. I also couldn’t resist trying some of their other specialties. The Bulalo Cansi, a combination of tender beef shank, bone marrow, and tangy batwan fruit soup was hearty and flavorful, perfect for the cool Alfonso weather. And if you’re a fan of sizzling dishes, the Sizzling Pork Sisig is a must. It’s savory, perfectly seasoned, and served sizzling hot, just the way it should be. Want more? View their menu here. For Seafood Lovers Like Me… Aside from the good food, Highland’s Crab is all about creating moments around the table. The kind where you’re rolling up your sleeves, cracking open crabs, and sharing stories over plates piled high with seafood. It’s where celebrations feel warmer, catch-ups last longer, and even an ordinary day turns into a feast you’ll remember. So, the next time you’re cruising along Alfonso’s scenic roads, let the aroma of butter garlic and Cajun spice guide you in. One meal here might just leave you with full hands, a fuller heart, and plans to return before the week is over. Where to Find Them? Address: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road, Alfonso, 4123 Cavite PIN: https://goo.gl/maps/DXuDScHcC7j1aE8G7 Contact Number: 09764072377

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Blog, Community News, Events, Featured Community, Food

Tadhana sa Bukid: A Soulful 7-Course Pop-Up by Chef Frances Tariga

Michelin Guide Chef Frances Tariga brought her New York-based tasting menu Tadhana home — this time, not in city, but right in the quiet farmlands of Alfonso, Cavite. Held at Ellie’s Farm, Tadhana sa Bukid: A Contemporary Filipino Tasting Menu was a one-night-only pop-up, offering a seven-course meal inspired by Filipino flavors and ingredients. The tagline “An Ode to Chance” came to life in a warm, intimate setup. As someone from Cavite, it felt surreal to experience something created in New York, now served in my hometown. The evening felt personal, not just for Chef Frances, but for everyone seated around the table. A Familiar Story, Told Differently The menu celebrated Filipino food in creative ways. Each course had elements we knew: tinapa, calamansi, ginisang pako, but presented in a style you’d usually see in high-end restaurants in and out of the country. We started with Sinuglaw, featuring Esguerra Kurobuta pork with kasoy pinakurat, strong and sharp, like a welcome wake-up. Then came Penoy, a duck egg custard paired with ikura, kabute velouté, and atchara. It was savory, smooth, and comforting. I came here with a fellow content creator, Nini, and she loved it so much. According to her, the dish brought back memories of childhood and stories of her mom. The Ellie Farm Salad added a local touch, using ingredients fresh from the farm and topped with tinapa flakes and egg yolk jam. There’s something about it that makes me feel nostalgic but I can’t figure it out, I guess it’s so good it made me an emotional freak. A standout for me was the Piniritong Pugita, a crispy local octopus with calamansi sofrito and pili gremolata. Perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, it was one of the most memorable bites I’ve ever had IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Other dishes included Maya-Maya with ginisang pako and smoked kamatis, Kanin at Tutong with garlic and chives, and Inihaw na Kasim, a grilled pork with a sweet ketchup glaze and bold vinegar dip. The second-to-last course, Kaldereta at Ulang, mixed short rib and crayfish into a rich, flavorful puree. At this point I was so full but I can’t help but finish my plate. Hay! The meal ended with Ensaymada, reimagined with chèvre, vanilla fluff, and bukayo, a familiar Filipino pastry, but with a fresh twist. THIS IS THE BEST! I wasn’t expecting much for an ensaymada because I would have preferred a favorite from a local bakery but this was amazing. Just hands-down. A Moment for the Community This pop-up wasn’t just about the food. It was about gathering people, sharing stories, and creating space for Filipino cuisine to be seen in a new light. The setup was quiet and cozy, no fancy tablecloths or stiff formality, just real people sharing an incredible meal. The event was invite-only, but it didn’t feel exclusive. It felt intentional. It was Chef Frances’ way of introducing her work to the local community first, a gesture that made the experience feel even more special. Everyone left with the same reaction: excited, surprised, and deeply satisfied. It reminded us that Filipino food can be both traditional and elevated, something you crave and something you admire. What’s Next? There’s no official word yet on the next Tadhana sa Bukid date, but based on the response, it’s clear people are eager for more. If it returns, it’s definitely worth watching out for. In the meantime, this dinner served as a reminder: Filipino flavors have always had depth, beauty, and potential. Sometimes, all it takes is a chef like Frances Tariga — and a setting like Alfonso — to bring that to the surface.

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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, 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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Community News, Featured Community, Speaking Engagements

Resource Speaker at 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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