Community News Archives

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 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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Coffee, Community News, Featured Blog

ADORE CAFE: Barn-themed Coffee Shop in Alfonso, Cavite

Recently, I came across a uniquely-themed coffee shop in our hometown serving something new that would uplift the Pinoy culture and leave a warm memory of the cafe experience. In a small barangay in Alfonso, Cavite proudly stands Adore Cafe, a barn-themed coffee spot you would love! I have to admit that sometimes, I get tired of eating and reviewing the same food selections from different coffee shops (huhuhu) so I am genuinely happy to share that I tried Adore Cafe’s unique take on food and drinks in Upli, Alfonso, Cavite. Minimalist coffee shops may be a kind of thing in this generation being raised with fads and trends, but this cafe proves that there are still “personality” businesses or brands that come from a place of a unique identity or inspiration. Adore Cafe started as a dream that my partner and I shared three years ago, long before we moved to Alfonso. Our love for coffee and our desire to create a cozy, welcoming space for not just our family inspired us to bring this vision to life. Naming the cafe after my late mother made it even more special—to us, it was not just a business but a tribute to love, memories, and warmth. We envisioned a place where coffee served as an instrument to bring people together so that they could slow down and create moments to cherish. – Adore Cafe Team WHAT WE TRIED Adore Special – This is espresso, milk, and their special salted top foam. So good! I prefer to let it sit first as the ice melts but it’s nice. Coffee beans are Brazil, Arabica-Robusta. Adore Cafe is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a place where you can enjoy good food and drinks as if you are at home. Here, you can relax in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and take in the beautiful Tagaytay weather with handcrafted coffee and meals made with love. We’re not about mass-produced flavors—we put real effort and care into every cup and dish, ensuring quality without the burden of a high price tag. – Adore Cafe Team Tuyo Pasta – Bold, smoky, and packed with umami—like garlic oil pasta with a salty Pinoy kick. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something new to try. Tinapa Pasta – Milder and creamier but still smoky, with a rich, buttery flavor that melts into every bite. Best pick for those who have adventurous preferences. Lovette!!!! Finally, in June last year, we got around to making our dream a reality; one second we were setting up furniture and equipment and before we knew it, we were serving the tables of our families, friends, and most importantly, our customers. Until now, we have never looked at our cafe as a medium of profit—more so, it was a place that we shared with guests, welcoming them with extraordinary coffee and a space that felt like home. – Adore Cafe Team All in all, my ADORE CAFE experience has been so memorable! We had small, fun, and informative conversations with the barista during our meals and the ambiance just felt homey. Alfonso, Cavite has a lot more to offer when it comes to food and delicacies and this would make a great place for you to try something new along with coffee. Coffee is more than just a drink for us—it’s a lifestyle! We have always been fascinated by how small sips of coffee can spark conversations and bring moments of peace to brighten our days. We were so passionate about the craft of coffee-making that my partner and I sourced countless times for the best beans to ensure that what we were offering to our customers was only made of high-quality ingredients. Our love for it even expanded by adding other things to our menu, such as comforting pasta dishes, hearty rice meals, and delightful pastries. We wanted to make sure that there was something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re here for a cup of coffee or tea, a sweet treat, or a filling meal! – Adore Cafe Team While I’m not having coffee as much as I used to in my previous blogs, my love for the culture and community remains the same. Supporting local businesses is my way to amplify small stories, make them heard online, and become a catalyst for change and inspiration. In this article, I hope you feel inspired to visit more impactful brands and share how proud you are to be part of their journey. Have fun at Adore Cafe! To our fur moms and fur dads, we are also pet-friendly! We love seeing our guests bring their furry friends along to share the experience as we also have some of our own. From the bottom of our hearts, we Adore you! WHERE TO FIND THEM? Pin: Adore Cafe Address: Sitio Hawilian Uno, Brgy. Upli, Alfonso, Cavite

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Coffee, Community News, Featured Blog

Caca Cat Café: The first-ever Cat Coffee Shop in Alfonso, Cavite

Newly opened Cat Cafè in Alfonso, Cavite? You’re reading that right! 😻 If you’ve visited our hometown before, I’m sure you heard of the rise of thriving coffee shops at the hidden gem of the south. As someone who’s always on the hunt for local hangout spots, here’s a new one to add to your long list of ‘to-visits.’ I was also surprised when I discovered Caca Cat Café here in Alfonso, Cavite, serving coffee, cheesecakes, tea, and snacks. Gusto ko sana silang i-gatekeep kasi kawawa naman yung cats kapag overstimulated sa crowd but it would also be nice to support this local coffee shop and for you guys to of course, meet their babies. Back in 2024, my partner was planning to start a traditional café business. However, a year earlier, we received an unexpected gift from a friend who was preparing to move abroad. To our surprise, the gift turned out to be two adorable and sweet cats named Whisky and Pablo. Caring for them quickly became a joy, and we wanted to ensure they were always happy and well looked after. That’s when inspiration struck. we decided to combine the two things we love most. I’ve always had a deep love for cats, and my partner has an undeniable passion for coffee. And so, the idea for our cat café was born, a space where our two worlds come together to create something truly special. – Jes and Ram, owners of Caca Cat Cafè When asked about their love for cats, Since I was a little girl (about 7 years old) , I’ve always been drawn to cats. There’s something magical about them that’s hard to put into words. Just touching their soft fur brings an instant sense of calm and happiness, as if they carry a unique kind of warmth that soothes the soul. Their sweetness, their adorable faces, and their innocent nature make them impossible not to love. Whether they’re purring quietly by your side or playfully chasing a toy, cats have a way of making every moment feel lighter and more joyful. My love for them has only grown over the years, and now I find so much joy in sharing that love with others through our café. WHAT WE TRIED: Goldrush Latte (₱175) – Yum! This is for you if you’re up for a mocha-flavored caffeinated drink. Subtle kape, strong chocolate. Sugarwood Latte (₱175) – Love maple and cinnamon combo? Me toooo so I ordered this signature drink from the menu. Well-balanced, sana makatulog ako tonight. Hahahahaha! Meat Lovers Pizza Toasts (₱235) – Got this as our snack and nagustuhan namin yung flavors because it tasted like home. If you’re looking for a unique way to de-stress, visit our café and enjoy what we like to call ‘kitty therapy.’ It’s the perfect escape to unwind and recharge. Caca Cat Café is here to provide / create a warm and homey atmosphere with cozy, wood-inspired vibes, where our adorable cuddle cats are the heart of the experience. – Jes and Ram WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The best time to visit is around 4PM for the sunset photos + vvvvv good lighting inside the cafe. Lastly as much as we want you to enjoy every moment with our furry friends, we kindly ask all customers to follow our cat café rules. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our cats and to create a safe, relaxing environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our space a happy haven for both people and cats! – Jes and Ram WHERE TO FIND THEM? Pin: Caca Cat Cafe Addresss: 202 Amuyong Road, 2nd floor of Maku’s Ramen

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