MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Bonifacio Global City (BGC)’s doors have always been open to those in need of an adventure. From wanting to hunt down the latest coffee shops, going for a morning cycle, to being constantly inspired by street art that adds vibrancy to its streets, people are sure to come out of BGC feeling more refreshed and content than ever.
To initially celebrate this culture long enjoyed at BGC, the district first launched its Coffee Festival in 2022, bringing all coffee lovers into one space as they enjoyed a range of local coffee merchants. Now following this success, BGC brings the community together once more as it holds this year’s Coffee Festival, this time also celebrating the best of arts and biking culture.
Wheel your way towards High Street South from March 18 to 19 and be surrounded by coffee merchants, bike shops, and a number of art installations all while being serenaded with musical performances. To let every visitor easily access and delight in these attractions, entrance to the festival is free.
The place to be for coffee lovers
Go beyond your usual cup of coffee and explore the various merchants joining the festival. Whether you’re looking at new flavors to try out or want to support small businesses and local farmers, enjoy brands such as Elephant Grounds, harlan + holden Coffee, Single Origin Coffee & Tea, Malongo Atelier Barista, Coffee Lab, Pocofino, Luntian by Luna, Figaro, Paik’s Coffee, Supersam, Caravan Black, Twenty Four Bakeshop, and Tiger Sugar.
Aiming to put the spotlight on more merchants, the fest is also welcoming more shops around the metro, including De’ja Brew, Ten-Four Coffee by Overlandkings, Sspace Coffee, Wideye Coffee, Kombi Brew, Commune Coffee, Gourmet Farms, Kaulayaw Coffee + Gringos, perfect for those who’d like to try something different than their usual coffee order.
For coffee aficionados, don’t miss out on the Growing Coffee Culture talk session featuring Calibre Magazine Editor-in-Chief Carl Cunan, El Kapitan Coffee Owner and Operator Raymond So, and Coffee Commune Chief Extractor Rosario Juan, as well as an Outdoor Brewing Demo by Alex Aranzanso of Ten-Four Coffee by Overlandkings, both happening on March 18.
Inspiration starts with art
As BGC bustles with creativity, the festival is not leaving out what breathes the area to life every day – art. Everyone is encouraged to decorate the Freedom Cup installation that will find its home at the fest. There will also be an Art Section featuring the works of the Baraks collective, consisting of Archie Oclos, Tsarlyboy, Apok, Epi, and Bato Manila, who will be doing live murals on March 18 for visitors to witness their art process from start to finish.
For those looking for a sign to take the plunge and get inked, a tattoo popup by Crimson River Tattoo will be waiting to finally bring attendees’ design dreams into reality.
The ‘B’ in BGC stands for something else, too
Biking culture has seen rampant growth and love among Filipinos over the years, and BGC itself has been a haven for bikers. That said, the festival has you covered for the equipment to jazz up your future sessions, with merchants such as R.O.X, adidas, 2Wheel Nation Cycling, Specialized Philippines, Built Cycles, Blocks, Passe, Everyday Camo, The Breakaway, and Team ABC.
To cap off each festival day, attendees can also witness a variety of musical performances from Pedicab, Party Pace, The Espasouls, The Buzzer Beaters, The Diegos, and DJ Honey.
