Barako Fest 2025, now in its third year, has grown into a powerful platform for tourism and local entrepreneurship, drawing a record-breaking 400,000 attendees, far surpassing its original target of 300,000 and last year’s 200,000 visitors.
For three electrifying days, from February 13 to 15, 2025, the Manila-Batangas Bypass Road in Marawoy, Lipa City, transformed into a dynamic hub of music, sports, trade fairs, and culinary delights, showcasing the best of Batangas. Barako Fest is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of the bold and resilient spirit of the Batangueños.
“Barako Fest is not just about our world-famous kapeng barako. It’s about celebrating our people — their courage, passion, and drive to succeed,” said Mentorque CEO John Bryan Diamante, the driving force behind the festival.
This year, Barako Fest made history with the groundbreaking ceremony for The Bean at Barako Triangle, a coffee bean-shaped landmark that pays tribute to Batangas’ rich coffee heritage. Another major highlight was the inauguration of the Manila-Batangas Bypass Road Section 3, a key infrastructure project that promises to boost economic activity and make Lipa City even more accessible.
“This festival is about progress. Just like our coffee, Batangueños are strong and bold, facing challenges head-on while staying true to our roots,” Diamante emphasized.
It was a star-studded celebration with the opening graced by Batangas’ beloved icon, “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos-Recto, her sons Luis Manzano and Ryan Christian Santos-Recto, and Luis’ wife, Jessy Mendiola. Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa, Councilor Mikee Morada, and several local officials and business leaders were also in attendance.
“We are building something special here in Lipa. Barako Fest is a reflection of our culture, our strength, and our commitment to growth,” said Ate Vi, a longtime advocate for Batangas’ economic and cultural development.
As the festival reached its grand finale on February 15, it brought some of the biggest names in Philippine entertainment to the stage, thrilling the massive crowd.
Performers included comedy royalty Vice Ganda, heartthrob Joshua Garcia, internet superstar Alex Gonzaga, and powerhouse couple KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde. New P-pop group Eleven 11 debuted with a high-energy performance on the finale night.
The festival was also a spectacle of music, sports, and creativity. From live music to exciting competitions, Barako Fest 2025 was packed with activities that engaged the entire community, such as Battle of the Bands, basketball and billiards tournaments, trade fairs and food exhibits, car and motor shows, and celebrity games.
Beyond the entertainment, Barako Fest also boosted local business. With over 500 micro and macro entrepreneurs participating, the event provided small businesses, farmers, artisans, and local brands with an opportunity to showcase their products and expand their market reach.
“The festival isn’t just about fun — it’s about opportunities. We want to give every Batangueño business owner a chance to grow,” said Diamante, who has been at the forefront of transforming Barako Fest into a national phenomenon.
This vision aligns with the Department of Finance’s initiatives, led by Secretary Ralph Recto, to support small and medium enterprises and drive economic growth in the province.
The results? A stunning turnout of more than 400,000 people, proving that Barako Fest has become a national attraction.
But it’s only the start for Bryan Diamante and the Mentorque team. Their goal is to elevate the festival into a global brand, making Barako Fest synonymous with Batangas’ culture, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“If we have the right vision, Barako Fest will go far. This is just the beginning,” Diamante declared.
With its record turnout, star-studded performances, and positive economic impact, Barako Fest is set to continue thriving, as enduring and bold as the coffee it celebrates.
