From March 15 to 17, Newport World Resorts will be filled to the brim with caffeine-infused conversations for this year’s installment of “KapeTalks,” a series of in-depth discussions advocating Philippine’s coffee culture and natural heritage at the Manila Coffee Festival (MCF). Spread across the three-day coffee lifestyle event, it is crafted to connect coffee makers and growers, and environmental spokespersons to any and all who enjoy a good cup of joe.
Headlining “KapeTalks” to touch on the importance of coffee to the country’s culture, history, and tourism is Kingson Sian, President and CEO of Newport World Resorts, the first and only integrated resort with an EarthCheck Silver-certified badge in the country. Other speakers include environmental advocate and coffee enthusiast Howie Severino to discuss his approaches to sustainability, culinary heritage advocate Dr. Kathleen Apilado to share artisanal sea salt making practices, and Mambabatok Ammin Acha-ur to share the thousand-year old tradition of indigenous stick-and-thorn tattooing.
Apart from hearty talks with local coffees, the MCF is also setting the stage for homegrown talent in music and art. The “Performance Theatre” features a diversity of OPM stars such as Jikamarie, Leanne & Naara, Rangel, and more. Tune in to these amazing performances every 5 PM of the festival.
Meanwhile, be sure to catch showstopping artists at work during the second edition of the “Muralista Competition.” Eight groups have been selected to each create a mural following their interpretation of this year’s theme: Dreams of Coffee & Wine. Starting March 15, these artists only have a day and a half to complete this monumental task of painting with coffee and wine. The most remarkable murals stand a chance to win the Juror’s Choice Award and Sponsor’s Choice Award on March 16.
Drinking coffee is only one part of the annual coffee lifestyle event. The first day of the festival falls on a Friday, the perfect opportunity to start a long weekend. The Expresso Pass grants unlimited access to the full three (3) days for P850. While a Regular Pass can be used for any one (1) day of the festival for P350. A discounted rate of P200 is available for students, Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) upon presentation of valid ID at the festival venue.
This year, MCF returns to MGBx Convention Hall, Marriott Manila located in Newport World Resorts, a 15-minute drive from the Makati Business District via the Skyway. The expansive property is also across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, a brief walk via the Runway Manila.
MCF promises to be eventful and enriching, a cup of coffee at a time. Make the most out of this three-day coffee break by staying over at any of the five international hotels in the premier integrated resort, perfect for those with the Expresso Pass. After each festival day, cruise through the caffeine fix by discovering diverse cuisines from award-winning restaurants and brands from all over the world at Newport World Resorts.
