Brewing Change: How % Arabica Philippines and Urban Farmers PH are Transforming Waste into Growth

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world suffocating under the weight of waste, where nature struggles to breathe beneath mountains of discarded materials, an unexpected revolution is percolating—one that turns something as simple as a coffee cup into a symbol of renewal and hope. At the heart of this movement stand two visionary forces: % Arabica Philippines and Urban Farmers PH. They are not just serving coffee; they are serving a future where sustainability is second nature, where every sip fuels not only energy but transformation.

It all started with a conversation over coffee in 2023—a discussion that would soon bloom into an environmental breakthrough. What if used coffee cups could serve a purpose beyond a single use? What if coffee grounds, often discarded as waste, could be given a second life as nutrient-rich fertilizer? These questions set the foundation for an initiative that is now reshaping the way we think about consumption and conservation.

On April 3, against the golden hues of a Manila sunset, the Urban Farmers Lounge became the epicenter of this eco-friendly movement. Press members and devoted supporters of % Arabica gathered to witness the unveiling of a partnership that breathes new life into waste. Attendees saw firsthand how discarded cups are transformed into seedling pots, cradling the first stages of new plant life. They learned how coffee grounds, rich in essential nutrients, could rejuvenate the soil, feeding crops that would in turn sustain communities.

This initiative isn’t just about sustainability—it’s a call to action. It’s a challenge to rethink how small, everyday choices can contribute to a greater environmental impact. Through their pioneering efforts, % Arabica Philippines and Urban Farmers PH are turning Bonifacio Global City into a beacon of eco-conscious innovation, proving that change starts with the simplest acts—like finishing a cup of coffee.

“See the World Through Coffee” has long been % Arabica’s guiding philosophy, but this project adds a new dimension to their mission. It’s about seeing not just the world, but the future, through coffee. And in this future, every cup tells a story of renewal, responsibility, and collective action.

The question now is: will you be part of the change? Because the future isn’t just brewing—it’s already here.

The Art and Science of Specialty Coffee: From Origin to Cup

Beyond sustainability, % Arabica is deeply rooted in the artistry and science of specialty coffee. Coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a story of terroir, cultivation, and meticulous processing that influences every sip. From the highlands of Colombia to the volcanic soils of Indonesia, the journey from bean to cup is a symphony of nature, craftsmanship, and innovation.

The Signature Arabica Blend: A Commitment to Excellence

Unlike many commercial blends that prioritize quantity over quality, the % Arabica Blend is crafted from the finest single-origin specialty coffee beans. The result? A distinctive, rich profile with deep chocolatey undertones—perfectly suited for milk-based drinks and Americanos. This ever-evolving blend adapts to the seasons, ensuring that every batch maintains the highest standards of quality. For home brewers, % Arabica’s baristas even offer custom roasting services tailored to individual preferences, making specialty coffee accessible to all.

Colombia’s Huila Region: A Coffee Paradise

In the heart of Colombia’s coffee belt lies Huila, a region revered for its award-winning beans. One of its standout farms, Finca Buenos Aires de Bruselas, led by Adrian Lazo, showcases groundbreaking fermentation techniques that elevate coffee’s natural complexity. Through an innovative cold-water fermentation process and meticulous drying methods, Lazo produces Bourbon Sidra beans with a flavor profile bursting with raspberries, peaches, and a lingering sweet aftertaste.

Indonesia’s Gayo Highlands: Tradition Meets Innovation

Indonesia’s Gayo region, renowned for its exceptional coffees, is home to the family-run Asbi Estate in Bener Meriah Gayo. Unlike large-scale plantations, this highland farm nurtures young Red Bourbon, Abyssinia, and Typica coffee trees under ideal conditions. Their “Classic Natural Process” refines every step—from selective harvesting to precise drying—resulting in a cup rich with cocoa nibs, dried mango, and the floral elegance of oolong tea.

The Universal Language of Flavor

What unites these diverse origins is a shared language of flavor. Specialty coffee isn’t just about taste; it’s about education, appreciation, and connection. Through sensory exploration, % Arabica invites coffee lovers to move beyond consumption and embrace the intricate journey behind each cup. By understanding the balance of chocolaty, nutty, fruity, and floral notes, consumers engage in an experience that transcends the ordinary.

From sustainability initiatives to the pursuit of coffee excellence, % Arabica Philippines is redefining what it means to be a coffee brand. It’s not just about serving the best coffee—it’s about serving a better future, one cup at a time.

BAWAL ANG BASTOS SA PASIG! Says Angelu De Leon

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a time dedicated to honoring the resilience and contributions of women and solo parents, it is both shocking and infuriating to witness a blatant display of disrespect from an individual aspiring to represent Pasig City in Congress. Atty. Christian "Ian" Sia, a congressional candidate and former city councilor, recently made reprehensible remarks during a public event, offering himself to female solo parents for intimate relations and suggesting that interested parties sign up at a designated table. Such statements are not only demeaning but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes against women and solo parents.​

As the Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services and Solo Parent Affairs in Pasig's Sanggunian Panlungsod, and as a woman who has experienced the challenges of being a solo parent, I share the collective outrage and disappointment of our community. This incident underscores the urgent need to uphold respect and dignity for all individuals, regardless of gender or marital status.​

Pasig City's Commitment to Solo Parents

Pasig City has consistently demonstrated its dedication to supporting solo parents through various initiatives. In July 2024, the local government distributed cash subsidies to 2,489 eligible solo parents, providing ₱1,000 monthly allowances to assist with their financial needs. This program is part of the Pasig City Comprehensive Solo Parent Ordinance, aiming to uplift solo parents within the community.​

Furthermore, from April 15 to 21, 2024, Pasig City celebrated Solo Parents Week with the theme "Solo Parent na Rehistrado, sa Gobyerno Tiyak na Protektado!" The week featured activities such as motorcades, bloodletting programs, and caravans, all designed to foster a supportive environment for solo parents.​

Legal Repercussions for Misconduct

The legal profession demands a high standard of morality and integrity. The Supreme Court has previously disbarred lawyers for conduct unbecoming, such as refusing to provide child support. Such disciplinary actions emphasize that the legal system does not tolerate behavior that undermines the dignity of individuals, especially women and children.​

Upholding Respect and Dignity

The recent derogatory remarks serve as a stark reminder of the work still needed to combat sexism and promote respect within our society. Pasig City stands firm in its commitment: BAWAL ANG BASTOS SA PASIG! We will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals, ensuring that our community remains a place of respect and inclusivity.​

Let this incident galvanize us to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing issues of disrespect and inequality. Together, we can foster a culture that values and uplifts every member of our society.​

Breaking the Cycle of Learning Poverty: Government Expands Early Childhood Education at the Grassroots

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a decisive step toward reshaping the future of young Filipino children, the Marcos administration has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to combat learning poverty at its roots. With the ceremonial signing of a Joint Circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the government has set in motion a nationwide expansion of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in underserved communities—offering hope to millions of children in need of quality early education.

A Nation’s Commitment to Early Learning

On April 3, 2025, inside the historic halls of Malacañang Palace, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to investing in early childhood education. The signing of the Joint Circular by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman marks a pivotal moment in the government’s fight against learning poverty—a problem that has long hindered the country’s development.

“Early childhood education is a game-changer. It shapes lifelong learning outcomes and impacts the trajectory of a child’s future,” said Secretary Angara, emphasizing the urgency of the initiative.

The new policy ensures that local government units (LGUs) will receive clear guidelines and financial support to build and operate CDCs, providing young children—particularly those in low-income areas—with access to crucial early learning opportunities. The move directly responds to the findings of the Education Commission II (EDCOM II) Year 2 Report, which exposed the stark disparities in early learning access across the nation.

Turning Vision into Reality: Funding the Future

A critical component of this initiative is financial backing. Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, funds will be allocated for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of multipurpose buildings (MPBs) that will function as CDCs. Prioritization will be given to low-income LGUs identified in the EDCOM II study to ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most.

The process for LGUs is streamlined under the new guidelines. Funding requests must be submitted via the DBM Apps Portal, with DepEd evaluating and endorsing qualified projects. Once approved, funds will be released to LGUs under the condition that they provide at least 150 square meters of land and commit to covering operational expenses, including teacher salaries and utilities.

“The investment we make in early childhood education today determines the kind of nation we build tomorrow. This is not just about education; it is a nation-building strategy,” Secretary Angara asserted.

A Collective Responsibility: Transforming the Future, One Child at a Time

Beyond government action, this initiative underscores a broader, collective responsibility. The transformation of the country’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) system requires strong collaboration between national agencies, local leaders, educators, families, and the private sector. Every stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring that children are given a strong educational foundation—one that will empower them for the rest of their lives.

The signing of the Joint Circular is more than just a policy shift—it is a bold step toward a Bagong Pilipinas that nurtures its children from the very start, leaving no child behind. As new CDCs rise across the country, so too does the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.

With early childhood education now a national priority, the Philippines takes one step closer to breaking the cycle of learning poverty and unlocking the full potential of every Filipino child.