Every year on Oct. 1st, coffee enthusiasts around the world come together to celebrate the International Coffee Day, recognizing the beloved beverage that has become a global symbol of energy, comfort, and social connection.
This year, Citadines Bacolod City (CBC) celebrated International Coffee Day for the first time and honored the rich history, diverse flavors, and profound impact of coffee on cultures and economies worldwide.
“We aptly named this festive event the Coffee Community 2024, and we partnered with different groups, who share the same passion for coffee,” the aparthotel management said in a press release Oct. 1. “(But) we do not stop with just a day of celebration; we shall celebrate coffee and the community it has built for two whole weeks!”
The Coffee Community 2024 features award-winning artists Dennis Valenciano and Julia “Amai” Lopue, who mastered the art in coffee painting. “Together, they showcase some of their precious works at the Buglas Foyer at the second floor of Citadines Bacolod City.”
Their masterful creations are available for sale and 30 percent of the proceeds shall go to the NVC Foundation that headed the “Artisans of Hope” in creating CBC’s Buglas Mosaic.
Along with Valenciano and Lopue is Cyanotype print artist, Angela Silva, who has successfully printed her art pieces using Barako coffee, a first to be seen in an art gallery. Her prints will be displayed at the Coffee Art Gallery until Oct. 15.
PARTNERSHIPS BUILT OVER COFFEE
Just a week before the Coffee Community celebration, CBC general manager, Caleb Han, along with department leaders of the service residence took part in an immersion at the Sugar Valley Coffee Farm in Murcia town, Negros Occidental.
The manager of the farm, Teddy Canete, further enhanced their knowledge about coffee production in the locality and the importance of supporting the Slow Food Movement.
Citadines Bacolod City is also one with this cause in promoting a sustainable and fair method of producing food, such as the coffee fruits.
Friends from the Negros Occidental Coffee Council (NOCC), who also support the Slow Food Movement, were given a Coffee Community Pop-up Shop at the lobby of CBC, where they could sell their produce and other coffee products.
On Oct. 5, the NOCC will spearhead the Coffee Talks, an interactive seminar featuring coffee producers and homegrown café owners, and a Free Public Cupping featuring local robusta beans.
On Oct. 11, an exciting match between Negros Island’s best baristas will battle it out in the first CBC Coffee Champion. All these events are part of the International Coffee Week celebration, the CBC said.
KAPESALUBONG AND THE KAPE SABA
Since the love for coffee is strong in CBC, Citazens are very invested in more ways for guests to enjoy coffee and local delicacies.
“We introduce KapeSalubong, a bundle of coffee infused treats mixed with the local coffee beans found within the island,” the CBC said, adding it also launched its original concoction, called Kape Saba – a blend of the richness of coffee with tropical hints of saba banana.
“This one-of-a-kind drink is even topped with a swirl of whipped crème cheese and crowned with a piece of caramelized sugar, which reminds us of our Pinoy saba snacks, the turon and banana cue,” the CBC said. ||
