Every cup of coffee tells a story. Every weave carries with it its own a legacy. So much so that almost every community connects us to our rich cultural heritage. The Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, slated from March 14 to 16, at Parqal, Aseana City, invites you to discover how Filipino culture thrives in every sip, stitch and step toward sustainability.
The Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival is a three-day event that celebrates the culture, creativity and craftsmanship of the Filipino people. At the festival, attendees can experience diverse heritage products and practices that help define Filipino identity. Formerly known as the Manila Coffee Festival, the event has been expanded to include the work of some of the country’s nameless artisans. Through craft, coffee and clothing, the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival hopes to nurture our cultural heritage while advancing environmental sustainability.
Why Biyaya Matters
At its heart, the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival is about the communities—farmers, artisans and designers—whose dedication ensures that Filipino culture not only survives but also thrives. By nurturing these communities and promoting their heritage crafts and practices, the festival underscores the profound connection between cultural conservation and environmental protection.
By highlighting the inspiring stories of these cultivators, this endeavor hopes to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. It serves as a vital platform hoping to spark conversations about the intersection of coffee, craft, clothing, culture, community, and the environment.
“When we protect, nurture and grow the heritage craft and practices of Filipino communities, we ensure their sustainable livelihood,” says Richard Watanabe, founder of the Coffee Heritage Project and co-founder of the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival. “In the process, these communities can continue to live on the land of their ancestors, safeguarding not just their culture but also the environment. Thriving, sustainable communities are the foundation for environment protection.”
By emphasizing community support, Biyaya promotes a holistic approach to sustainability where preserving tradition ensures both people and the planet can flourish.
Cultural and agricultural catalyst
The Biyaya Festival is more than just a marketplace for coffee sellers; it is a launching pad for a larger initiative where communities make heritage promotion and conservation a springboard to progress. Its role is crucial in sustaining the livelihoods of farmers and artisans by fostering a deep appreciation for local products and the stories that accompany them. By attending the festival, the public can become part of a broader narrative that champions cultural heritage, sustainable living and community empowerment. They can learn about the importance of ethical consumption while providing farmers and artisans with the attention and support they deserve.
The impact of this festival extends beyond the event itself; Biyaya supports a long-term value chain that ensures Filipino farmers and artisans are empowered at every stage. With transparency checks in place, Biyaya guarantees that the processes behind the products are ethical, fair and environmentally conscious. This ensures that every purchase contributes directly to sustainable livelihoods while holding the value chain accountable for its social and environmental impact. It strengthens an ecosystem where cultural practices can thrive, and where the contributions of local artisans and farmers are valued, ensuring that their legacies are preserved for future generations.
In essence, the Biyaya Festival is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. By participating, you are not just enjoying a festival; you are committing to support and uplift the very heart of Filipino culture.
From farm to fabric to future
The Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival offers an array of activities tailored for attendees of all ages and backgrounds. With a focus on engagement and education, this year’s festival builds on the success of the Manila Coffee Festival, which welcomed over 12,000 visitors and generated P45 million in earnings for its exhibitors—highlighting the significant economic impact of supporting local communities.
“As we worked closely with farming communities, we saw firsthand that coffee is just one part of their livelihood. Since coffee farmers only harvest at certain times of the year, they rely on other trades—cacao farming, coconut production, weaving, basketry, and even pottery—to sustain them year-round,” Watanabe shares. “Biyaya isn’t just about coffee; it’s about uplifting the entire ecosystem of heritage industries that allow these communities to thrive.”
Biyaya speaks
One of the most exciting components of the festival will be “Biyaya Speaks,” a dynamic platform designed to foster meaningful dialogue and inspiration. This segment will feature a diverse lineup of thought leaders, innovators, and cultural advocates who will share their insights on topics such as sustainability, cultural conservation, and community empowerment.
“Biyaya Speaks” aims to create a space where attendees can engage with ideas that resonate with their values and aspirations. Each session will be crafted to inform and inspire action and collaboration. It seeks to empower individuals and communities to embrace sustainability in their own lives. The insights shared during these sessions could ignite new ideas, making them valuable tools for anyone interested in making a positive impact in their community.
Be part of the change
Supporting the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival means investing in a brighter future for Filipino farmers and artisans. By amplifying their voices and stories, we can facilitate greater awareness and appreciation for our local industries. It serves as a renaissance for these Filipino farmers and artisans, reminding us that progress and conservation are not opposing forces but complementary values that can shape our shared future.
Mark your calendars: March 14 to 16 at Parqal, Aseana City, Parañaque, for the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival 2024
