Update: This is an April Fool’s Joke.
The United Nations declared on Friday, April 1, 2016, Batangas as the International Coffee Capital of the World. Known for its strong coffee called Kapeng Barako by the locals, Batangas stood out as the best place to represent the coffee-loving people in the whole world.
“Dine sa Batangas, hindi la-ang tao ang matapang, pati kape, barako,” Ralph Santos, one of the locals told us.
Apparently, a Batangueño cannot live a day without a cup of Kapeng Barako. They have it as soon as they wake up, in partner with their favorite bread, bonete and pandesal.
Moreover, most of them use the coffee with their rice meals. No, they don’t drink it with their rice. They mix it with their rice on plate.
“Pagkasarap ng kanin, lalo na’t may sabaw na kape, ‘di ga?” Pedro Sabili, another local from Batangas was quoted as saying.
According to some unconfirmed studies, drinking Kapeng Barako can give you an energy boost. It also gives you the energy you need to stay alert during the night, specially during lamay sa patay.
People visiting Batangas are advised to try the Kapeng Barako. It is available in only one flavor: strong. It is very popular among the locals that you can get it for free if you ask nicely. 
