Disclaimer: I’m just one participant sharing my personal experiences and impressions of the Coffee Crawl. This is not a professional review or official statement — it’s my take on the cafés, drinks, and fun moments I encountered.
After Valentine’s, I was looking for something new to anticipate and found it at La Trinidad’s 9th Coffee Festival. What started as a casual Coffee Crawl quickly became a weekend of reconnections, creativity, and community — powered by the people behind Black Volume.
The mechanics were simple: order at least ₱150 worth of a participating café’s signature or coffee-based drink, get a passport, collect stickers, take photos with the baristas, and share them online with the hashtag #CoffeeCrawlLTB2026.
My first stop was Kai Café, the only one I’d visited years ago. The space had changed significantly since my last visit, and stepping inside felt like entering a completely new café. I ordered a hot matcha coffee and a slice of hazelnut carrot cake. The coffee’s earthy bitterness balanced beautifully with the sweetness of the cake, making each sip-and-bite a small negotiation of flavors.
I noticed a familiar logo among the festival sponsors and organizers: Black Volume. Right away, I messaged my friend J, and she was just nearby at the next café. It turned out that the Coffee Crawl, and the festival itself, were organized in partnership with my friends at Black Volume. It felt like the stars were aligning for me because I had been thinking of reconnecting with them since I got back to writing.
Next was Blackbird Coffee, a humble stall near the main road. I immediately spotted Bart, our resident photographer, and J seated on monobloc chairs outside. On J’s recommendation, I tried their orange tonic which was served with a real slice of orange in a wide-straw plastic cup, much like those popularized milk tea drinks. It felt refreshingly unique. Combined with the roadside setup and my shared laughter with friends, this stop reminded me that cafés aren’t just about the interior or the menu. Sometimes, the magic is in the shared experience.
We even visited a third nearby café in one afternoon. Café Littéraire, a cozy book café, offered their signature Egg Coffee. Creamy, comforting, and almost pastry-like, it felt like drinking dessert and coffee at once. It didn’t need an extra slice of cake to feel complete. Its flavor also celebrated local ingredients, egg and coffee, elevating simple produce into a memorable experience.
On the second day, Red Berry Café, near the Strawberry Farm, stole the show. Its charming overall design, coupled with its focus on local produce, made it feel like a café that truly belonged to La Trinidad. The berry-themed drinks and snacks were not only delicious but visually stunning, reflecting the town’s identity and creativity.
The third day led me to Benguet Brews and Ai.ca.man Café in Buyagan. The distance for someone like me coming all the way from Baguio City required patience and endurance. There was scorching heat, the scarce jeepney rides, and slow connectivity, but it was all worth it! The pandan coffee at Benguet Brews was a festival favorite, and Ai.ca.man’s classic latte struck a perfect balance of milk and coffee, topped with a beautiful latte art that I felt guilty of disturbing with my teaspoon!
My final stop was Mt. Kalugong Café, perched atop the hiking terrain of the same name. The climb was challenging, but J and I paced each other and shared more laughs along the way. At the café, I enjoyed caramel-flavored coffee and red velvet cake. Running a café in such a location is no small feat. Navigating steep, slippery paths daily is a testament to the dedication behind the scenes.
My Top Picks from the Crawl
Top Café: Red Berry
From its charming, almost French countryside vibe to its strategic location near the Strawberry Farm, Red Berry offered the most immersive experience. Its menu and presentation proudly promoted local produce, making every visit a small celebration of La Trinidad.
Top Coffee: Egg Coffee (Café Littéraire)
This drink was comfort in a cup. Creamy, flavorful, and self-contained, it didn’t need an extra pastry. Its use of simple, local ingredients (egg and coffee) turned familiar elements into a truly memorable taste.
Top Dedication: Mt. Kalugong Café
Operating a café atop a hiking trail is no easy task. From challenging terrain to mountain weather, the effort behind every cup is clear — a perfect example of dedication to craft and hospitality.
Top Online Presence: Benguet Brews
Active and informative, Benguet Brews helped participants stay on track with the Coffee Crawl. Their social media presence and festival updates kept everyone engaged, showing how communication and promotion are just as important as the coffee itself.
The Coffee Crawl reminded me that it’s not just about coffee. It’s about community, creativity, and the people behind every cup — and with Black Volume supporting and amplifying these connections, La Trinidad’s café culture feels more alive than ever.
I’m already looking forward to the next festival, more cafés to explore, and more moments to share. It’s good to be back!
–Nami~
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