Coffee Adventures in Vietnam

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Vietnam, the world's second-largest coffee producer, is a haven for coffee enthusiasts. The country's rich coffee culture, unique brewing techniques, and picturesque coffee farms provide a coffee adventure like no other. From bustling urban cafes to serene highland plantations, Vietnam offers an unparalleled coffee experience that blends tradition, innovation, and natural beauty.

The Historical Roots of Vietnamese Coffee

Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French colonists in the 19th century. Initially grown in the northern regions, coffee cultivation spread to the central highlands, where the climate and soil proved ideal for robusta beans. Over time, coffee became an integral part of Vietnamese culture and economy, with the country becoming one of the largest coffee exporters globally.

Unique Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Ca Phe Sua Da: The Iconic Iced Coffee

One of the most beloved Vietnamese coffee beverages is Ca Phe Sua Da, or iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk. This drink epitomizes the fusion of bitter and sweet, robusta and dairy, hot and cold. It is made by brewing strong, dark coffee using a traditional Vietnamese drip filter, known as a phin. The hot coffee slowly drips into a glass containing sweetened condensed milk, which is then stirred and poured over ice. The result is a rich, creamy, and refreshing drink that is perfect for Vietnam's warm climate.

Egg Coffee: A Unique Culinary Delight

Another intriguing Vietnamese coffee creation is Ca Phe Trung, or egg coffee. This Hanoi specialty features a creamy, meringue-like froth made from egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, which is whisked together and poured over robusta coffee. The drink, often enjoyed hot, combines the bitterness of coffee with the sweet, velvety texture of the egg mixture, creating a dessert-like experience that has captivated locals and tourists alike.

Coffee Lounges and Cafes

Vietnam's cities are home to a vibrant coffee scene, with numerous cafes offering a wide range of coffee styles. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you can find everything from traditional coffee houses to modern cafes serving innovative coffee concoctions. Many of these cafes provide a cozy atmosphere, where patrons can relax, socialize, or work while enjoying their coffee.

Exploring Coffee Plantations

The Central Highlands: The Heart of Coffee Production

For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Vietnamese coffee, a visit to the coffee plantations in the Central Highlands is a must. The provinces of Dak Lak, Lam Dong, and Gia Lai are the epicenters of coffee cultivation, producing the majority of the country's robusta beans. The region's lush, green landscapes and cool climate create ideal conditions for coffee growing.

Buon Ma Thuot: The Coffee Capital

Buon Ma Thuot, the capital of Dak Lak province, is often referred to as the coffee capital of Vietnam. Here, you can tour coffee farms, learn about the cultivation and harvesting processes, and sample freshly brewed coffee right at the source. Many farms offer guided tours, allowing visitors to experience the entire coffee production process, from bean to cup.

Dalat: The City of Eternal Spring

Dalat, located in the Lam Dong province, is another key coffee-growing region. Known for its temperate climate and scenic beauty, Dalat is often called the "City of Eternal Spring." The region produces high-quality arabica beans, which are prized for their mild flavor and aromatic profile. Visitors to Dalat can explore coffee farms, visit local roasteries, and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Coffee Festivals and Events

Vietnam celebrates its coffee culture with various festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most notable is the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival, held biennially in Buon Ma Thuot. This festival showcases the region's coffee heritage, featuring exhibitions, competitions, and cultural performances. Visitors can participate in coffee tastings, barista workshops, and farm tours, making it an immersive experience for coffee lovers.

The Future of Vietnamese Coffee

As Vietnam continues to grow as a major player in the global coffee market, there is a growing emphasis on quality and sustainability. Many farmers are adopting sustainable farming practices to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of their crops. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on specialty coffee, with producers experimenting with different processing methods and cultivars to create unique and high-quality coffees.

Vietnam's coffee industry is also benefiting from a new generation of entrepreneurs and coffee enthusiasts who are passionate about promoting Vietnamese coffee both domestically and internationally. This dynamic and evolving coffee scene promises to offer even more exciting coffee adventures in the years to come.

Conclusion

Vietnam's coffee adventures offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from savoring traditional coffee drinks in bustling city cafes to exploring the serene beauty of highland plantations. The country's unique coffee culture, combined with its commitment to quality and sustainability, makes it a must-visit destination for any coffee lover. Whether you're a seasoned coffee aficionado or a curious traveler, Vietnam's coffee journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

TRB gives green light for toll free trips starting July 01, 2024

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

We will fully implement a 30-day toll holiday in all CAVITEX exits - CIC

“We will fully implement a 30-day toll holiday in all exits of the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) for all vehicle classes, supporting the decision of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). This will help our motorists with the rising cost of fuel and inflation.” Thus declared Raul L. Ignacio, president and general manager of the Cavite Infrastructure Corporation (CIC). 

CIC received the decision of TRB after prior consultation with the joint venture partners of the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) -- namely CIC and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). 

Implementing President Marcos’s directive. It will be recalled that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the granting of a toll holiday for all expressway segments under the stewardship and management of the Cavitex joint venture firm, in his speech at the recent inauguration of the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 2,

“We welcome TRB’s policy and operational decision guided by the general directive of the President – which was arrived at after considering all the implementation details and systems preparation that must be in place,” Ignacio pointed out. “

We commend TRB for the due deliberation that had taken place as part of our Regulator’s decision-making process,” he added.

Tollway segments covered. The tollway segments which will enjoy toll-free journeys for all vehicle classes are expressway exits in Kawit, Paranaque, C5 Link segment Merville and Taguig exits, and newly inaugurated Segment 2 (Sucat Interchange).

Transport industry sources say this suspension of toll collections covering all the exits will result in foregone toll revenues amounting to hundreds of millions of pesos. Transport experts said that, as industry logic dictates, expressway firms need toll receipts to pay lenders, recoup huge investments, assure road safety at all times, and pay operational and administrative personnel.

Aware of such effect on toll receipts, Ignacio nevertheless said: “We support the President’s decision and that of the TRB, so our motorists can enjoy the seamless expressway journeys brought about by modern tollway structures and systems.”

TRB commended amidst criticisms. TRB was earlier criticized by some quarters for a few days’ delay in issuing the directive for a toll holiday. CIC’s Ignacio cited the deliberateness and sober approach of TRB in finally arriving at a major decision. “There is no place for hasty decision making and action-taking for major policies and moves like this,” he added.

CIC is the private developer, builder, and financier of CAVITEX, in partnership with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.

Prior consultation among partners. PPP advocates said that prior consultation among partners in a joint venture is essential to maintaining goodwill between and among these partners, citing productive results from various infrastructure projects.

Under this partnership concept, private firms continue to provide financing and expertise, while the government counterpart lends moral and administrative support. It would be ill-advised for one partner to take action unilaterally, without prior consultation with the other partner.

These industry experts also cited the crucial role of a regulator – like the TRB – in assuring that the PPP investment scheme works over the long term, and in safeguarding the well-being and welfare of stakeholders – specifically motorists and riders –benefiting from the joint venture.

BAN Toxics joins poison prevention week awareness activity, highlights need to protect children

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



"Poison prevention should start at home and in the community.” This was the main message of environmental NGO BAN Toxics as they joined the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) Toxicology Referral and Training Center’s lecture-forum in celebration of National Poison Prevention Week.

Titled “Community and Collaboration: Uniting to Prevent Poisoning,” the lecture forum was held in Brgy. Sto Niño, Galas, Quezon City, and was attended by about 70 households from the barangay. National Poison Prevention Week is observed every 4th week of June by virtue of Proclamation No. 1777 issued in 2009.

BAN Toxics’ advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon spoke at the event about their efforts to protect children from exposure to toxic chemicals, as well as sharing tips on how to prevent poisoning at home and in school.

“Aside from common household items that are explicitly hazardous, there are also everyday children’s items such as toys, school supplies, and care products that may seem harmless but actually contain toxic chemicals,” Dizon said.

Dizon was referring to children’s products available in the market, especially in bargain shops, that are found to contain hazardous chemicals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, triclosan, and parabens, among others.

“First and foremost, when buying children’s products, check the product label and information to verify that no hazardous substances are used. Do not buy products that have no label or information. Also, check if the product has been notified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via https://verification.fda.gov.ph. As much as possible, buy from reputable stores that are duly registered,” Dizon added.

The group also said that while the government should intensify its efforts in preventing the production and importation of children’s products that contain hazardous chemicals, households and communities also have an obligation to exercise vigilance when purchasing these items and ensure a safe environment for children.

In a statement earlier this week, BAN Toxics urged the government to pursue the “Safe and Non-Hazardous Children's Products Act,” a bill that was unanimously passed by the 18th Congress in 2017 but was never enacted as law by the Duterte Administration.



“Children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and it is everyone’s duty to safeguard them from toxic and poisonous chemicals,” Dizon said.