Amadeo: The Hidden Gem of Philippine Coffee Culture

“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.”

–  Thomas Jefferson, 3^rd President of the Unites States of America

By Realttorney^®

The new and much-improved facade of the Amadeo Municipal Hall

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Amadeo is part of the third Growth Area, under the Cavite Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan 2021 – 2030, known as Metro Tagaytay or the Tourism Haven and Food Basket of the Province. This third Growth Area is composed of seven other municipalities and one city, which we will feature in more articles in the future. Indang, Cavite was the first one featured several days ago.

Why write about Amadeo, Cavite second? Everyone needs to know that Amadeo has ecological and environmental importance for the Province of Cavite and the National Capital Region, as well.

There are six major river systems in Cavite namely, Maragondon, Labac-Alemang, Timalan, Cañas, San Juan, and Imus River. These river systems provide a plethora of ecological functions and services that are critical to both the natural environment and human populations.

“The Cañas River Watershed runs from South to North before draining to Manila Bay. The headwaters of Cañas River Watershed are found in Tagaytay. The river network passes through the municipalities of Indang and Amadeo. It continues down to Trece Martirez, General Trias, and Tanza. It exits at the municipality of Rosario, Cavite.”[1]

From a natural perspective, the rivers of upland Cavite and their surrounding habitats are home to a diverse array of plants (catmon, banaba, Ylang-Ylang, and carabao mango trees) and animals, many of which are endemic to the Southern Tagalog region and play important ecological roles. The Cañas River system also serves as a corridor for wildlife movement and migration, contributing to the resilience and diversity of ecosystems in the Province.

On a human level, the Cañas River system provides invaluable services such as access to water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. Many human settlements and cities in Cavite rely on the six major river systems as a primary source of water, making their conservation and management crucial for sustained human development.

Aside from these facts, as a real estate service practitioner, I need to inform you of the myriad of opportunities that are aplenty in this town neighboring the eastern side of Indang, Cavite.

Here are some interesting facts you need to know about the upland town of Amadeo, Cavite:

The old facade of the Municipal Hall of Amadeo, Cavite. Source: https://www.crowdsourcedexplorer.com/amadeo-cavite-philippines/

1. Amadeo was once known as Masilaw, meaning “glaring” in Tagalog, because of the bright red flowers of the Dapdap trees (a.k.a. Erythrina variegata) that grew in the area. When in bloom, the trees bore bright red flowers producing a dazzling red glare from afar. In Tagalog, the term, glaring is “nakakasilaw”. After the years passed, the word was shortened and the barrio got its name “Masilaw”.

2. Amadeo (a.k.a. Masilaw) was then a part of Silang (just like Indang), and its inhabitants had to go to Poblacion for registration, baptismal rites, matrimonial ceremonies, and even funeral services. At that time, public transportation was scarce and travel was difficult. A move initiated by the leaders of the barrios namely Leoncio Ramos, Geronimo Bayot, and Andres Villanueva succeeded in making Masilaw a town independent from Silang in 1872.

3. Amadeo was founded on July 15, 1872, by Governor General Rafael Izquierdo y Gutiérrez, and named after King Amadeo I of Spain. For 21 years, Amadeo was recognized as a town, even by the Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo.

In fact, the revolutionists gave it the Tagalog Name “Maypag-ibig” (With Love), in line with the revolutionary policy of giving native names to towns having alien names to erase every vestige of the country’s colonial past. However, on October 15, 1903, it was returned to Silang under Act No. 947, as the Provincial Executive, displeased with the way Amadeo was governed, reverted it as a district under Silang, Cavite.

The people resented this decision. Once again, its leaders took the cudgels of working for the separation of Amadeo from Silang. Finally, in 1915, during the administration of Governor Antero S. Soriano, Amadeo regained its independence. Geronimo Bayot became the first municipal president.[2]

4. Amadeo has a population of 41,901 people as of the 2020 census, with a density of 1,100 inhabitants per square kilometer or 2,800 inhabitants per square mile. This makes it the least populous municipality in the Province of Cavite.

5. Finally, Amadeo is the Coffee Capital of the Philippines, producing the largest amount of coffee in the province of Cavite. It has a land area of 47.90 square kilometers devoted to coffee farming. It may not be the biggest coffee-producing municipality in the country, but it sure is the most passionate when it comes to this most sought-after beverage in the daily lives of Filipinos.

Amadeo hosts the annual Pahimis Festival, a Thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful harvest of coffee. The festival features cultural shows, trade fairs, coffee tastings, and a street parade. As such, it has emerged as a hidden gem in the country’s vibrant coffee culture.

Despite being overshadowed by more popular destinations for coffee production and consumption, such as Batangas and Benguet, Amadeo has steadily gained recognition for its unique contribution to the Philippine coffee landscape, which is characterized by its rich historical roots, geographical advantages, variety, and quality of coffee beans, and the role of local stakeholders in fostering this burgeoning industry.

Historical Context. Coffee cultivation in the Philippines dates back to the Spanish colonial era when the archipelago was introduced to coffee by Spanish friars in the late 17th century. Over time, coffee farming spread across various regions, each contributing distinct flavors and characteristics to Philippine coffee culture.

Amadeo’s coffee industry dates back to the 19th century when it was introduced by Spanish colonizers. However, the Province of Batangas gained early prominence due to the fertile volcanic soil. But, over the years, Amadeo’s contribution to the Philippine coffee landscape can be attributed to several factors.

Geographical Advantage. The town’s geographical location plays a crucial role in its emergence as a coffee hub. Situated in the highlands of Cavite, Amadeo benefits from a unique microclimate that is conducive to coffee cultivation.

The municipality’s elevation, combined with its well-drained soil and moderate temperatures, creates an ideal environment for growing coffee beans with rich flavors and aromas. These natural advantages have attracted coffee enthusiasts and farmers alike, leading to the re-establishment of numerous coffee plantations and processing facilities in the area.

Variety and Quality. One of the distinguishing features of Amadeo’s coffee culture is the variety and quality of beans produced. The municipality is known for cultivating a diverse range of coffee varieties, including Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa. Each variety offers a unique taste profile, from the fruity and floral notes of Arabica to the bold and earthy flavors of Robusta.

Furthermore, local farmers in Amadeo have adopted sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming and shade-grown cultivation, to enhance the quality and sustainability of their crops. This commitment to quality has garnered attention from coffee aficionados and industry experts, solidifying Amadeo’s reputation as a producer of premium coffee beans or specialty coffee production.

Community Engagement. The growth of Amadeo’s coffee industry is not solely attributable to its geographical and agricultural attributes; community engagement has also played a crucial role. Local stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community-based cooperatives, have been instrumental in promoting coffee farming and entrepreneurship in the municipality.

Initiatives such as training programs, financial support, and market access have empowered local farmers to improve their practices and expand their businesses. Additionally, the annual celebration of the Pahimis Festival and other tourism initiatives have drawn attention to Amadeo’s coffee culture, attracting visitors, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors alike.

As Amadeo continues to gain recognition in the Philippine coffee scene, the municipality stands at a pivotal juncture with promising prospects for future growth. With increasing demand for specialty coffee both domestically and internationally, Amadeo has the opportunity to position itself as a leading producer of premium coffee beans in the Philippines.

However, this growth must be balanced with sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the local coffee industry. By leveraging its historical legacy, geographical advantages, and community engagement, Amadeo has the potential to emerge as a prominent player in the global coffee market.

In conclusion, Amadeo, Cavite, represents a hidden gem in Philippine coffee culture, characterized by its rich historical roots, geographical advantages, and community-driven initiatives. As a producer of premium coffee beans with diverse flavors and high quality, Amadeo has carved a niche for itself in the competitive landscape of Philippine coffee production.

Moving forward, strategic investments in sustainable farming practices, infrastructure development, and market expansion are essential to unlocking the municipality’s full potential. By doing so, Amadeo can continue to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Philippine coffee culture while providing economic opportunities for its local residents.

Farm lot subdivisions are perfect real estate projects in Amadeo. Digital nomads, Createrpreneurs, and other professionals who are part of the Gig Economy are welcome in this 4th class municipality, whether as serious hi-tech coffee farmers, weekend farm enthusiasts, or simple nature lovers.

Be a part of the growth of Amadeo, and its commitment to producing high-quality coffee, locally and internationally. The opening of the East-West Lateral Road and the Silang West Interchange of the Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) bodes well for the appreciation of real properties, not only in Amadeo but also in the entire Metro Tagaytay Area.

Finally, ask me about the bargains to be had for the purchase of real properties in Amadeo in 2024.

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Atty. Jojo is a real estate attorney, an estate planning attorney, a licensed real estate broker, and a PRC-accredited Lecturer/Speaker for Training Programs in Real Estate. He is committed to helping new and veteran real estate service practitioners be well-informed of the latest laws, rules, regulations, and information relevant to the real estate service sector.

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[1]Weenjel P. Cabral and Jhon Laurence B. Herrera, “Delineation of Cañas River Watershed in Cavite, Philippines Using Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing With Field Validation.” Undergraduate Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Natural Resources, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite, April 2016.

[2] See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadeo,_Cavite