TUCKED BETWEEN rice fields and stories whispered from ancestral homes, Sta. Rita, Pampanga is a town that feels like a slow, magical dream—like stepping into a local version of a Ghibli film, where every corner tells a tale, and every aroma carries a memory.
Once known as a quiet town steeped in customs, Sta. Rita is now awakening as a soulful heritage lifestyle destination, thanks to the visionary leadership of Mayor Reynan Calo and the creative pulse of Earl Tongol, municipal focal person for arts, culture and tourism. And what better way to savor its revival than with a coffee crawl…the town’s warm and caffeinated invitation to see Sta. Rita through a new lens.
Arti Sta. Rita: The town’s beating heart
Before the café hopping began, we were welcomed by Arti Sta. Rita, the cultural pride of the town, who were rehearsing for their upcoming September 20 show, Perry: The Musical. Inside the rehearsal space, voices soared and feet danced with a rhythm that could only come from deep love for heritage.
Led by the ever-passionate Andy Alviz, a proud Riteñan, Arti Sta. Rita gave us a moving sneak peek into their performance. In that moment, it was clear: this town doesn’t just preserve its culture. It performs it, celebrates it, and lives it.
Café To-Gaux: Trendy tastes with a personal twist
Our first café stop brought us to Café To-Gaux in Barangay Becuran, a modern café with a catchy name derived from the owners’ children—Toby and Margaux. Opened in July 2024, the café was born from a dream shared by Lady Trinidad, a former virtual assistant turned entrepreneur, and her business partner.
“Keeping up with trends is important,” said Lady, “but we also wanted to make it affordable and comforting—something the youth and families could enjoy.”
And they nailed it. Their menu includes frappes, milk teas, silogs, student meals, and a lineup of crispy chicken wings, croffles, and waffles that easily hit the spot. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and up to midnight on weekends, it’s a go-to hangout for foodies and late-night chill seekers.
Café MM’s: Comfort food and nostalgia
From there, the crawl continued to Café MM’s, located in Barangay San Jose. Named after the owner’s grandmother Mama Metung, the space radiates the warmth of Kapampangan hospitality. Capiz windows, soft lighting from local lanterns, and a charming blend of antique and modern interiors create a setting that feels like home.
“We started with a few appetizers, and eventually built our menu around what we love to eat,” shared Franz Neil Pineda, one of the café’s owners. “Now, we’re known for our sumptuous rice meals and refreshing drinks.” And true enough, each bite and sip felt like a loving nod to family recipes passed down with care.
More than coffee: A taste of Sta. Rita’s future
The Caloguran Coffee Crawl is more than a marketing idea but an experience that reveals the heart of a town blossoming into its own identity. What used to be seen as just a quiet hometown is now stirring, brewing, and inviting you to stay a little longer.
Whether through the cultural vibrance of Arti Sta. Rita, the comforting flavors of Café MM’s, or the youthful buzz of Café To-Gaux, every stop is a story. Every sip is a celebration.
So, the next time you find yourself in Pampanga, skip the expressways and take the detour to Sta. Rita. There’s warmth waiting in every cup and a community ready to share it with you.
Come for the coffee, stay for the culture. Sta. Rita is no longer just a town…it’s a feeling. One that lingers long after the last drop.
