Miriam Rodriguez, owner of MYPS, won first place in the Tea Making Competition during the 10th Antipolo Tourism Fair at Robinsons Place Antipolo.

The competition highlights Tipolo leaves as delicious and healthy main ingredient for tea. The winning entries will be linked to a livelihood project to be promoted as Tipolo Tea.

“Actually, concept ito ng local government ng Antipolo na pinangunahan ng ating City Tourism Head na si Sir Mar Bacani para ma promote ang ‘Tipolo Tree’ na kung saan kinuha ang pangalang Antipolo. Para ito ay maging isang source ng livelihood para sa mga Antipoleño,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez submitted a concoction she called “Passionate Tipolo Tea”. Other finalists were representatives from Crescent Moon Café and Kaulayaw Café.

Rodriguez, who incidentally celebrated her birthday on the same day, confessed to be very nervous during the competition.

“Grabe, di ako makapaniwala. Magandang gift at blessing dahil birthday ko pa ng araw ng contest. Dati naman na nagdedemo kami nila Sir Andre (Vocalan) ng Balaw Balaw ay di ka kakabahan. Pero itong contest na ito sobrang kaba. Kasi first time ko nakasali sa ganitong contest at ang mga kasali pa ay mga kilalang mga restaurant sa Antipolo. Kakabahan ka talaga kasi magagaling na mga yon,” said Rodriguez.

“Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa mga nagtiwala sa akin at nagpalakas loob. Una kay Lord. Sa aking pamilya. Kay Sis Jinggay Lejano. Konsi Angie Tapales. Sa SARAP President Charo Ola at mga kasamahan kong officers. Sa DTI Rizal. Maam Sharon (Fojas-Dioco). Kay EJ. Kyle at Sir Jason. Kay Jovi ng Scents and  Memories. Mga disers. YULA President Malou at marami pa. Maraming salamat kay Sir Mar ng Antipolo Tourism at kay Maam Mel Llait. Salamat.”

MYPS does cultivate and harvest Tipolo leaves for tea which is among the numerous food products it sells as member of SARAP. Rodriguez is herself a Board Member.

“Ang process ay harvest ng dahon ng Tipolo, hugasan at linisin at patuyuin. Pag sa araw at mainit 2 to 3 days. Pag sa dehydrator machine naman ay 5 to 6 hours ang pagda-dry. After ma-dry durugin at ilagay sa tea bag or sa tea ball infuser. Ibabad ng 2 to 3 minutes sa cup of hot water. Puede lagyan ng lemon or kalamansi at honey at pwede ng inumin. Masarap na healthy pa,” said Rodriguez.

Antipolo got its name from the Tipolo Tree which used to be ubiquitous and commonplace in the hilltop city. The tree was so common in Antipolo that leaves used to litter the grounds around the Antipolo Cathedral.

Enterprising food vendors used to gather these leaves, dried them and served them as free hot tea along with bibingka, kakanin, lugaw and other dishes to churchgoers who enjoyed a hot meal after morning mass.

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