Unique, IG-worthy Coffee Shops Near Pasay City

 
Someone once said, "Coffee is a way of stealing time that should by rights belong to your old self."   

My husband asked me, in full support of what I do for living (blogging) and maybe start me off on the right track with vlogging, "what else do you need, since I've bought you all the things that can help you improve in your vlogging?"  I answered "TIME!" (with a sarcastic smile).

He replied with a laugh, not to insult me, what I need according to him could not be bought haha or is unnegotiable, as we have 2 adults, 2 almost adults and a toddler.  I guess, the only thing that could fuel me to go on and can compromise my need for extra time is coffee!  

Hence, whenever we get to go out for errands, grocery runs and whatnot, I try to ask my husband if we could visit a coffee shop nearby, and Metro Manila never runs out of interesting cafe's to cater to my coffee whims. 

It's great to see new cafes popping up despite the hardships most businesses are undertaking.  It keeps coffee connoisseurs happy while keeping the business community up and running.

Check out our YouTube vlog on the list of K-drama inspired cafes in Pampanga.

To add to the active coffee community, I have collated several unique coffee shops around the metro for you to also visit.  

You get to enjoy both the coffee and the ambiance!

1.  74 Apartment Cafe

The best cafe in my neighborhood, should I say.  It's like a breath of fresh air to us Pasayeno's, like having our own little Siargao or Elyu spirit.  It's near to the clinic where I would bring my kids to and you'll never be disappointed with their selection!  At first, I could hardly choose as they went all in, from coffee mixes, hot and cold, to milk teas and specialty tea beverages! You'll want to stay for more!

My suggestion would be their Macadamia Latte.  I also love their pastry selections such as the orange muffins and chocolate chip cookies and make sure to have their crowd fave croissant to go with your drinks.

It is where jeepneys (Malibay to Mall of Asia) pass by and you'd hardly miss it as it's the only white shop along that street. 

Address: 74 Clemente Jose, Pasay City

2.  Papa Kape

It's one of those hole-in-a-wall type of nooks where you'd never expect an oasis to be.  In a busy residential area of Palanan, Makati arose a coffee and laundry shop.  Aside from the the brand name having a ring to it, Papa Kape may be your typical go-to coffee especially for the local coffee enthusiasts.  Perfect for the plantita/plantito's, bikers and just those needed a breakthrough from the hustle and bustle. 

Been meaning to come here since I knew about this "still secret coffee shop in Palanan" when I saw a churchmate trying it out, as it was a walk away from their church in Filmore.   I love how home-owners' open up their home, garage, gardens to cater to what the community needs, may it be a sanctuary or a cup of coffee.  

Tried their Cappuccino and Hazelnut Latte with Onion Bread and Mangga at Suman to-go, but will come and stay longer next time to try their one-of-a-kind drinks,  Brazo Latte and Kape Gingerccino.

Address:  5641 Ampere Street, Palanan 1235 Makati

3. Cafe 6059

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Like the first cafe on the list, they got their name from their address, hence it's easier to find in Google and waze, but in truth, the exact place is a bit hard to navigate to and the street one way and narrow and parking can also be a hard.

However, you'll get to try the best Spanish latte and mocha latte in Brgy. Olympia, Makati.

It's a hip place for the young ones who is into arts, graffiti and spoken word poetry.

Address: 6059 San Rafael St. Brgy. Olympia Makati City

 

4. M Studio and Cafe

M Studio can easily be associated to Magallanes, but I have really no idea what M means, but I know that their food are gourmand-approved and and the other part of the cafe is indeed a studio, a dance studio,  and also a place to hold photo sessions.

Next to Malibay and The Resorts Wold Manila, Paseo de Magallanes is our next food spot in cases when we need to have food right away.  

<<Check out my post on Park Avenue Desserts (PAD) at Paseo de Magallanes>>

<<Check out our blog on Tenya Magallaness>>

M Studio Cafe has that outdoor relaxing vibe, with their dining area perched at the terrace, where you can also see your food being prepared.  To top that, they have a wide array of beverages and coffee mixes, with their strong coffee.

Address: 3rd Floor Oakridge Plaza Paseo De Magallanes

5.  Kapetolyo by SGD Coffee

Ever since Mayor Isko Moreno flexed about the beautification (improvements) in Manila, especially within the vicinity of Manila City Hall, I had my eyes on this cafe sitting next to the Sisa Monument.  It used to be this dirty place where street dwellers would frequent and no one have imagined it's going to be what it is now, a place in the midst of the breathing grounds of Manila, surrounded by trees and historic monuments, and now where you can savor local brews and good food.  

Many bikers have been starting their days here and many others have had special gatherings here which took many to wait until the pandemic loosened up. 

I love their Flat White, and my husband loved their cappuccino, however, I wished they could have widen their coffee selection.  

Address:  Cecilia Muñoz Drive cor. Antonio Villegas St, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines

6.  Wildheart Flower Shop + Cafe 

Last December, 2021, I visited my Aunt in Las Pinas, it was also my late mother's bday so I figured it's the best time for me to visit this dried flowers shop which happens to have a coffee nook inside!  

That's hitting two birds in one stone right?  I've been buying my mama dried flowers online and it's not that affordable, but more reasonable than buying fresh ones every week.  So, I was like a child in a candy store, and all those dried plants and flowers are eye candy.  But, so happy to know that they sell it so affordably, way cheaper than the ones I get online, with a little fee for the arrangement.  

It was such a blessing to visit them with my husband and toddler and we love their Spanish Latte too!  

Address:  137 Carnival Park Street, BF Resort Dr, Village, Las Piñas, Metro Manila

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Black Sheep Coffee in MOA

Was instantly drawn to this cafe when I was checking the internet for a new coffee place near our place.  After buying a new charm for my Pandora bracelet, husband-approved and paid for, we made sure to visit this place and try out of course their coffee. 

7-Eleven launches its first ever City Blends Café in Bonifacio Global City

7-Eleven celebrated the #711Day with the grand opening of its first ever City Blends Café in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City

This rainy season calls for a steaming cup of your favorite brew or ice-cold blend, so sit back at your new favorite spot...

Last July 11, 7-Eleven celebrated #711Day with the grand opening of its first ever City Blends Café in Bonifacio Technology Center in BGC. The store is the first home of the newest Nitro Coffee and Nitro Tea that will surely be part of your 7-Eleven roster of favorites!

West Town's Coffee Puts Value in Reliving Coffee Tradition

With the rise of the third wave coffee trend in the country, there is a shining future for our coffee industry, however, while coffee  business is growing, coffee farming locally is not given the proper recognition. Less and less Filipino farmers are into coffee planting or sustaining coffee farms, while the demand is on rise, our supply is insufficient.

When in Los Banos, Make a U-Turn at Kaeron's Cakes and Cafe

Know you're not alone. God is here for you. CHECK!
Stop worrying about what others think. CHECK!
Surround yourself with the right people. CHECK!
Learn from each blunder and actively develop better habits. CHECK! CHECK!

These are just some of the ways one can overcome self-doubt to be able to build a profitable business.  Most of us tend to assume that successful, confident people never have any doubts -- that they are decisive about every choice, never have regrets and always know what to do.

Pastry Armoire Ensaymada x The Wander Space

Two years ago, Pastry Armoire was launched and had opened their doors to gourmands in the south.  

With enough pastries to last us a lifetime and ingenious ways of serving good food Pastry Armoire still promises to delight us 

Pastry Armoire proved to be forward-thinkers once again as they tried to put a spin on conventional ensaymada.  

A couple of us foodies were introduced to these new products of Pastry Armoire at Wander Space.

A Brush on Specialty Coffee by Dr. Manuel Diaz

Long ago, people in the province would fire up woods to boil ground coffee beans on a huge kettle.  I despised seeing my grandma, pour over some over clean white cups and near it were sugar and Coffeemate on jars to customize your own cup of Joe.  I thought it was tedious and unsafe, but that's how they like having their coffee.

Honest-to-Goodness Coffee by City Blends, Now in 7-Eleven

Have you noticed 7-Eleven's new addition to their hot beverage line lately?  7-Eleven made a mark by launching its newest coffee brand, City Blends, last January. What a way to start 2015?  Quite a welcoming thought for coffee lovers and 7-Eleven customers like our family, don't you think?

City Blends by 7-Eleven promises its convenient, rich and flavorful coffee that is affordable and easily accessible.  Just yesterday, after finding out about it, Bhogs and I have visited two of their stores while we were out looking for an outdoor adventure store and the unit is readily available.  In fact, it is now servicing frequent-goers of 258 stores in select branches in the metro and its in their plan to roll it out to 700 other stores within this year and soon in Visayas.

Kopi Roti #KeepRising with New Look, New Products and Upbeat Campaign

Whenever my husband would do a work-related visit to Singapore, he would ask me what I want for pasalubong,  Whenever I think of Singapore, the first thing that would come to mind is coffee bun.  However, when that situation arises, I would always tel  him, "Nah!"  I guess, he doesn't need to because he doesn't need to buy them there since we can buy coffee buns here, and other Singaporean breakfast treats.  

Everyone's familiar with Kopi Roti,  the Singaporean coffee shop brand that serves remarkable coffee buns, teh tarik and kopi C/O/milk, However, behind the restaurants' success still means innovation.

This was made clearer when I attended the grand reopening of their Katipunan, QC branch as they have unveiled the fresh new look of their stores and Katipunan happened to be the first to have the makeover.

The 2014 Philippine National Barista Championship

Nothing beats a whiff of coffee aroma in the morning right? Or a good conversation of business and/ or matters of the heart over a steamy or cold coffee concoction.   Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or a regular instant coffee drinker, without it, it can make life less tastier, or even dull and unexciting.

Coffee drinking has become a habit for many, stats are increasing all over the world.  It would explain the growth of coffee shops emerging at every bend of the streets.  With the habit, more and more cappuccino and espresso cups are being emptied, and a great call for more baristas is on the rise, specially as the "third wave" coffee experience is gaining more popularity.  

Luckily, I belong to a country that not only have vast lands growing some of the best coffee beans but also a good pool of well-trained baristas who can whip up a plethora of coffee concoction and delight you with an aforable design on it, without being a show off.

On this note, I'm thrilled to announce the staging of the 2nd Philippine National Barista Championship on October 15 to 17.  This will take place at Resorts World Manila.

Toby's Estate, Another of our Coffee-nating Experience

A friend invited me for the launching of Acqua Private Residences by Century Properties at Sucat, a few weeks ago.  I really loved to go and see their model/endorser, but alas, the notice was so short and it was impossible for me to come to the party.  Instead of sulking over that, I got a bit stalled at Century Properties Instagram posts.  Till I found out about Century City Mall.
That week, hubby and I have been dying to have major break-time from the business, kids and our own jobs.  We have been planning to watch 300 for the time being, so I thought it would be perfect to see the movie at a new cinema, in Century City mall.
While stalking Century Properties IG, I came across Toby's Estate Coffee Roasters photo.  Apparently, the mall I was referring to have opened up with some new coffee shops and restaurants (and of course high-end stores) to cater to it's mall-goers, and residential and business tenants at the adjoining condo units.

 So it seemed that something was brewing and I instantly made a plan of watching 300: Rise of the Empire and then have coffee at Toby's Estate, or the other way around.  Well, what ever happened I made sure to do both.  Hehe.

I like this poster in front of the dining ledge, it's actually an infograph of  the farm-to-barista coffee journey.  According to the baristas they source out their coffee directly from the farmers of Woolloomooloo, Sydney, Australia.  Toby's, btw, originated from Australia and have branched out to the different corners of the world, joining the roster of the thirdwave coffee movement.  Say what? Thirdwave...
Yup, it's a coffee principle being supported by coffee roasters which make sure that fair-trade is imposed in the business and that coffee-making is highlighted as an extreme luxury turned in to craft.  Other words that may be coined to the philosophy are artisan, gourmet,

Luckily the cafe sits right next to the cinema, together with some other food joints.  We came in 45 minutes early for the next screening so I gladly told hubby that we could get some good cups of coffee and get to know the mall better.  

Yay!  Yey!  

Toby's Estate at first glance seemed to resemble a coffee shop at a subway station, with its arched ceiling with white-painted wooden panels.  Walls have been tiled  to white, making it a bit vintage-y, with black boards carrying their name, messages and menu to contrast the whites.

It's actually meant to be a take-out coffee and grub counter, since there isn't really a big space to accommodate a big group.  Seating is a downside, for they only have one ledge to place your stuff which only can accommodate up to four dine in customers.  

I was told they will be opening a bigger cafe, also in Makati to serve to more coffee aficionados and have a full dining experience.   

Hubby's cup of Mocha (P 160).  I know it's a thing of beauty, but don't you want to just grab it from your screen?  And it taste perfect as good as it looks too.  I can't truly be as honest as I could when I tell you how darn good that coffee was, I was actually stealing a few sips from Bhogs, even though I also loved my cold Chai Latte.  

My Chai Latte. 

We also planned o eat dinner after the movie so we just tried the Baby Spinach Bocaditos of Baked by Anita.  It has French goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, organic herbs and spices, organic chicken stock, making it really savory.  They actually have other variants and other pastries to go with your coffee.

Oh, I can't wait to be back in your arms Toby's Estate.  Will definitely visit your second branch in Toby's Estate  at 125 L.P Leviste St, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Follow them on Instagram and Twitter @tobysestateph

Of Clothes, Collectibles and Coffee, at the Appraisery

It has been a long year since I last had an experience with some friends just shooting the breeze at Cubao X. I used to refer to it as Cubao Expo, but now I think it's known to many as Cubao X.   A few weeks ago I got an SMS invite from a fellow blogger about this seemingly new cafe at the venue.  I almost forgot how I missed the place, so even though I was busy conceptualizing and building up my new blog which is all about DIY weddings and design, I just had to say YES.

I got all giddy, not minding how hard it was getting on the MRT late in the afternoon, that I would see my favorite art gallery and shops there.  Upon reaching the place, I realized that I didn't bring extra cash, for I know I will get something for my girls and myself, of course.  I remembered last time, I went home with a lot of accessories and old children's books.

I came a bit late than the other bloggers, but I know I have to go around the vicinity first and see if The Reading Room and the craft store is still there.  Sad to say, The Bead Lady, Heima and some other art galleries were replaced with other businesses.

But it sure was glad to know a new store popped up bringing with them a great selling concept, where you can buy pre-loved branded fashion items, get a glimpse of rare collectibles, play or trade collectible cards and have some great grubs and fine coffee concoctions.

 The Appraisery, as the namesake would imply is more than just your friendly "UK" store, or "ukay-ukay" to the "less sosyal."   It is where you can bring your pre-loved or unused branded fashion items to be appraised, then to be sold.  Once appraised, you have two options whether to sell it at the appraiser's determined price or get a voucher in replace for it, the voucher can be used to purchase other items from the collection or to buy coffee.  Nifty, don't you think?  Well that is,  if they can accept your item/s in mint or good selling condition.  The owner, Victor Prieto has all the standards, so don't hesitate to look for him and ask him all about how you can have your items sold.  Victor, though is not the appraiser but he is to count on when you ask for the cafe's lead barista.

Let's talk about their coffee mixes and food, shall we?

Let me start with a non-murk beverage which happens to be one of the most asked in Appraisery.  Tea drinkers would love this.  I used to detest tea and milk when combined but this one made me love the idea.  Of course, the vegetal taste is there and I like that it's not too sugary like other matchas I've tried.  The creaminess from the milk and the comforting frothy matcha tea will play in your palate while the strong tea aroma lingers leaving a note of bitterness at the end of every sip.

If you have been addicted to fraps, well trying something out of your regular franchised coffee fix can be worth the treat.  On that note, you may want to sip in this cold glass of  Mocha Frappe. It's a mix of choco and coffee in ice, adorably topped with a milky foam and cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup..   

Another drink that was served to our group was Michelle.  This is not your typical gal, hehe, hot coffee, it's a Christmas-y taste sans the ambiance in your cup.  Served in Irish coffee glass mug, the hot coffee have hints of pumpkin spice, cinnamon and white chocolate.  But before the splendor of the coffee comes first the ultimate milk froth which has that cinnamon essence.  Since the concoction was mixed with white chocolate the consistency of the hot beverage is tad thick and creamy, the experience of one sip (since the coffee was not mine) comes to a close encounter with a usual eggnog but on a different level.

Another much raved for drink from their regular customers is the drink called Kumbaya.  Named after the song, everyone who have tried it can easily say it's the drink best described as "the camp fire coffee fix."  This is another kitchen testament when one who has the passion in whatever he does, he does it best even when he plays around with ingredients.  Victor, the main Barista slash chef slash owner would seriously attest that his kitchen at times would be his laboratory and art room at the same time.  This espresso-based drink was mixed with graham crackers, and marshmallows.  I only got a sip, though I could not really tell whether bits of smores were dunked in the cup of espresso.  

So, till my return, Kumbaya!

To put this brewer joint to the test I got myself their regular brew, Cafe Americano, in black.  According to Italians this is how foreigners like their caffeine fixed.  It's espresso but diluted in hot water with a ratio of 1:1.  What I like about this shop is that they support local coffee farmers.  This amazing cup of lifeblood actually comes from the Cordillera Mountains, and one that Victor isn't ashamed to tell.  And yes I thought they are using imported coffee beans.  And yeah!  This is one bold yet smooth coffee.  No wonder one of the Italian who last visited them coined the cafe having the best coffee in Manila.

The Appraisery boasts not only of their unique coffee blends, yet can be equaled to expensive franchised coffee shops.  They prioritize quality coffee beans which are brewed within a certain period and make sure that they don't reuse filtered coffee grains.  Victor even asked us if we want to bring home their filtered grounds which can be good as fertilizers or coffee scrubs for the skin.  He also showed us how to check if the coffee maker is doing a fine job with how the filtered grains need to look like after it was used.

I'm sure you would love to pair your coffee with something to munch on.  Here are some food that you would love to have.

This Seattleite, knows his sandwich too well, and let him give the excuse of being lived and studied in Seatlle for coming up with archaic sandwich ideas.  Say for example this Chicken, Avocado, Pesto Triple Decker (P 175).  I have been in love with the scent and explicit taste of creamed basil ever since I first had one as a sauce on my pasta.  Though pesto was used as a sandwich filling (which I have only seen here) it did give a different spin to the usual grilled chicken sandwich.  But wait there's more, there is also guacamole on the sandwich.  I thought it would ruin the taste of the pesto, but it didn't I found the sandwich really refreshing and healthy at that.

So, on the previous sandwich was a blend of Mexican-Italian, how about a Japanese take on a your sandwich.  Now, can you still say humdrum?  These sushi-like sandwich, also called Sushi Sandwich (P 185) is a rolled up sandwich with two kinds of filling, creamed corn with crunchy veggies and avocado, ham.

Oh, let me segue for a bit by introducing their cassava chips, or Namaste, which is served at the side of every sandwiches. Though the Sushi Sandwich plate has something more special with it, the garlic aioli  dip, once you dig in, you might want to dip and dip, my blogger friends thought it was so addicting.  What fancied me though was the different consistency it has.  At first look, it may seem to resemble a white frosting or a merengue.  It did have a sweet note to it, but of course it is also savory due to the garlic infusion.

Pull-pork sandwich had become a craze for a time, in some regions in the US.   I don't know why it didn't get the same welcoming spirit here in Manila.  I can honestly say that I'm not a fan as well, but I find this quite intriguing. It has that Indian spice going on in the sauce atop the pulled pork pieces, with a little spiciness and sourness, plus the fact that the pork meat was slow-cooked to have achieved a tender meat.  I did like though.

For a more adventurous take on your sandwich of choice how about having it with slices of grilled eggplants?   The Grilled Veggie Panini is for every vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners of The Appraisery.  The paninis are spread with a light mayonnaise then filled with grilled eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes and onions.

If you want something sweet for a sandwich, well, they also have some.  We got to try the Sweet Grilled Panini.  It's like a toast sandwich with cookie butter spread, mallows and Nutella. To make it even sinfully sweet, a dollop of cream with caramel syrup and MnM's goes with it.

******
Cubao x is more than a hang-out, it's a place for everyone, a barista, a vintage collector, a book-lover, for the gamer, for the hard-core artists and those who love inventive meals that's worth trying.  I used to think about the place as "where you can find Bellini Italian Restaurant," but now it is a lot more than that.

Did I also mention that Jericho Rosales would often hangout here for a coffee and chit-chat? He does get a lot of that when the chatterbox of Appraisery is there.  Since Echo, also co-owns the surf shop just in front of the cafe-cum-boutique-cum-gaming station.   Shhh!  That's our little secret.

1109 Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Phone (02) 921 2682
Website http://theappraisery.com