Kapitolyo as grown its reputation to be one of the foodie centers of the Pasig City. Located in between the Ortigas Business District and the Bonifacio Global City, it serves as nearby sanctuary from the work focused skyscrappers of the two business capitals. It only makes sense that eventually a specialty coffee shop would take root in Kapitolyo.

The Ambiance

The design theme of United Coffee is a cut above most establishments yet it doesn't stand out too much; However, it has this X-factor that makes the place unbelievably cozy. We could never point out what exactly, but it's there and you will only notice this when you sit down and slow down while waiting for your order.

Simple but Elegant Ambiance!

They even have shelves for books to read. In fact, we would always see patrons who always borrow books to read while enjoying their cup of coffee. We believe to have seen a complete Harry Potter Collection for patrons to read too.

It's a cup you won't regret!

The Coffee, The Beverages and The Service

In our several visits to United Coffee, they carried EDSA Beverage Design Groups Beans. So the flavor profiles would depend on which blend they would use. We particularly love the characteristics of their Single Origins and their Dark Matter Theory for it's unique flavors.

The noteworthy thing about their baristas is that each time we come back, you will notice a small improvement in their brewing specifically the hand brewed preparation. I couldn't explain it but I would always notice the slight difference may it be from the texture or the sensation of the body in my mouth.

One of the Better Matcha Latte's in the Metro right now!

Matcha has really taken over the world by storm and United has their own version of the Matcha Latte and it is one of the better Matcha lattes I've had. It has a more refined but concentrated flavor that hits your tongue as soon as you take that first sip. It's quite noticeable because most Matcha lattes had this blunt punch that hits you but this is different. It starts with small smooth sting then gradually increases in strength in an elegant way. It's a nice treat.

They also serve their drinks iced for those hot summers in Manila

They also serve their drinks Iced for those hot Manila days. To serve as a partner for your drinks they offer a wide variety of cakes, confections, pastas and finger foods! The s'more they offer I believe is homemade. The marshmallow has sweeten from having its sugar caramelised and the hot chocolate inside is able to counter it with its own complex mix of sweetness and bitterness.

Another dish to try when you just need to sit down, relaxing and catching up to your reading is their spinach artichoke that surprisingly goes well with their Dark Matter Theory Beans! I was just surprised at how well they mixed in my mouth. Try it!

A must try with their Dark Matter Theory!

 The Price

Espresso starts at Php 100 while the Iced Latte will set you back Php 140. A mocha is Php 160 while the Matcha Latte is Php 130. Their drinks are priced in between the Php 100 to Php 160 range. The Sandwiches ranges from Php 195 to Php 215 while their Pasta ranges from Php 195 to Php 225.00 All are reasonably priced and you won't find anything here that will hurt your pockets. 

Overall I love their lattes especially the espresso latte and the matcha latte. I couldn't find any other coffee spot in the area that could give me this satisfaction. Not Yet anyway! See you guys on the next one!

Do you want to Contact 'United Coffee PH?'

Address: 16 United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 738 - 7177

Instagram: @UnitedCoffeePH

 Operating Hours: Mon-Th, Sun: 11:30AM to 11PM; Fri-Sat: 11.30 AM to 12MN

The view from Cebu's famous mountain top!

Yolk Cafe
Tan Kim Building, 80 Tres Borces Padres St, Cebu City, Cebu

Yolk cafe is this unassuming place along Tres Borces Cebu city with homey interiors and accommodating staff! For their dishes, we could not get enough of their Eggs Benedict. The way it was cooked was perfect. The egg whites were firm and moist while the yolk was runny and flavorful. 

The daily dose of latte and cappuccino!

For coffee we had the usual latte and cappuccino but what caught our eye was their signature Coconut Coffee cooler. The coconut juice surprisingly blends well with their espresso based beverage and with coconut white shavings on top adds texture and constrasting flavors that complete the package It is no wonder that this drink has won international awards.

The Coconut Coffee Cooler! 

We would come back for it in a heartbeat.

A finer casual cebu dining experience!

Tymad Bistro
Paseo Saturnino, Ma. Luisa Road,Banilad, Cebu

One of my friends whose parents have travelled to Paris, France said that Tymad makes one of the best Kouign Amanns outside of Paris. Knowing full well that my friend's mother is a picky eater, made me very excited to see if it were true.

One of the best Kouign Amanns outside of Paris!

Tymad opens early at 7 AM and we got there, the pastries were just hot off the oven so we immediately ordered their Kouign Amann. Each thin sheet was crispy, flakey and sweet and as take your first bite, you can feel each layer break apart in your mouth as it releases the flavors of the flour, the butter and the cinnamon. It was spectacular.

The Big Breakfast!

Aside from the Kouign Amann, we ordered two Eggs Benedicts breakfast set and one Big Breakfast set. I found that the vegetable salad to be fresh but not the best out there while everything else like the poached eggs, the crunchy bacon, the fresh salmon, the oven-fresh toasted bread, and the sauce to be absolutely delicious.

The Bacon Eggs Benedict!

The sausages, the beans and vegetables from the big breakfast was good but not spectacular like the rest of the dish. The eggs, the bacon and the mushrooms were exquisite. 

The Salmon Eggs Benedict with Vegetable salad!

It was clear why Tymad has a hair higher pricing that most Cebu establishments, but it was well worth it. It's not that high of a premium though, Metro Manila still has higher pricing from my experience.

Wonderful Ambiance at Cafe Georg!

Cafe Georg
Ground Floor, MLD Building, Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

Cafe Georg was a pleasant surprise because my friends who have been to Cebu prior to my trip said that Cafe Georg wasn't as great as they used to be. What surprised us was how great the dishes were. In fact, they offer dishes that are better than some of what we have in Manila. The dishes offered are a fusion of classics from different cuisines with their own twists. 

All Beef Lasagna!

I love their All Beef Lasagna because of how creamy it was, and how the beef flavor was the star but was complimented by the cheese, the ragu sauce and the toasted bread. I couldn't get enough. We also tried a satisfying sandwich that we had to share to finish, and the Kimchi Fried rice which was okay, but I have had better. 

Sandwich!

It was fun. I would come back to try the other dishes.

Rico's Lechon Sisig is amazing!

Rico's Lechon
F. Cabahug St, Cebu City, Cebu

Rico's Lechon is one of the major Lechon establishments in Cebu and well their Lechon is good but not mind blowing. It is less salty than Zubu though, which to me is a good thing. What sold us was the Lechon sisig! It was amazing. It was crispy, it was salty, and it was spicy! Watch your 'Batoks!'

A kilo of Lechon!

It's not mind blowing but it's good enough to try whenever you are in Cebu! You can't go wrong here!

So to summarize, we loved Yolk, Rico's Lechon, Tymad and Cafe Georg that we would visit them again when we get the chance to visit Cebu. What do you guys think of our list? Do you agree or do you have recommendations? Tell us at the comment section below!

Change is a difficult reality that is inevitable yet people seek it. A good example was the 2016 Philippine Presidential race where huge change was voted by the people. Some on the other hand want a change where they can bring back some of the lost arts. One of them are the people behind 'Talas Manileño' where they seek to bring back the elegance of male Manileño grooming.

Knick-knacks from the passions of the owner of the shop!

The Ambiance

Talas Manileño can be found along the Cubao expo arcade. It is distinct because of its dark blue color with a folding chalk board outside that  proudly reads their services.

The inside is reminiscent of an 80's style apartment complex where wood and cement are used extensively.

The beverage bar at the second floor!

As you enter the ground floor you see the three barber-chairs on the right and the reception desk on the left. The hair was sink and the stair case at the back. On the second floor are two more barber-chairs, a seating area and the beverage bar where they serve your chosen drink along side your chosen service.

Classics are unbeatable!

The Cut and Shave

The Haircut and the shaving services is a step above most because of the owners and the barbers adherence to the classics of simple, elegant cuts, shaves and styles. All the barbers listen to your requests and to your preferences that you will feel at home immediately.

The shave follows their same adherence to the classics. It was slow and meticulous as I could feel the sensation of each strand of hair on my jawline being chipped one by one. It was an amazing feeling knowing that your barber is carefully trimming and massaging your beard.

In fact, the barber themselves will recommend and will teach you tips on how to shave or how to maintain your beard/moustache.

I enjoyed their services quite well and I couldn't help but notice their spray bottles were used from recycled Ginebra Gin bottles! I was so sold by this that I said 'Iyan ang tunay na Manileño!'

'Iyan ang tunay na Manileño!'

The Price

Haircut and wash starts at Php 280.00 but is priced at Php 570.00 together with the shave. Their Signature service, the Manileño is a haircut and wash with your chosen drink which is priced at Php 450.00. While the Talas Batangas is a shave with your chosen beverage priced at Php 470.00

The Conclusion

Talas Manileño is the place to be if you want that classic Filipino grooming made famous by our national heroes like Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo and the Luna Siblings. They are the best at bringing those classic styles to the modern Manileño and I highly recommend their services!

Do you want to Contact 'Talas Manileño?'

Cubao Expo, 38 Gen. Romulo Ave. Brgy. Socorro, Cubao Quezon City

Contact number: (+63)917 503 1842

Facebook: Talas Manileño Facebook Page

Instagram: @Talasmanilenyo

Operating Hours: 1PM to 9PM

For several years now I have been hearing about beautiful beach sanctuaries several hours from Manila. Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves would always be part of that conversation. So when a friend of mine said they were going on a trip to Nagsasa Cove, I jumped ship!

The view that greeted us!

Manila to San Antonio, Zambales

We were lucky enough to form a group of nine people so we decided to hire a driver and a van. What We got was this wonderful gentleman, driver Noel. His van was a big Toyota Grandia. It was big enough for the nine of us and our luggages and our necessities. 

Our pick-up point was along EDSA-Shaw blvd where we also had our breakfast at a local fast food joint. We left at 7 AM. Ideally, the drive would take two hours if without traffic. 

A sneak peak of what's to come!

Unfortunately, traffic in Manila is nothing new. It took us an hour to get from our pick-up point at Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City to the Toll gates at NLEX. It took another hour to get through the toll exit booths and to Subic. From Subic it was another hour to get to San Antonio, Zambales. 

It was a long ride. Along the way, most of us were either chatting, sleeping or eating. (What else is new?) 

The hut where we waited for our boat!

San Antonio, Zambales to Nagsasa Cove

San Antonio is an interesting little town. It was obvious that tourism was a major source of income for its local. The many small travel agencies, the number locals trying to sell you local crafts, the plentiful food stalls and the large number of parking lots.

Once we arrived, our guide, met us and lead us to their hut where we would rest as we waited for our boat ride. The quickest way to get to the cove is by Boat. You would have to traverse the mountain range if you were to get to it by land. 

Shakiness!

The boat ride itself is an hour long. At first, the waves would be a cause for concern, but after a while it grows on you. You begin to notice how beautiful the water is when it glistens against the sun and how the mountains and cliffs flaunt their majestic nature. 

As we reached the cove itself, the water began to calm and the view of the pine trees were a sign that we were indeed near.

Timing is everything

Nagsasa Cove Day One

As we near the shore, the engine was turned off and we were drifting towards the shore while our captain guided the boat with the fin controls. The first mate went ahead to the nose of the boat to prepare for anchor drop. After dropping anchor, he guided the nose of the boat to land safely.

Land Ho!

As the boat sat still as it can, we dropped off and the boatmen soon helped with our luggages. They then led us to our camp site and prepared our tents. 

Picnic tables and tents!

After the tents were built, we settled in our own tents and proceeded to do our own thing. Some prepared the meal, some prepared for a swim and I prepared for a photowalk.

Still water Reflections!

It was the afternoon and the low tide began to take effect. From the camp site, I walked while taking my time with capturing pictures at my leisure. I made my way to the river where I passed by various forms of vegetation. Some with thorns and some with none. I made it to the river bed where there were various round stones that gave me a hard time traversing. Eventually I made it to open field where you have a full view of the mountain range.

Beautiful!

I crossed the river and was met with a grassy plane. The grass was were at chest level. Fortunately, there were signs of a path that was worn down by frequent use. I navigated through the path until I reached the pine trees. It wasn't long till I found my way to the camp site on the other side of the cove.

I took continued to take pictures and after two hours of wanderlust I decided to go back to camp.

At the same time, the people who took a dip arrived at the camp to dry up. We were all on time for dinner. The only problem was, there were no lights. We had to eat with just the LED lights from our phones. It was quite the challenge.

After dinner, we gathered around a bonfire that we just lit and played some drinking games while playing a board game. It was crazy fun.

The River Bed!

Nagsasa Cove Day Two

I went to bed at 9.30 PM and awoke at 12.30 AM. I decided to take a walk as I felt too well rested to fall back asleep. When I got out of my tent, I saw the trees right across from me and behind it was the Milky Way. I was breathe taking. I had forgotten how beautiful the stars were and how plentiful they were. From the edge of the ocean in front of me to the mountains behind me, All I could see were stars.

Before Sunrise (Watch the Movie)

There was just something about it. It was so quiet that you could only hear the cold ocean wind hitting the curves of your ear lobes, the ocean waves slamming itself towards the shore and the insects making their mating calls. It was beautiful and it was serene. It was so relaxing.

I wanted to take pictures of the stars but I forgot my tripod. Bring one if you can! The stars are too pretty to miss out on. I then laid down on a picnic table and just stared at the stars until 3.30 AM where I fell asleep.

The sun is about to rise!

I woke up at 5AM and felt so relaxed, relieved and revitalised. I haven't been to the beach in a long time. The serenity of the place did its job. I took a shower right after waking up. It was quite an experience being able to Shower with a faucet and pail again. I changed clothes and saw that the sun was about to rise so I ran to the other side of the cove for another photowalk.

I finished at around 6.30 and breakfast was almost done. We decided to help set the table and we ate.
Most of the food we cooked were bought fresh from the market in Manila. The Travel agency provided ice, gas, stove, coal and utensils.

Watch my shadow break free!

At 9AM everybody was done taking a bath and suiting up. We then headed for the hiking trail where we could see the whole cove. The climb itself was pretty quick. We got to the top in 20 minutes. It was the trek down that was more intense.

We reached the foot of the mountain after a short while and we saw a great spot to swim. It was near the rocks but the mountain was providing a amount of shade that gave the area a cooler swim than the rest of the cove.

We swam until 11 AM and after a quick wash, we ate lunch. After that we started packing and waited for our boat ride to Capones Island.

Near the top!

Capones Island

Capones Island is the island right across the beach where our waiting hut was in San Antonio Village. It took nearly an hour to get there from Nagsasa. The Island itself is beautiful with white sand, clear water and sculpted cliffs. The only thing was we couldn't climb it and reach the light house. 

So after a couple of minutes of taking in the view we left for San Antonio where we had our last time to wash ourselves of the sand and salt water. We took our baths in the travel agency's hut and after suiting up we packed up and got on our van and left for Manila.

Capones Island!

San Antonio, Zambales to Manila

The ride back took three hours which was roughly the same as our trip to San Antonio. We left at 4PM and got to Manila at 8PM because we decided to stop over to have dinner at a McDonald's in Subic. The trip was so relaxing.

Breakdown

Total Php 18,000 for Nine People

Php 2000.00 per head

Php 1000 for Van and Driver

Php 700 for Travel Agency (Boat, Tent, Utilities, Ice, Assistance)

Php 400 for Groceries and Food

The Verdict

What we Liked:

• Several hours away from Manila
• Php 700 Travel Agency fee is a great value!
• The Van was the most expensive part of the trip but at least we were safe and comfortable
• Nagsasa is not the prettiest place but it sure makes up for with Serenity
• Kind locals
• There are sari-sari stores with sodas, junk food, coffee, beer, soap, shampoo and the like

What we ALMOST Liked:

• Can be crowded during peak seasons and there was an area of the cove where most people were. ( We were lucky to be on the side where there were few people)
• Not much to do but Swimming, barbecuing, hiking and exploration
• White sand on top of black sand

Habitual Coffee first began in Ortigas near the Home Depot complex. In 2015, they moved to Chino Roces Avenue in Makati. Each coffee shop has an identity of its own because of the uniqueness of each creative mind behind each concepts. What stood out from my repeated experience from habitual was their skills on the Aeropress.

Those Lines!

The Ambiance

Habitual's design aesthetic is pretty simple combination of textured concrete, black steel and wooden counter tops. It's simple, elegant and charming. I would come by several times just to try the varied seating options.

There is a huge steel column/beam that supports the whole building where the bar/counter is enclosing. It gave it quite a bit of character. On the said beam is the menu where you can find the standard espresso, latte, iced coffee and the like.

Third Place in the World!

It has this health and wellness feel because of the gym behind the coffee shop. You could imagine some of the hardworking people who workout in the morning or the afternoon where they get their caffeine fix. This was made so because of the worn down path leading the doors and then to the gym of the complex.

Let's make it a Habit!

The Coffee, The Beverages and The Service

One of the people behind Habitual Coffee won third place in the World Aero Press Championship several years ago. So when I first tried their Aeropress, I was floored. I've had several Aeropressed brewed coffee before, but after having the one from Habitual, I never wanted any one else to press coffee for me.

There Aeropressed Coffee are one of the best in the country!

There was just something about their hand brew. It was the body and the flavor, I could feel the weight and the fullness of the body of the coffee reaching the back of my mouth up to the area behind my ears. It was beautiful. I only have Aeropressed coffee from them from now on. (There are exceptions though.)

There Lattes, Cortados and their Capuccino are also very good. I tried tasting each one in one day and I do notice the different effects of the volume of milk and foam. The flavor and the characteristics of the beans shine best with less milk! (Or if the milk is high grade it compliments it even more.)

Coffee Float!

They serve most drinks hot or iced. Iced is perfect for the hot summer in manila. It's refreshing with a kick!They also offer coffee with soda water and its quite a different experience. A cold coffee kick with fizz at the end. It's more refreshing than an iced coffee but it's a like it or hate it thing for me.

The baristas of Habitual are an interesting bunch. In my multiple visits, I would always try the coffee of barista that I've never tried before and the great thing is that they maintain production of great coffee but each barista adds a little uniqueness to his her own brew. This was just me being nit picky but I love all their Aeropressed and all their espresso based coffee that I have tried so far.

Latte Love!

 The Price

Their stellar Aeropressed coffee starts at Php 160.00! While their Espressos will set you back Php 120.00. The Cortado and flat white is at Php 140.00 while an Iced white is Php 160.00. The classic latte costs Php 150.00 while their mochas start at Php 160.00.

They also serve a modest selection of tea that ranges from Php 120.00 to Php 150.00. All are priced reasonably and are of premium quality.

Do you want to Contact 'Habitual Specialty Coffee?'

Address: 2135 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Telephone number: (02) 833-9556

Instagram: @habitualcoffee

 Operating Hours: Mon-Wed: 8AM to 9PM; Thurs-Sat: 8AM to 11PM; Sun 8AM - 7PM