Happy Foodies

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kB0MvHWmJ4iiqudehZxTgkwHyl8kQYtmHW8OfpPQKTxr0KAKPGDNbqkRD0PyEUeyS0C_A1Voj5Wt4D5RsKOPC77sDcaMRet0vB_JjUelQjJ5qJndiXZ8yiBrCEz-eaz5Nz9oQR3c5DbmPESgAN7IBc60rYB9IirzTkwWLoCpkJ-gFaunI_Oht9I8LMo/s16000/IMG_6213.jpg"> <figcaption>The Farmassist along Elisco Road</figcaption> </figure> <p>The idea of a vegan place tucked in the middle of fastfood joints — a McDo to the right, an open air eatery for local, quick serve food to the left — is not lost on us. It sort of gives us a scenario of the Philippines food landscape, where fastfood and Western-style fare are the default choices. Still, we find it hopeful to see <strong>The Farmassist</strong> holds its own. After all, the terms “vegan food” and “plant-based dining” are gaining traction; we just hope it’s a real change in eating habits and not just a fad.</p> <p>Admittedly, your Happyfoodies are not yet full-pledged vegans, or for that matter, vegetarians. However, we welcome every opportunity to eat better and not wait for the time to make a full commitment to veganism before making better food choices. Well, the road to healthy, plant-based eating can be challenging. One big hurdle is the food prices — even our suki sellers at local wet markets tell us that veggie prices are almost like silver and gold.</p> <p>Another thing is finding ways to prepare veggie fare. While we’re not picky eaters, we’d love to discover new ways of preparing vegan dishes apart from the usual salad or mock meat fare made from TVP.</p> <p>We’re happy to note that <strong>The Farmassist</strong> scores brilliantly on those fronts, with more pleasant surprises, too.</p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAa9DKXIH66xCOajuwY_mjSF1ygmQmjm3ofY1GAfZ97dO4xH_IioX6uy29wVPBdaPA-rYBOTZ-7sN_YcnqFWNl8U8Si9YU48NjI780RmdwQGipRjZE-GtjgpeCFAPYuZSY-XeGtItROeiew7VLVaOgr7yRJVGHU60p65IPHOyUvabJ7eF_VsJ5ghScyK4/s16000/bike-cafe-kapitolyo.jpg"> </figure> <p>The vibrant yet laid-back neighborhood of <strong>Kapitolyo</strong> is one of Pasig’s top food hubs. With a diverse selection of restaurants, it’s a haven for food lovers. Coffee enthusiasts, in particular, will find plenty of cafes, each with its own unique ambiance. But what about cyclists? </p> <p>Bicycle riders often enjoy <strong>coffee rides</strong>, making it essential to find cafes that cater to their needs. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of <strong>bike-friendly cafes in Kapitolyo, Pasig</strong>. The main criteria? They must have <strong>secure bike racks and ample parking space</strong>—aside from serving quality coffee and offering a welcoming atmosphere. Let’s check them out: </p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97m-5nhddEmKKyZWxEoYqTH4sbTX949LdAEgxjF5I0kR-LkOTJA932El5PD0OG0A3xZiOxeMAV-sYsy3hhWlnSQcv1Lu2hkkP__zz29NnylBwBqFeZ9TRdT27SQs7XjaZPbaEHZe1atSGwBzO9jBgLn_X3o32e0s1fjCyO2P4o-69yEZR3kCde81Fo1M/s16000/iveggie-vegan-crunch.jpg"> <figcaption>Vegan Crunch</figcaption> </figure> <p>For a time, I frequented Sta. Lucia Mall for physical therapy sessions at a clinic there. After each session, I would look for a place to eat nearby. One day, I discovered <strong>iVeggie Restaurant</strong> on Google Maps. Although it was a kilometer away, I decided to walk the distance and give it a try. </p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zGdyM9k1O1mVeijrD24CYmVY1F929PBKTk5t_XuQzXlNLkKB4fWnhXzGvhCsPTR2UolqO9oiJYiuVh98PJFUTgY-oYgLv1Eoa5UbxoTF62g_9eYpQBjvlnqcIGvWU63jwHbxQSzkgsA4JGvXHmwnI-5Q49kL_pIqVc2og_v6WJHywQdEA8FS3fareXE/s16000/IMG_20241006_103501.jpg"> <figcaption>Cafe Bossa Candon</figcaption> </figure> <p>"What’s in Candon City?" I wondered. I’ve passed through this city in Ilocos Sur countless times on my way further up north, yet I'd never stopped to explore. But recently, a photography tour brought me to Candon. On our last day, with some free time, I decided to wander. A quick search led me to <strong>Cafe Bossa Candon</strong>, just a short walk from where I was staying. </p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIAh7znssZKlrxaCSc3iMimc9xwECP3RQnK-pxiqSh3Nf7eFzrKPpT8QDlmi6rdsKw9VHh4VrXz4M6UBsLP5SWGN9oBuqcKtweEqtbbFgPslmdL_p-4R3LmBGxuQ3VVsDNKUHAbfNb6IDhRUalySQsbPwYtVs8P-HHAZ0apwVcswJfHJHLJ7iotG63Mw/s16000/IMG_1455.jpg"> <figcaption>Sharing orders at ELPI Veg Haus</figcaption> </figure> <p>Embracing a vegetarian lifestyle can be daunting. Maybe not so much about missing meat but being able to afford a plant-based diet when veggie prices remain high. </p> <p>That’s why vegan food outlets like ELPI Veg Haus can be a godsend. ELPI offers a bunch of P99 meals — a worthy alternative to the usual fastfood fare.</p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRejcJ4wllSf0dlaDDVqR5UVYY-OlWtxvHTzGu_rJ365YltniDo9sWWV-oNxDaGlWZ1sOU-0sreVdxiws7p_XD4Eg6a0KyasRFJAVKRgmk8lXPLx9MbF4as6mQmMjyYyyHwkquJAXCwU-76owfRbHBFwDlSuac46-b8yllWuzGhjv15bgmM2jWbzOX0Lk/s16000/IMG_9677_Radiant.jp"> <figcaption>Homemade Matcha Ice Cream from Ikigai Kakigori Cafe</figcaption> </figure> <p>It’s been nearly a decade since we first wrote about <a href="https://www.happyfoodies.com/2010/10/vegging-out-gets-new-meaning-at-wabi.html" target="_blank">Wabi-Sabi Noodle House, back in its early days at The Collective</a>. Back then, it was a cozy spot with fewer than 10 tables, serving up delicious, healthy vegan fare — long before veganism was mainstream.</p>

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotDOJlOt1D_e7Ioisz2Rzbu9_m23t56-3DcL7ACfW6FA6_I_imawtYpdBM2PgXK0bzTxbDwdkFnLKwkbuR07BpZffWEByNDrM7PxJM371XUeBn4pNxlY46HmoPAj9MsOKbRIVNNPPuo4uCcO4ZrwG9ejJu4VeXqmhHCLcB-du3sOHqUU-pBWmvoSTDHY/s16000/happyfoodies-veggie-hut.jpg"> </figure> <p>After a refreshing nature trip to <a href="https://www.ironwulf.net/2024/08/maapon-falls-beautiful-cascades-in.html" target="_blank">Maapon Falls in Lucban, Quezon</a>, we were eager to find a spot for a late lunch. Lucban and its neighboring towns are renowned for their longganisa and pancit. We indulged in pancit hab-hab for breakfast, we were in search of something heartier for late lunch. With vegan and vegetarian friends in mind, <strong>The Veggie Hut</strong> was a delightful discovery. Thankfully, our meat-eating companions were game to try something different, and we’re glad they were.</p> <p><span></span></p>

<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mkFQxbIMuYL9Wg6DljHOSFTgKf0M6mPIKe6oTIW4RCAB7vWaPyvh9uOD0L2Lgw9HWYwB9QHijJsgYaiGT4K5YUpPMBglWkUWNKqUnYhV_PxEh6h1IsNbjT2UBkHB3orEOho32G_uvseA1EEL6uew3MTuenQr-fcKk6UH9vDbAn0aeU5nkfUUkJMsXAA/s1920/um-a-farm-tuba-benguet.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mkFQxbIMuYL9Wg6DljHOSFTgKf0M6mPIKe6oTIW4RCAB7vWaPyvh9uOD0L2Lgw9HWYwB9QHijJsgYaiGT4K5YUpPMBglWkUWNKqUnYhV_PxEh6h1IsNbjT2UBkHB3orEOho32G_uvseA1EEL6uew3MTuenQr-fcKk6UH9vDbAn0aeU5nkfUUkJMsXAA/s16000/um-a-farm-tuba-benguet.jpg"></a></div><br><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br></span><p></p>From the same people who brought you <a href="https://www.happyfoodies.com/2024/06/health-100-restoreant-beloved.html" target="_blank">Health 100 Restaurant</a> in Baguio City comes <b>Um-A Farm and Restaurant </b>in Tuba, Benguet. Couple entrepreneurs Elmer and Dr. Celestrelle Macalingay have elevated the experience of healthy dining at <b>Um-A Farm and Restaurant</b>, offering eclectic restaurant interiors with an unobstructed view of one of the last remaining forest reserves in Tuba, Benguet.<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span></span><span></span></p>

<figure class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtG7Et1k7yzmLYVL_aKN5oU1-1eIkFzJo7VD6kWOaQsoA6R8PRx6oDcRuouEMpNkzswv4HeXAF1s6bGGG-ogL6e_sRf5LkJvcHcgvPlR5hZw5GWNIsSRWdoJ-PretsgwmCR3x4QyuwbZVGIdLNTMlglGmo5cmhobweTIZEWHlS7rPm_kFvDRa_IC-M-c/s1600/health-100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtG7Et1k7yzmLYVL_aKN5oU1-1eIkFzJo7VD6kWOaQsoA6R8PRx6oDcRuouEMpNkzswv4HeXAF1s6bGGG-ogL6e_sRf5LkJvcHcgvPlR5hZw5GWNIsSRWdoJ-PretsgwmCR3x4QyuwbZVGIdLNTMlglGmo5cmhobweTIZEWHlS7rPm_kFvDRa_IC-M-c/s16000/health-100.jpg"></a></figure> <p>Baguio City is a haven for vegetarians, thanks to its location in the Cordillera region, known as the vegetable bowl of the Philippines. The abundance of fresh produce means plenty of options for vegetarian and plant-based meals. On my recent visit to the City of Pines, I had the pleasure of dining at Health 100 Restoreant on Magsaysay Avenue. This humble and unassuming eatery offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, with vegan options available, all at very affordable prices.</p>

<figure class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M-V8TgAOEQ76dnAgxKWQJlJNXsAGAAEIeG9LfM0urYE2zaN1MJjwj2I2wDo1K0-BI2cpNSodI1mfM68eNFVR1ljXWIstnI2_XAJpiEoE1ajmdcx7g_RW5rPdk3mrWqmtkTohf801i65dxic1BXwYEeNUwFSsHitmTeNSs202eq-FsVEGwx9RRrMcDy4/s1600/kwentong-dagat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M-V8TgAOEQ76dnAgxKWQJlJNXsAGAAEIeG9LfM0urYE2zaN1MJjwj2I2wDo1K0-BI2cpNSodI1mfM68eNFVR1ljXWIstnI2_XAJpiEoE1ajmdcx7g_RW5rPdk3mrWqmtkTohf801i65dxic1BXwYEeNUwFSsHitmTeNSs202eq-FsVEGwx9RRrMcDy4/s16000/kwentong-dagat.jpg"></a></figure> <p>When I found out we would be making a side trip to Liwliwa Beach before heading home from <a href="https://www.ironwulf.net/2024/04/discover-serenity-of-lake-mapanuepe.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Lake Mapanuepe</a>, I had to check if we could stop by <strong>Kwentong Dagat</strong>. It's a lovely beachside resort with rustic and charming A-type cabins serving 100% plant-based meals. So after enjoying the expansive shoreline and playful waves of Liwliwa Beach, my companions and I decided to have lunch there.</p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Dg9b7jSIXlGUSvJSNyErADXcx6U-G5JBLlwflx3RnkuVbvzpersP1VwPzZuIoSz0mZx6f5BDOhu300SyRPsg6qaSwHKbUqZJMSi_Dt-Nu3KFM5HJRfZ0LEivgF0qMSg3MCmuV2Zi8iIwCQpEUmjuKy8Mrs9rf7ISoJlG2aGLlick-oT8oDdFvCnf9uI/s1600/the-farmaccist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Dg9b7jSIXlGUSvJSNyErADXcx6U-G5JBLlwflx3RnkuVbvzpersP1VwPzZuIoSz0mZx6f5BDOhu300SyRPsg6qaSwHKbUqZJMSi_Dt-Nu3KFM5HJRfZ0LEivgF0qMSg3MCmuV2Zi8iIwCQpEUmjuKy8Mrs9rf7ISoJlG2aGLlick-oT8oDdFvCnf9uI/s16000/the-farmaccist.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div> <p></p>“We are driven by the knowledge that food is medicine. Beyond just food, we serve nourishment.” This is one of the core values of <b>The Farmassist,</b> a new restaurant in Pasig. Don’t be misled by the name; although it may sound like a pharmacy, they serve affordable plant-based meals. In 2024, Happy Foodies will start featuring establishments and products that promote vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, and healthy food, beginning with this neighborhood find in Pasig.<p></p>

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKzhkaNqN_obE9kpq2Bv0k9qBNGx4MJXMY4R7Y3TFKsFJzm3IMgKOFrRwK3fmk6zonfSbcd5gyQvBaDTcjvaO7iClVejA70TN_MHifDw54lcOUOJE-wZ3bSKIQU9_rmMbePm_p-6R9yKtJaR5OsEsVEUuy5cajh4FrHTA2LuY-FSn3YPs9jD7Ly2cNrg/s1600/7-cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKzhkaNqN_obE9kpq2Bv0k9qBNGx4MJXMY4R7Y3TFKsFJzm3IMgKOFrRwK3fmk6zonfSbcd5gyQvBaDTcjvaO7iClVejA70TN_MHifDw54lcOUOJE-wZ3bSKIQU9_rmMbePm_p-6R9yKtJaR5OsEsVEUuy5cajh4FrHTA2LuY-FSn3YPs9jD7Ly2cNrg/s16000/7-cafe.jpg"></a></div><br>If you are on a hunt for some good coffee places, that come with good food and a good ambiance, then you can rest your hunt with this article. This article lists some of the best coffee places spread across the length & breadth of the country. <p></p> <p>You will find cafes that serve some exceptional coffee blends and side food dishes that go well with coffee. Check out the list and let us know how many have you visited!</p>

<div style="text-align: center;" class="alignwide"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvL1qVb3ozYsJKvt8z0QsRvXz-YTGAIaGCl-NKv9TrnU5HWg7n1HVr8f1-yauXQFV13e17G0rWw-_COa-4vmUYegVlFhTUZBS7zq8ftLgBiFK5sA9M9kLMbrIKD44O_I-QEsoZck2KfyDKKI-gf7H9M743bh2kw-u1lc1lJkdKEQqhUUQmZUdCDX3Phw/s1280/bantai.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvL1qVb3ozYsJKvt8z0QsRvXz-YTGAIaGCl-NKv9TrnU5HWg7n1HVr8f1-yauXQFV13e17G0rWw-_COa-4vmUYegVlFhTUZBS7zq8ftLgBiFK5sA9M9kLMbrIKD44O_I-QEsoZck2KfyDKKI-gf7H9M743bh2kw-u1lc1lJkdKEQqhUUQmZUdCDX3Phw/w640-h480/bantai.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br><div><br></div> <p>Whenever I visit a new location, I always make it a point to try the local cafes before I go for the commercial ones when I yearn for coffee. It’s always interesting to see the local culture and flavor in small and homegrown cafes. I used to shift back and forth to Manggahan in Pasig since I rented a place there before. And just in the neighborhood, right across the street where I stay, is <b>Bantai Coffee</b>. A cozy little cafe on the 2nd floor of a building is filled with charm, nostalgia, and good coffee.</p>

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfv46Dk6qq6WpjMRbi9-Y_dZZLTBhn-ah5P9z0ZUEZQvwGrRXMQThvo1i-ltZEibJGALz9HmeLK7KBJyjFocsVFfg9IlXHtimQgdw1Ex4bb3tCV4gbxhXRQ7CINhpVE0Shm4NesSDigTHL3hYdd1UkDUyksZZQTa8430fGHGCyAUGk4IZnLbQtGjITGA/s1280/gubat-qc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfv46Dk6qq6WpjMRbi9-Y_dZZLTBhn-ah5P9z0ZUEZQvwGrRXMQThvo1i-ltZEibJGALz9HmeLK7KBJyjFocsVFfg9IlXHtimQgdw1Ex4bb3tCV4gbxhXRQ7CINhpVE0Shm4NesSDigTHL3hYdd1UkDUyksZZQTa8430fGHGCyAUGk4IZnLbQtGjITGA/w640-h480/gubat-qc.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>It was hidden in plain sight. The “Gubat” signage is even so inconspicuous I passed by it twice and didn’t easily notice. Little did I know, that ensconced behind the bamboo walls and door, there’s a little al fresco dining restaurant inside. <strong>Gubat QC</strong> does feel like being inside a forest (<em>gubat</em> is a Tagalog word that means forest) with its lush environment surrounding the wooden tables and benches of the dining area. Everything feels organic. From the food, the banana leaves as plate and even the way people eat - <em>kamayan</em> style (with bare hands).</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbj46YmAm9jr7KK67q53A1gSbQ1YSjweDpgVyK6453KkbsrmIspYLMQh_VFcRhWTIuiGyBkiG6cVPSki10XiQVKBvjpDyYPzsjUj6QoS9Qa6l7nPfYcFtrHG_QI0vhWR15OOkWarva7BW8AokvYvj5ViRe7GWptByIRxEu5BG3ljTQJnoHzTzwVvps2g/s1280/agos-cafe.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbj46YmAm9jr7KK67q53A1gSbQ1YSjweDpgVyK6453KkbsrmIspYLMQh_VFcRhWTIuiGyBkiG6cVPSki10XiQVKBvjpDyYPzsjUj6QoS9Qa6l7nPfYcFtrHG_QI0vhWR15OOkWarva7BW8AokvYvj5ViRe7GWptByIRxEu5BG3ljTQJnoHzTzwVvps2g/s16000/agos-cafe.jpg"></a></div></div> <p>I had an impromptu ride to Antipolo one fine Friday morning. The weather was ideal for a ride - cool with passing clouds. Being in Pasig, Antipolo was quite accessible. The plan was to ride up to Hinulugang Taktak and Antipolo Church and have brunch along the way back. Agos Cafe was noticeable on my way up passing by Hollywood Terraces along Sumulong highway. I thought it would be nice to have coffee and a snack here on my way down.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclcYy4462-TXSXBtl8OPfi5nGz_6zh4D65ODsRFg69fH8cq3r5LFBMWMJgBASXUdAMOcxdojhIGb9_88Cp9t5nqL7XnPpLyAleBAVxJmyWf4TSYXSnub5bsQWuHIhrHUuygIg9DdVU5QFEjEmQZul4y9fPw0i5p-9_-5LGRT8vf7pz4Mz5vmXitG21Pw/s1280/fluff-koppi.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclcYy4462-TXSXBtl8OPfi5nGz_6zh4D65ODsRFg69fH8cq3r5LFBMWMJgBASXUdAMOcxdojhIGb9_88Cp9t5nqL7XnPpLyAleBAVxJmyWf4TSYXSnub5bsQWuHIhrHUuygIg9DdVU5QFEjEmQZul4y9fPw0i5p-9_-5LGRT8vf7pz4Mz5vmXitG21Pw/w640-h480/fluff-koppi.jpg" width="640"></a></div></div></div> <p>Riding up to the mountains of Mabitac, Laguna is no walk in the park. Elevation rises up to at least 370 meters above sea level. And unless you’re riding a motorized vehicle along this winding Manila East road, the climb here can easily take your breath away. Not just because of the scenery, but literally. It takes effort and can take much from you. I’m glad halfway through this mountain road, the rustic white walls of Fluff Koppi Cafe drew my attention. Its Scandinavian-inspired meets Filipino bahay kubo’s cogon roofing seemed to stick out from all the surrounding greens. It’s interesting enough for a stop and much-needed nourishment.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX8BBf448rDtCd8mW9wzC0AOVZXMNYu55_ePlIKSt4DH48GKiSmwau0uNlyjAMfs2VnAywp2mFVg9wAqk4tEbupweT4qN-FElGbj7gl5WRLOrf-pTaNQF76Uj7qbCke49sDKI9GJFcCtWHQPoxvH6TjOgVgW_WBFXw0PS9AhlE97D_7yUohIYP74JpxE/s1280/brewed.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX8BBf448rDtCd8mW9wzC0AOVZXMNYu55_ePlIKSt4DH48GKiSmwau0uNlyjAMfs2VnAywp2mFVg9wAqk4tEbupweT4qN-FElGbj7gl5WRLOrf-pTaNQF76Uj7qbCke49sDKI9GJFcCtWHQPoxvH6TjOgVgW_WBFXw0PS9AhlE97D_7yUohIYP74JpxE/s16000/brewed.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>Being a coffee lover and cafe enthusiast, it’s funny how <strong>Brewed Specialty Coffee</strong> in Pasig has gone under my radar for months since it opened. It’s a short three kilometer bike ride from our house. It’s located in a commercial center along C. Raymundo where I frequently bike. It took a fellow coffee aficionado’s recommendation to check this place out. And glad I did as it’s a wonderful cafe to add to Pasig’s burgeoning coffee scene.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKW1-9OwPVklGSpzOjHds8B1wK-waN9Nl-YfP5JWMszQE8OZvTPtQCTy3KKgdwhXByKG54OiIFhlNIPc3MimEp0qkK1-kltTF_kl38FYQTUHdn6RiSIvPh7ucIFv5k-_XfoIF8dab8Nv8MJnKDh4VCoE2Omb3N8w9VUg5vXE5rExcWWvy30V6FS_Oqwo/s1280/resonate-coffee.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKW1-9OwPVklGSpzOjHds8B1wK-waN9Nl-YfP5JWMszQE8OZvTPtQCTy3KKgdwhXByKG54OiIFhlNIPc3MimEp0qkK1-kltTF_kl38FYQTUHdn6RiSIvPh7ucIFv5k-_XfoIF8dab8Nv8MJnKDh4VCoE2Omb3N8w9VUg5vXE5rExcWWvy30V6FS_Oqwo/s16000/resonate-coffee.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>Coffee connoisseurs can tell if a coffee is of good quality by the taste in its pure black state. I don’t consider myself an expert but having enjoyed coffee for some time, I have an appreciation for good coffee. I may not be intricate and meticulous in fully noticing the nuances and notes in a coffee but I think I can tell if one is of good quality or not to my personal taste. <strong>Resonate Coffee</strong> in Marikina Heights got me testing my palette once again by delving into the rich pure flavors of coffee.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-smQCiyV0dle9-Yp7daFZAOT2vPreUg6OKOJrFKynJNQsDYdrnvF0hKrUd3MTPPdEVjYWMxsyQLdatBCiGVi7uYkFl8zWov5b2fC_3M0jcVSefsOKcMlUL8ZaXcxGh8lPth7U9OESVpZxL6sJsPOPr46R_fx30QaSYlQTEb_YgoWIHa0rLfXyROVnog/s1280/bash-cafe.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-smQCiyV0dle9-Yp7daFZAOT2vPreUg6OKOJrFKynJNQsDYdrnvF0hKrUd3MTPPdEVjYWMxsyQLdatBCiGVi7uYkFl8zWov5b2fC_3M0jcVSefsOKcMlUL8ZaXcxGh8lPth7U9OESVpZxL6sJsPOPr46R_fx30QaSYlQTEb_YgoWIHa0rLfXyROVnog/s16000/bash-cafe.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>It's always a delightful surprise to find a nice little cafe on some remote island that's quite good too. Cajidiocan in Sibuyan Island, Romblon seems to be shaping up as the island's food destination to complement the other municipalities' natural wonders. Bash Café in Cajidiocan, poblacion is the place to find quality coffee and pastries. It's a cozy place to hang out too.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmaejDq0itAia5ltjrDqHIrGW0iSYx2t5fLkk-DeNGIQSqc8r8JIHCNI5d5UIIefixYYCXVm8teGOz0rP-FLZ0lrnVIEDuD9NrPRuy7KIi4bK-qsD4mlN4KaduYUu-NuUEXaAfsxdfupaLIUKN78wWrY0eUiwcBr_Uc9Yl_6yo7sxRkea4n1gTN_tWCs/s1280/craft-1945.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmaejDq0itAia5ltjrDqHIrGW0iSYx2t5fLkk-DeNGIQSqc8r8JIHCNI5d5UIIefixYYCXVm8teGOz0rP-FLZ0lrnVIEDuD9NrPRuy7KIi4bK-qsD4mlN4KaduYUu-NuUEXaAfsxdfupaLIUKN78wWrY0eUiwcBr_Uc9Yl_6yo7sxRkea4n1gTN_tWCs/s16000/craft-1945.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>Braving the holiday traffic in Baguio, foodie friends, Kara, Tin and I were bent to try <strong>Craft 1945</strong> in Baguio. A merry collaboration of Spanish food from Casa Marcos and craft beer from Baguio Craft Brewery. Set in the quiet and old town of Baguio at Outlook drive, it’s a dining experience that promises to bring the Baguio ambiance to dining like a good pair of beer and tapas.</p>