Happy Foodies

<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>

<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/AVvXsEhuMtwsouKp-dKLKVGI1vCXdGe1nwzHCfg3SUuxYkNpEq7Jg2sBnJv6WWUV9iLvKRcuq8LUyhm03niXfLSo54zaqMzWPxJFjcrj5j6pekB01v3eX2CDIFAS8gXoZ4j-2Ten0iGCcD5yNRrzwht5W4XC4xOo86R06qRCBlH34QKVcOJB2Lq1s-1F7Gm9M8I/s1280/yani-cafe.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMtwsouKp-dKLKVGI1vCXdGe1nwzHCfg3SUuxYkNpEq7Jg2sBnJv6WWUV9iLvKRcuq8LUyhm03niXfLSo54zaqMzWPxJFjcrj5j6pekB01v3eX2CDIFAS8gXoZ4j-2Ten0iGCcD5yNRrzwht5W4XC4xOo86R06qRCBlH34QKVcOJB2Lq1s-1F7Gm9M8I/s16000/yani-cafe.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>I didn't notice the sign on the building facade nor saw any on the stairs and hallway leading to the second floor (why no signs of the nice bird logo I wondered) but the spacious area fronting the Office Warehouse store could only be it. I'm rarely in the Pasig area but if I find myself here, Yani Café could be as good as any reason to do so.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysFL1mbCZVTX6ajFB7qOffFZvZZL1r7zPh-C38qoF76ikWahxYUmxNMJbDMG3_v4Hmdo5K2PtKeBWXVgIyf7oGPIxHMI7NGv-GEjz40-l_ke2pMOtOI-IKO2icZuZfqanOTQhXuKyNIDJDSoZCcIUdkH13SwIh-IlVQ2a268e2jwyV9G9ljgY3Tw2fzk/s1280/kalugong-kape-an.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysFL1mbCZVTX6ajFB7qOffFZvZZL1r7zPh-C38qoF76ikWahxYUmxNMJbDMG3_v4Hmdo5K2PtKeBWXVgIyf7oGPIxHMI7NGv-GEjz40-l_ke2pMOtOI-IKO2icZuZfqanOTQhXuKyNIDJDSoZCcIUdkH13SwIh-IlVQ2a268e2jwyV9G9ljgY3Tw2fzk/s16000/kalugong-kape-an.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>A cafe found 1,400+ meters above sea level among the cliffs and the clouds? Now that’s an interesting prospect to climb up a mountain. <strong>Mt Kalugong Kape-an</strong> in La Trinidad, Benguet is nestled among the limestone outcrops at the peak of Mt Kalugong. The cafe has a magnificent view of La Trinidad valley and offers third-wave quality coffee utilizing high-altitude grown Benguet Arabica. Now that’s worth climbing up a mountain for is it?</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi83duwW79gThIFqLHXMXXCZWNQqvtVck-HjJv-RhkXiDiLkEjcRdFrLM8L6tnm5qcSJ55bQTxLIgj03SWZ-OH6zEmLGgMvlvW5zwXQ2FyftTnC9MBXWwTlTUVIGxF0bxLoJWHiWFtlxIn0MpMJ7DkjEkIp7NegD0v5i7aM07a-g5QvKkyfg6BDJz_fo/s1024/hiap-yak-tea.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQi83duwW79gThIFqLHXMXXCZWNQqvtVck-HjJv-RhkXiDiLkEjcRdFrLM8L6tnm5qcSJ55bQTxLIgj03SWZ-OH6zEmLGgMvlvW5zwXQ2FyftTnC9MBXWwTlTUVIGxF0bxLoJWHiWFtlxIn0MpMJ7DkjEkIp7NegD0v5i7aM07a-g5QvKkyfg6BDJz_fo/s16000/hiap-yak-tea.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>There's a small, non-descript coffee shop named <strong>Hiap Yak Tea Shop</strong>, tucked somewhere in the alleys of Indian Street in Kuching, Sarawak, where the hot, steaming coffee is still served with a pat of butter. Of course, it makes for a creamy, buttery, if a bit strange, brew but there's an interesting backstory (or tale, if you prefer to think it's part-fiction) to why in this small shop, the coffee not the bread or biscuit is buttered.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6nMiU2q4_zPU-fGKK6BhrXZkjdbySggjt8GDvB7Wl4VLBdEWTrMx1bWU_Ls8C2Rb_HAyYywnSGJYJJ4LSHrCAwjAqncvrlk7BGVpWAGDhm1kjo6o_Lo4vOsKXE_HiOuyuMTvF_WaDOrmazZfgdQGQhAdwJLOGTACRJ4GXkTZ19N2nLzYUjg75XCsV0I/s1280/black-bean-coffee.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6nMiU2q4_zPU-fGKK6BhrXZkjdbySggjt8GDvB7Wl4VLBdEWTrMx1bWU_Ls8C2Rb_HAyYywnSGJYJJ4LSHrCAwjAqncvrlk7BGVpWAGDhm1kjo6o_Lo4vOsKXE_HiOuyuMTvF_WaDOrmazZfgdQGQhAdwJLOGTACRJ4GXkTZ19N2nLzYUjg75XCsV0I/s16000/black-bean-coffee.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>Happyfoodies had a blast covering the <a href="https://www.ironwulf.net/2019/10/3rd-kuching-waterfront-jazz-festival.html">Kuching Waterfront Music Festival</a> in Kuching, Sarawak in the eastern part of Malaysia. In between tasks and barring rain, we had occasions to wander off into the side streets and small alleys at the waterfront area leading to the bridge and parliament building. One of finds is this small coffee shop along Ewe Hai street, <strong>Black Bean Coffee and Tea</strong> shop while waiting for the sunset to shoot.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO09v0pVxJxpKXuhHR6DReDgJ-m1Qad-6yhXbIEzBGtwmKmX1vniMhqMON6k0GDazKmvtguFrNYx0Q8luod-1a13R5kLxu_oQiYZ7CSh78omBmmKHc_qyouHi7FHT69HpcczrGGOHADPklS-JYz63Laatkt7NgTMhW8KL0N6T31Hj1TIT4Gsxbk7ecL_A/s1280/blue-wonder.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO09v0pVxJxpKXuhHR6DReDgJ-m1Qad-6yhXbIEzBGtwmKmX1vniMhqMON6k0GDazKmvtguFrNYx0Q8luod-1a13R5kLxu_oQiYZ7CSh78omBmmKHc_qyouHi7FHT69HpcczrGGOHADPklS-JYz63Laatkt7NgTMhW8KL0N6T31Hj1TIT4Gsxbk7ecL_A/s16000/blue-wonder.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>Happyfoodies have always been Cartimar regulars long before the time when it became the go-to place for pet lovers and owners. Not really venturing far from the pet and plant supplies blocks, <strong>Blue Wonder Coffee & Bean Roastery</strong> has escaped our attention until recently. It seems like an anomaly of sorts, a warmly-lit, cool stopover place among stalls of PX and other goods, like an oasis for those who know a bit more about coffee beyond the big brand cafes.</p>

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhs1BObjyi2b6B0wCrp9rLi6tahbfxrLZvDJhs0hzhYFrDcC4IiPYx7Ossn_EU_8ZOy6lG-KUPc3Ys7ZY0uXoOPYMTsH7m5RpXjHuB0ZqpPhQRHJjjQbjh-37QqsxGjOm1VZOuK4FyUkTcpA7tAmdAzOUXS_LPNk73aeWLBOzDnHm4AYXLaS4i-y5saOA/s1024/kafe-panglima-dua.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhs1BObjyi2b6B0wCrp9rLi6tahbfxrLZvDJhs0hzhYFrDcC4IiPYx7Ossn_EU_8ZOy6lG-KUPc3Ys7ZY0uXoOPYMTsH7m5RpXjHuB0ZqpPhQRHJjjQbjh-37QqsxGjOm1VZOuK4FyUkTcpA7tAmdAzOUXS_LPNk73aeWLBOzDnHm4AYXLaS4i-y5saOA/s16000/kafe-panglima-dua.jpg"></a></div></div></div> <p>The old town of Ipoh is known as one of Malaysia’s best coffee producers. The “Old Town” coffee brand is a popular present for visitors coming from Malaysia. It is one of my favorite instant coffee due to its sharp strong yet rich flavor. Recently, I found myself back in Ipoh for a fam tour. While strolling through one of the famed concubine lanes in Ipoh, we chanced upon <strong>Panglima Dua Lima</strong>. A charming little cafe housed in an old shophouse serving freshly prepared Ipoh white coffee.</p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtLoQvaesExg3g1XSBGIJg-sxGN5WvCCsleWmdk0-rss1Om8WS92i0b0rGofJqtknIxpmcAH5uVIsYAY7FJL_jDLECurhKrMSGIqPzBH28ADzRjnhE9YnhbhsTBzsgjWHkZdb4p3ACSWUIxrc9dS2S2ml1ENEeo8Vzp4UGoosnf1O5S5SOahKmkXekG0/s1024/kape-agape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtLoQvaesExg3g1XSBGIJg-sxGN5WvCCsleWmdk0-rss1Om8WS92i0b0rGofJqtknIxpmcAH5uVIsYAY7FJL_jDLECurhKrMSGIqPzBH28ADzRjnhE9YnhbhsTBzsgjWHkZdb4p3ACSWUIxrc9dS2S2ml1ENEeo8Vzp4UGoosnf1O5S5SOahKmkXekG0/s16000/kape-agape.jpg"></a></div><br><p>Amidst the small town of Anao, Tarlac, is <strong>Kape Agape</strong>, a small community cafe inspired by the highest form of love “agape” - the love of God for man and of man for God. Located at the heart of town abundant with ylang-ylang trees, the cafe not only serves nourishing food for the tummy but also for the soul.</p>

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahsRhW92N6pLQSClIp3P0LezwrJamEzwhI16MyBihKoOpKc5euMu07J8UVPVK2Rbwxp653BJpao-XVDdz-kcrhGCOnNrpvAPK3gVvecRpCw9_lkHthHmMUsiGvHzQU-PM3eb7b_BUvi5IDfaotscnTzMtRCE4BGNvmlpsWrFF_esBnhXy-V6ZW5Qo4RE/s1023/angono-art-capital-cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahsRhW92N6pLQSClIp3P0LezwrJamEzwhI16MyBihKoOpKc5euMu07J8UVPVK2Rbwxp653BJpao-XVDdz-kcrhGCOnNrpvAPK3gVvecRpCw9_lkHthHmMUsiGvHzQU-PM3eb7b_BUvi5IDfaotscnTzMtRCE4BGNvmlpsWrFF_esBnhXy-V6ZW5Qo4RE/s16000/angono-art-capital-cafe.jpg"></a></div><br>Living up to the town’s reputation, <strong>Art Capital Cafe</strong>, is a cozy little cafe right beside a Caltex station in Angono. It serves up more than the usual brews but also showcases inspiring art pieces from up-and-coming artists. <strong>Art Capital Cafe</strong> was the last stop in our tour of Angono sites and eats. May we have saved the best for last?<p></p>

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQc_RrZtXO2RRi1TRJUb2Aem7rWVCeK9RJ9rbeDlW-xmgdpW-RSx4ofiDj06yKxN8JK19EhIDEAFrpqebwzAkkPwzw7XD4hx7F8Pt9eukKB8bJPx7UDlESkFfxxRY0dneOmwUwVLEcCUHhKN2UzDuLtkVIPOYO90UnstEGYajLFvYo_DBIJMX6UgFdMg/s1023/el-union-coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQc_RrZtXO2RRi1TRJUb2Aem7rWVCeK9RJ9rbeDlW-xmgdpW-RSx4ofiDj06yKxN8JK19EhIDEAFrpqebwzAkkPwzw7XD4hx7F8Pt9eukKB8bJPx7UDlESkFfxxRY0dneOmwUwVLEcCUHhKN2UzDuLtkVIPOYO90UnstEGYajLFvYo_DBIJMX6UgFdMg/s16000/el-union-coffee.jpg"></a></div><br>I have a friend who’s known as the “Sound Check Guy”. He’s musically inclined and decided to live in La Union for good, finding he felt more at home there. He worked as a barista for a small coffee shop for a while and that’s where I first heard about <strong>El Union Coffee</strong>. This small cafe run by Kiddo and Sly sources locally grown coffee beans from around La Union. Their signature blend became a hit among the locals and tourists alike. The cafe quickly outgrew its original site and had to move to a new location along the MacArthur National Highway.<p></p>

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUgm8K6Vy9HpBR4ttKbdVBzpnnLOtN02gy0dxECInvWCPge0S4MC_xn0EhBayoRVI-whKL41hCuEPxTePoRDwAZj7qTCyokYO1BEQC43s6zgCTc7C0ChYBgqcK7uEWdTDsGoYM3AoZQ6ITl9YGMY1yyI2wCjnr5DJ5zG253Vvmjj-PC4oZTEiELifpZQ/s1023/the-coffee-library-baguio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUgm8K6Vy9HpBR4ttKbdVBzpnnLOtN02gy0dxECInvWCPge0S4MC_xn0EhBayoRVI-whKL41hCuEPxTePoRDwAZj7qTCyokYO1BEQC43s6zgCTc7C0ChYBgqcK7uEWdTDsGoYM3AoZQ6ITl9YGMY1yyI2wCjnr5DJ5zG253Vvmjj-PC4oZTEiELifpZQ/s16000/the-coffee-library-baguio.jpg"></a></div><br>Your <strong>Happyfoodies</strong> trudged to the northern highlands for the days leading up to the new year with an overnight stop in Baguio.  By chance, we got billeted in a hotel on a quieter street parallel to the always-busy (read: noisy) Session Road and chanced upon the barely month-old <strong>The Coffee Library</strong> on the ground floor of the Rex Hall Student Residences along General Luna Street.  Needless to say, it was a serendipitous find.  Yes, it is eye-catching, with tasteful touches of ethnic crafts, a mix of red brick and warm wood, and even vintage "<em>padyak</em>" (foot pedal-powered) sewing machines converted into tables, but how was the food, you may ask.<p></p>

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrsSnDk2jDPSiWod_MlOiV3DUNPK-81GGJ4vrOgcYK6Rv2RjkSdr040GpgBUx4GLSus3b7XAu-fWoDAl2Wg233owN4uCK9oZm6i_pZPAOrNVapYPh3nO37doTtd8XH3PdRENC6TyyGfyBKH1vvnTyniJ9Oz95ut2vaUNgfW0S7r798yDUm1kHkb3PtcM/s1023/cafe-pho-co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrsSnDk2jDPSiWod_MlOiV3DUNPK-81GGJ4vrOgcYK6Rv2RjkSdr040GpgBUx4GLSus3b7XAu-fWoDAl2Wg233owN4uCK9oZm6i_pZPAOrNVapYPh3nO37doTtd8XH3PdRENC6TyyGfyBKH1vvnTyniJ9Oz95ut2vaUNgfW0S7r798yDUm1kHkb3PtcM/s16000/cafe-pho-co.jpg"></a></div><br>There is a certain zen moment that I like about Vietnamese coffee. The time I wait for the coffee to brew and drip from the <em>phin</em> (a small Vietnamese brewing device) to my is a quiet still moment I savor every morning. I like the unhurried air it brings. There’s also the yin and yang combination from the ironically smooth yet strong coffee and the creamy sweet layer of condensed milk. Their perfect blend is just a satisfying reward for that short wait. More than the coffee, I also appreciate the surroundings of the cafe which adds to the experience of drinking coffee. That’s why in Hanoi, <strong>Cafe Pho Co</strong>, was a delightful find, tucked deep within rustic buildings past the souvenir shops fronting the streets. Ancient walls, a charming cat, unique coffee with egg, and views one can get lost in moments.<p></p>

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OrXgP9W1TGAcRHJ48UYgAcGEB0YDRMT-JqKi5ZxilgiT9BAPRkzpd6H325IzYCwjtHoeNM4gzbto9KbWAacAsbVkH8-Mnwb2bK_ezu6yJqI7FyttdWzls92DJUsv8HUloKVM9BoIcJOnyJC2yaifdb1rYW-GpsZHqgC6ELOgyWDP3G9xJnxMMmlYQb0/s800/happyfoodies-tacloban-eats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OrXgP9W1TGAcRHJ48UYgAcGEB0YDRMT-JqKi5ZxilgiT9BAPRkzpd6H325IzYCwjtHoeNM4gzbto9KbWAacAsbVkH8-Mnwb2bK_ezu6yJqI7FyttdWzls92DJUsv8HUloKVM9BoIcJOnyJC2yaifdb1rYW-GpsZHqgC6ELOgyWDP3G9xJnxMMmlYQb0/s16000/happyfoodies-tacloban-eats.jpg"></a></div><br><p><br></p><p>Post-Typhoon Yolanda has shaped a different Tacloban City. Businesses are booming and the presence of numerous foreign aid workers has prompted locals to open up not only more lodging but eating places too. People of Tacloban love to eat and its a delight to see some quality home-grown establishments popping up to join old favorites. With the presence of foreigners though, prices have gone up but there are still some affordable options around. This list is not a ranking but the places I have personally tried during my stay. Tacloban City Eats has a nice mix of comfort food, cafes, dessert places and a hotpot. Check out <strong>Chew Love, Dream Cafe, Libros Atbp, Porbida Burger, K Patisserie, Miyara Patisserie, Sofa Cafe, Huhku Hotpot Express</strong> and <strong>Oppa’s Kitchen</strong>.</p>

<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiP-qbgTmxpTnkCb1uK4nXnHGL-zQngj2Js7l9QSCxVs_k5nePPbHvbw46Smr23dy3N8FBPvvMX6J_GP29Brpq1NQHyDxFw-5C6EuVe3flwBjyQrNPV-XV4qxto53zY7bJN1IigyxYhhl0DTHcfRv-hBrhGVqu00OFsHgyRm9LQ_q9BiAuTdMvvPSb2k/s1024/goldfish-cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiP-qbgTmxpTnkCb1uK4nXnHGL-zQngj2Js7l9QSCxVs_k5nePPbHvbw46Smr23dy3N8FBPvvMX6J_GP29Brpq1NQHyDxFw-5C6EuVe3flwBjyQrNPV-XV4qxto53zY7bJN1IigyxYhhl0DTHcfRv-hBrhGVqu00OFsHgyRm9LQ_q9BiAuTdMvvPSb2k/s16000/goldfish-cafe.jpg"></a></div><br>It became my temporary office in Bontoc. The cozy sofa and chairs, the tasteful interiors heavy on the travel theme coupled with beautiful photos of the rice terraces and people of the Cordilleras is truly inviting. My almost weeklong stay in Bontoc finds me at <strong>Goldfish Cafe</strong> catching up on work and the online world. For Bontoc standards, <strong>Goldfish Cafe</strong> is the fanciest cafe in town. For a town whose local coffee culture is quite predominant already how does Goldfish Cafe's specialty coffee offerings fare?<p></p>