• Marc7 Travels
  • Marc7 Travels Blog Entries
  • Viajerong Pinoy
  • Explore Manila!
  • Contact
  marc7 travels



Asa Kape…

10/14/2021

0 Comments

 
The COVID19 pandemic caused a number of businesses to close down as an after effect to strict community quarantines. On the other hand, it also paved the way for creative enterprises to be born where old ideas are given a fresh take. The coffee business is one of the enterprises that grew together with the increased interest in biking and the need for people to take a breather from the restrictions. In celebration of International Coffee Day, I went around popular coffee shops in a destination that made merged coffee and sights, making it a hit among metro residents.
Picture
We are off to a coffee adventure this week!
The province of Rizal sits on the eastern borders of Manila. With the Sierra Madre ranges on its side, the rugged mountain terrains of the province is a favorite destination for local travelers, bikers, day trippers, or those who simply want a quick escape from the city. It offers a whole range of activities for any kind of traveler - from a chill brunch with a view in Antipolo to the mountain explorations of Tanay. With the province attracting of hundreds of guests weekly, it was not a surprise that coffee spots started popping up in the area and, more importantly, getting a lot of attention on social media.
 
Kaulayaw Cafe (Sumulong Highway, Antipolo)
 
Kaulayaw Cafe is the challenger of this cluster since it sits right beside a soon-to-open international coffee brand. Established in 2019, it prides itself to being a homegrown brand that supports local coffee farmers. It’s name is a Filipino word that means intimate companion that embodies the intimate vibe of the place best enjoyed by friends, family, and couples, and the intimate love for coffee.
Picture
Kaulayaw Cafe is a popular coffee spot along Sumulong Highway.
Picture
The cafe offers an amazing panoramic view of the metro.
The cafe sits on the famous ridge along Sumulong Highway that offers a breathtaking view of Metro Manila. The strip has long been popular and has been a fave spot to watch the metro’s city-lights. Kaulayaw has three floors and all floors have a good view of the city. Each floor has a designated view deck so you don’t have to worry about getting ahead of everyone for the “perfect” cafe spot.
Picture
You can enjoy good afternoon iced coffee and a tasty pork BBQ meal.
You get a panoramic view of the metro's skyline.
It is a popular spot so expect the crowd during weekends.
The metro lights at dusk.
They have a wide selection of coffee drinks, beverages, and meals. I got pork BBQ and an iced caramel macchiato. I enjoyed the meal and the coffee while enjoying the view of the city. I mean who would not enjoy having late lunch with a beautiful view.
Picture
Kaulayaw support local coffee farmers.
Picture
Enjoying a different kind of sunset.
Overall, Kaulayaw Cafe is great spot to unwind to break away from the stress. You get a good mix of good coffee, good food, and a great view. You would probably find me working or reading a book in the cafe if I live close to the area. Be forewarned, though, that it is a popular spot in Antipolo and getting a table may take some time, especially on a weekend.
 
Getting there: You can take the LRT 2 to Masinag and take public transport to Antipolo. Ask the driver to drop you off at Kaulayaw Coffee.
 
Playlist Cafe (Grand Heights Subd., Antipolo)
 
Tucked in a secluded corner of a subdivision in Antipolo, Playlist Cafe was born on the year of the pandemic. It is interesting that it has managed to keep itself on the ground despite the business and quarantine situations. It was one of the cafes that hit the mark of the public when the economy started to open after ECQ was lifted.
Picture
Enjoying the views of the green and metro's skyline at Playlist Cafe.
Playlist Cafe sits on a more secluded spot along the hillsides of Antipolo. The three-level cafe offers an overlooking view of the metro matched by the greens of the untouched hills of the city. The view of the city though is not as striking as that of Kaulayaw and Cafe Augusta. It does get an extra star for having a more relaxed ambiance compared to the other cafes in the area.
Picture
The rustic Playlist Cafe opened its doors during the pandemic.
Picture
The cafe has a time limit for its diners.
If you have plans of exploring the city, Playlist is the best way to start your day. They have an all-day breakfast menu and good coffee to with it. The food, the view, and the relaxed ambiance starts your day slowly with a kick of caffeine. The third level of the cafe is a view deck where you get to peek at the metro and enjoy the view of airplanes on its final approach of Runway 24 of NAIA.
Playlist is the latest addition to the Antipolo's coffee spots.
Enjoying a chill morning with a cup of coffee.
The views in Playlist are more rustic and laidback.
Playlist Cafe is ideal for those looking for a chill spot where you get to enjoy a cup of coffee and a meal whether you are alone, with family, or with friends. The place is void of the usual chatter which makes it good for the talks that go with a round of coffee. The cafe, though, caps on their guest’s stay in the same way that your spotify playlist has a start and finish. I guess this would allow more people to be accommodated. I just wish that a little consideration be given during the down time of the cafe where there are no guests waiting to come in.
 
Getting there: You can take a public utility vehicle to Antipolo simbahan where you need to transfer to another PUV for Ortigas Extension, Cainta, or Tikling. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Provincial Capitol. Once you are at the Provincial Capitol, walk to the Clean Fuel Gas Station along the Sumulong Memorial Circle. You can them take a trike stationed at the gas station to Playlist Cafe.
 
Cafe Augusta (Grand Heights Road, Antipolo)
 
Cafe Augusta is THE breezy coffee cafe in Antipolo. Established in 2016, Cafe Augusta is my preferred coffee stop from this coffee run. I guess it stood out out for me for its perfect mix of accessibility, vibe, food, and metro view. The laidback and relaxing ambiance made me stay longer than usual.
Picture
The Greek-inspired breezy Cafe Augusta.
Picture
Cafe Augusta is in the mood for an early Christmas.
Located atop a hill along Grand Heights Road, Cafe Augusta is a Greek-inspired cafe that offers an amazing view of the metro’s skyline facing the Makati - Laguna de Bay area. Its location and how the cafe was designed allows the breeze from the Sierra Madre ranges to flow freely through the compound which “cools” down the place even at the hottest time of the day. It was like enjoying the sunny weather while sitting on a patio at home and sipping an ice cold drink.
Getting pumped with this coffee adventure.
I enjoyed my sansrival snack and Blue Ocean Cooler.
Cafe Augusta has the most commanding view of the metro.
I was not able to try out their meals and coffee since my visit to the cafe was between breakfast and lunch. But I was able to try out their Blue Ocean Cooler, sansrival, and nachos which was perfect for the hot weather. The food selection was perfect as I enjoyed the relaxing ambiance of Cafe Augusta. I guess, the place is good for evening get-togethers.
Picture
Cafe Augusta has becme a personal favorite.
Cafe Augusta was a perfect spot to slow down on a weekend in Antipolo. It is an easy escape that made me feel like I was at a cafe by the beach because of the breeze. If they played beach-themed music, it would have completed the vibe.
 
Getting there: From the Playlist Cafe, take a trike to Cafe Augusta.
 
Coffee Rush (Eastridge, Binangonan)
 
This is another coffee spot in Rizal that took day trippers, riders, and the general public by storm. It was in 2019 that Coffee Rush was established and has a number of cafes under its portfolio but the branch in Binangonan is taking social media by storm for fusing coffee and an overlooking view into one photogenic spot. Among the cafes that I visited for this coffee run, Coffee Rush Binangonan is, no doubt, the most instagrammable.
Picture
Coffee Rush in Eastridge is another popular spot in Rizal.
Picture
Coffee Rush is a cool mix of good coffee, meal, and view.
Similar to Playlist Cafe, Coffee Rush Binangonan is tucked inside the posh village of Eastridge. The cafe sits along a ridge that overlooks the metro and the Angono-Taytay area. Its dining area is al fresco and arranged around its a central garden area giving the place a homey feel. It was designed and landscaped to allow guests to be creative with their shots with the hope that it will end up on social media feeds.
A mansion by the ridge made the scene dramatic.
The cafe serves a all-day breakfast and entrees.
It is the most instagrammable coffee spot.
Coffee Rush has all-day breakfast and main entrees in its menu. They also have a variety of coffee and non-coffee based drinks to match up with their meals. One thing that caught my attention was that their service is fast. The vibe is more upbeat but you also get the usual influx of socmed users moving around for pictures.
Picture
An overlooking view of Angono from the hills of Binangonan.
Picture
It is a popular spot so it gets crowded on weekends.
Coffee Rush appeals to the younger audience probably because of its socmed appeal. This is a coffee spot where you can enjoy coffee, the view, and countless photogenic spots at your disposal. My take though is having a table or picnic umbrellas along its outdoor dining areas would be appreciated by its guests. You also need to make sure that you bring a fan and a lot of patience especially on weekends where you can expect the rush and longer waiting hours to enter the outdoor cafe.
 
Getting there: From the Rizal Provincial Capitol, take a PUV to Cainta and asked to be dropped off at McDonald’s Tikling. Cross the walkbridge to other side and take a PUV for Binangonan and ask the driver to drop you off at SM Angono. Once in SM Angono, cross the highway to the waiting shed across SM Angono. That is the pick up point of the Coffee Rush shuttle. You can check their FB page for the shuttle schedules.
 
Kape-hingahan (Harmony Homes, Angono)
 
Kape-hingahan is not your usual kind of coffee spot. It is a rustic and no-fuzz outdoor coffee hangout whose main draw is its panoramic view of the Ortigas skyline. Its usual patrons are cyclist and riders who traverse through the area and Kape-hingahan is a rest spot where they get to rest and relax before they continue on with their planned travel itinerary.
Picture
Kape-hingahan is a coffee-rest spot for riders.
Picture
The makeshift "tables" offering a view of the metro.
Located in one of the highest points of Harmony Homes in Angono, Kape-hingahan is an outdoor cafe that offers the bare necessities - your preferred beverage, a snack to go with it, and a wide space where you can find your own spot. Its biggest pull is it panoramic view of the Laguna de Bay and the Ortigas skyline. You get to enjoy the breeze because of the open space but they do not have any shaded area to protect you from the sun especially at high noon.
A view of Laguna de Bay and its nearby coastal towns.
Kape-hingahan is located on one of the hills of a village in Angono.
The cafe offers a 360-degree view of Laguna de Bay, the metro skyline, and Antipolo's hills.
The coffee spot has a limited menu to offer. Unfortunately, I was not able to sample any of their coffee drinks because they have a cut-off at 11am and resumes operations at 3pm. I reckon that riders drop by in the morning and locals come in the afternoon to enjoy an unadulterated view of the sun setting behind the cityscape.
 
Getting there: From SM Angono, you can take a jeep for Tikling or Cainta and ask the driver to drop you off at the Shell Station. You can hire a trike to bring you to Kape-hingahan. Make an arrangement with tricycle driver to either wait or return for you since there are limited tricycles in the area.
 
Cafe in the Sky (Muzon, Angono)
 
I first came across Cafe in the Sky on social media and the post gave an impression that it was a hit, most especially among riders who ply the route on this side of Rizal. It was another spot that offered a panoramic overlooking view of the metro and was said to be a perfect rest spot for those who are looking for a quick break. It piqued my curiosity that I included it on my list of coffee spots to check out.
Picture
Cafe in the Sky is another popular stop for riders in Angono.
Picture
I came across the Cafe in the Sky on social media.
Located on one of the highest points of a village in Angono, Cafe in the Sky is one coffee spot that got hyped on social media. It is not exactly a coffee spot for coffee lovers but more of a resting spot for cyclist, riders, and locals. It is actually just one of the makeshift stalls in the area that offer meals and snacks for those visiting the place. The place does offer a panoramic view of the metro and Laguna de Bay but don’t expect it to be as good as the views of the cafes mentioned above.
The village, where the cafe is located, is still being developed
The highest point of the subdivision was developed to accommodate food stalls.
The area is a popular stop of riders and bikers who ply the area.
They have a limited menu list that includes the usual silog and snack meals. Their flavored iced coffee list are the ready-made powder drinks that we have in the market. What stands out though is how friendly the manangs are. The space has limited seatings but their are other stores in the area.
Picture
A view of the metro skyline from Cafe in the Sky.
Picture
A view of a church by a hill facing the Laguna de Bay.
Similar to Kape-hingahan, Cafe in the Sky is a no-frills coffee shop. It is a good spot to rest after a long bike ride where you can enjoy a no-frills drink while enjoying the view. It has its own rustic appeal that may caters to a no-frill-no-thrill kind of person.
 
Getting there: Ask your driver from Kape-hingahan to drop you off at Cafe in the Sky. Both rest stops are in the same area.
 
Typica Coffee (Rodriguez Ave., Taytay)
 
Typica Coffee merges two concepts in one coffee stop - coffee-on-the-go and a neighborhood store. Reading through its story, the coffee shop was originally a sari-sari store that was converted into a coffee cafe. Its good coffee, cool exteriors, and concept caught the attention of the public.
Picture
Typica Coffee isone of the first coffee shops to create a buzz during the pandemic.
The shop is not exactly the kind where you find yourself cozily warming up on its chic interiors. In fact, you cozy up by the road side. Think of its vibe as that of a sari-sari store with tambays only this time the exteriors are chic and the tambays are chic coffee lovers. Like what I said, Typica managed to fuse two concepts in one amazing business idea that is a hit.
Typica Coffee has a good selection of coffee drinks and snacks.
The coffee stop merges Pinoy neighborhood store vibe and coffee-on-the-go concept.
Meals are also designed fastfood style or to go.
The cafe’s menu has a selection of pasta, pastries, and coffee and the place has a small area for those who want to “dine in”. The space though can only accommodate a small number of diners. Their food selection and coffee are good that you won’t mind bringing home another batch to enjoy.
Picture
It created a buzz because of the shop's Japanese minimalist design.
Typica Coffee’s unique styling, concept, and good coffee make it stand out despite having deviated from the usual coffee shop set-up. It is a minimalist in its truest sense that majority of its guests do come and go. It may have not the usual set-up or the amazing view but it has managed to keep conversations going over a cup of perfectly made coffee.
 
Getting there: From the Shell Gas Station in Angono, take a PUV for Cainta. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tropical. Take a trike on the side of Tropical Hut Hamburger Restaurant to Typica Coffee.
​​​​​​​
POST TRAVEL NOTES
I am a coffee drinker and my day doesn’t start without having a cup of coffee. It is a day starter for me and a perk me up drink when work starts getting a bit messy. I prefer it hot when the day starts and cold when its midday. The beverage is a good companion when I am reading a book alone and makes conversations easier when I am with my family and friends.
Picture
Where can we go next?
​Interestingly, coffee shops and stations have been on a steady increase the past year. The popular cafe brands are getting challenged by local stores that offers something different, be it in terms of concepts and/or cafe locations. In a sense, it has become an attraction in an attraction. It has created its own attention by fusing good coffee with a good view and a good conversation.
 
#StandTogetherPinoy
 
Getting there: You can take the LRT 2 train to the last station (Antipolo). From there you can take a jeep or FX to Antipolo. Alternatively, you can take a jeep  or FX in Cubao, Robinsons Galleria, or Shaw to Antipolo or Angono.

Follow me on Instagram:
@marc7del
Picture
Like my Facebook page:
marc7travels
Picture
Subscribe to my Youtube Travel Channel:
#ByahengOffTheGrid
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Home
    @viajerongpinoy
    #EXPLORemanila

    Marc del Rosario

    I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment.

    Picture

    Archives

    March 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    October 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    July 2010
    January 2010
    August 2009

    RSS Feed