A Weekend Challenge in the Capital: Spotting Manila’s Best Themed-cafes

It’s Cebu Pacific Air’s Juan For Fun season once again, and it got me roused to do a challenge in the course of my recent visit to the capital. The 3-day sojourn in Metro Manila was without a specific itinerary – a spontaneous trip, yet appeared to be real humming. Thanks to my friends, and the internet, for laying forward an impromptu schedule! <3

Flew from Cebu to Manila and back via Cebu Pacific Air -the country’s leading low-cost airline.

The Search for Manila’s Best Themed-Cafe Challenge
I firmed on busting in as many themed-cafes in Metro Manila, but dolefully closed in only with four (4). But hey, this list of four is variedly peachy keen! 😛  Seriously buzzing right now as I am writing this blogpost, thrilled to share this list of themed-cafes I swang by amid the said trip. Let’s start the ball rollin’ with the noshery dedicated to “the boy who lived.” 

(1) The Nook Cafe
Humans, witches and muggles are very much welcome at this quaint cafe in Maginhawa Street, QC. Accommodating only about 20 customers at a time, the Harry Potter themed-cafe has eventuated a long line of thirsty-for-butterbeer-Potter-heads daily. The cafe is set to look like a refreshment joint in Diagon Alley. Customers can even spruce up in robes of their favorite Hogwart House and borrow wands while lounging in at the cafe. So what to order at The Nook Cafe? Duh! Butterbeer of course!

The Nook Cafe is at 164 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Operating Hours is from 1:00PM-10:00PM every Tuesdays to Saturdays , 1:00PM-9:00PM on Sundays and is closed on Mondays.

The Nook Cafe

The Nook Cafe

Dressed up in a Ravenclaw robe, Toni in Slytherin and Ali in Gryffindor.

(2) Cat Cafe Manila
This cat-themed cafe aims to fan out the love for cats and a responsible pet ownership. Customers get the chance  to  play and interact with the adorable furballs while dawdling at Cat Cafe Manila. And if you feel like adopting one, you can choose a new cat bestfriend from the kitties in the cafe and sign an enactment paper provided by the non-profit organization, CARA.

Cat Cafe Manila tickets are at P200 – P100 goes to the taking care of the cats, and a consumable of P100. The cat-themed cafe is located at the 2nd Floor of 189 Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Operating hours is from 12:00 noon until 10:00PM daily. It is advisable to call and reserve tickets prior to visiting. You may contact Cat Cafe Manila through +639228364441.

And yes, I recommend the Quiche! <3

Trivia: These cats used to be strays before they were taken in by non-profit organization, CARA. They’re cleaned up, neutered. vaccinated, fed, taken care of and were given names. All the Cat Cafe Manila kitties are up for adoption, and one may do so for only P800.

Cat Cafe Manila, QC

Mama Cat was on top of our table the whole time I was there! Such a cutie brat.

I think I kinda woke up Ashley with the sound of camera’s shutter. Sorry Ashley. 🙂

 (3) Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe
I love dogs! And playing with so many dogs of different breeds was stupefying. I lost track of time, but I’m pretty sure we stayed at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe the longest.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe is located at 91 Rosa Alvero St., J&R Concon Centre, Loyola Heights Quezon City. Operating hours are from 12noon to 9:00PM. Closed on Tuesdays. Tickets are at P180 which comes with a beverage of your choice. You may reserve your tickets by emailing them at info@barkinblends.com.

Jeremy, Ali and Doyzkie

I woke this guy up, while trying to steal a photo while he was sleeping. Sorry! 🙂

Barkin’ Blends

(4) Yardstick
The coffee shop airs out an impression of a barista’s work station, making one feel like he/she is part of the process in producing a good cup of coffee. Yardstick, an independent coffee company based in Makati, is a supplier of specialty coffee.

Stepping inside Yardstick, you’ll immediately be mesmerized by the coffee scent that envelopes the entire cafe.  Plus, the house of specialty coffee has long communal tables which grant the whole barkada a wonderful setting to catch up on, or maybe deed a chance to new acquaintances to solo customers. 🙂

Ordered a 7 ounce serving of Mocha Latte and  Buttermilk waffle topped with salted caramel vanilla ice cream. One of the best caffeine cup I sipped on! Seriously!

Yardstick is located G/F 106 Esteban, San Lorenzo, Makati City. Thy’re open daily from 7AM–11:00PM. You may contact them at (02) 8450073.

Yardstick

Yardstick

Yardstick’s Mocha Latte and Waffle: A perfect combo!

Just noticed that this themed-cafe challenge trip I did when I was in Manila was a series of endless piggin’ out sessions. Eeeek. Wait, let me do a quick check on my weight …… HOLY GUACAMOLE! Two (2) lbs. heavier! Oh well. 😛
That ends the list of my weekend challenge in Manila, and that’s all the cafes I can hit over a quick weekend. Any other themed-cafes in Manila you want to recommend? 😉

NOTE: Visited Manila Cafe’s with Facebook ratings of 4 stars and up, which was my basis for the “Best Themed-cafe Challenge.”

And yes, Cebu Pacific Air‘s Juan for Fun is closing in on the announcement of this year’s contestants for the backpacking challenge. I know, it’s pretty thrilling right? We can only wish the contest is open to the earlier age chunk of the millennial bracket. Crossing fingers it’ll happen soon! 😛
Cebu Pacific Air has over a dozen flights daily from Cebu to Manila. You can book a flight over at the official Cebu Pacific Air webpage, www.CebuPacificAir.com, or through authorized ticketing agencies.  For inquiries, one may contact their Cebu Help Center through (32) 230-8888, or  (02) 7020 -888 when in Manila.