Hi lovely readers!
Here's a fun fact: I spent most of my life steering clear of coffee. Growing up, I'd hear adults wax poetic praises about their beloved brew while grimacing at its bitter taste and wondering, "Why do people willingly drink this?"
Fast forward to this year, and my taste buds decided to do a complete 180. I've fallen hard for coffee—specifically the sweeter, more dessert-like varieties. Enter Spanish lattes, caramel macchiatos, and every sweet concoction that whispers, "It's okay, this is basically dessert!"
Here's how it all unfolded, one coffee shop at a time.
Starbucks
It all began where most modern caffeine adventures do: Starbucks. Don't roll your eyes—I know it's mainstream, but sometimes you just need a caramel macchiato, your name spelled wrong on a cup, and a comfortable chair that encourages existential thoughts.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee hit me like a warm hug, and for a moment, everything felt… right. Sure, it's like the fast food of coffee culture, but hey, even comfort food has its moments.
And I'm pleased to say, that I'm just a few stickers left to get my very own Starbucks 2025 planner.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Whenever I'm in SM Fairview, I found myself wandering into Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. A touch more sophisticated, a lot less busy. I sipped on their frappes while pretending to be deep in thought.
Spoiler alert: I was contemplating if their pastries are overpriced.
But the ambiance? Chef's kiss. Something about the quiet hum of conversations and their gentle lighting made me feel like I was on the brink of writing my first best-selling novel.
Mary Grace
Then came Mary Grace. If you've never walked into a Mary Grace café, you're missing out on a sweet, almost nostalgic embrace. It's like having coffee in your grandma's living room if she had excellent taste in decor and served cheese rolls that could cure any bad day.
I found myself smiling between sips of their hot chocolate (yes, I cheated on coffee), feeling like I'd stepped out of time into a place where things just… slow down.
Now, this is where my coffee rediscovery journey got really interesting. TikTok can be a dangerous place—it's how I ended up here in the first place. But every recommendation led to something magical.
Our Humble Beginnings
First up, Our Humble Beginnings. It's hard to describe how instantly right this place felt. Imagine mismatched furniture, coffee beans roasted to perfection, and a vibe that whispers, "Take your time; this is where you need to be."
Their Cafe Latte was an emotional experience. This spot is my sanctuary, and every sip felt like a love letter to caffeine lovers everywhere.
POSTCEREMONY
POSTCEREMONY was a testament, and I was blown away. It's part minimalist haven, part artsy daydream. You don't just go for coffee here; you go for the experience.
My Salted Caramel was so perfectly crafted that I almost felt bad drinking it. Almost. I'll just say this: their baristas don't just make coffee—they create moments.
Koozy
At Koozy, the name says it all. It's near my place, and the shop itself is quaint and cozy. The staff was lovely, the coffee was delightfully strong, and I walked out with a lighter heart.
High Grounds
High Grounds is where caffeine and late-night gaming sessions come to party. I ordered a Ice Blended Mocha and Bolognese and lost track of time watching people work like their lives depended on it. It was blissfully chaotic—and I felt right at home.
Plant Fairy MNL
Plant Fairy MNL was the ultimate coffee shop who want to get in touch with their inner nature vibe, as Tiktok suggested. And they were right! It's the place you visit if you just want to immerse yourself with nature, good scented candles, and work and not distract yourself with anything else.
Cafe Aegyo
Walking into Café Aegyo was like stepping into a K-Drama set. K-pop on the speakers, a heart-shaped toast on the plate, and me internally debating if I could start my own meet-cute scene (spoiler: no one tripped into me).
Their restroom is an IG-worthy spot. Their Korean-inspired coffee blends were a delightful twist and, honestly, I left feeling like the star of my own show.
Paris Baguette
Whenever you're in SM North, visit this perpetually-in-the-sun bakeshop, just right in front of the cinemas. Their pastries and drinks are a revelation! Plus, you get to feel the Parisienne vibes, even just for a short while.
HisBeans
Another favorite is HisBeans, where coffee serves a cause. The warm atmosphere and social mission of employing differently-abled individuals made every sip taste better. It's coffee that warms not just your hands, but your heart.
I used to think coffee wasn't for me—too bitter, too serious, too… adult.
Now? It's a sweet, caramel-infused adventure that I never want to end. Life's too short for bitter coffee, after all. So if you see me in a café, just know I'm here for the sugar, the vibes, and maybe to finally appreciate the life-changing magic of a good Spanish latte.
Cheers to sweet beginnings!
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