Add these cozy places in your next Kapitolyo cafe crawl

Three cafes are featured: Loop Kapitolyo, known for its matcha drinks and productivity-friendly ambiance; The Beachhouse, which combines eclectic decor with a community vibe; and Pancho Cafe, an Italian-inspired spot with a variety of food and a welcoming environment. Each cafe provides a unique experience, catering to different preferences, from relaxation to socialization, making Kapitolyo a vibrant neighborhood for cafe enthusiasts. This is AI-generated. Read the article for full context. Report any errors. After being strangers, I’m officially acquainted with Kapitolyo. To be honest, I didn’t feel this years ago, when I was a teenager who occasionally attended events in this unassuming neighborhood’s creative spaces. I didn’t feel this last year either, when I started working at Rappler, making the Pasig barangay an accessible post-shift hangout hub. What changed things for me is the decision to finally check out one of its charms: Its cafe community. Kapitolyo’s cafes have become third spaces, offering a smooth wrap-up, however your entire day went – and I’d have to thank their distinct coziness for pulling me in. Interestingly, we discovered these cafes the way our ancestors intended: Walking around or asking our friends for some recommendations. In our quest for discovery, we made three stops – here’s why they all passed the coziness test. If you’re a cool-down connoisseur: Loop Kapitolyo “A good cup of matcha is rooted in intention, and that always starts with our baristas. We ensure that each and every customer experiences that intention in every cup at Loop,” owner Luis Padilla tells Rappler. While matcha is popularly known as Loop’s magnum opus, Padilla said they originally didn’t intend for the cafe to be a matcha place. People just assumed it was because of its color, but they eventually maximized the happy accident. Among their matcha drinks is the Sea Salt Matcha. It’s light and sweet, initially giving you an intriguingly unique salty kick. Fun fact: They use asin tibuok, a rare artisanal sea salt made from a lengthy and traditional process in Bohol. Meanwhile, the Coconut Espresso is a strong surprise with its toasty goodness, and the Honey Shaken Oat Latte will lure you to lock in. Loop’s ambiance is perfect for deep focus. Apart from it being well-decorated but not visually overwhelming, the cafe has an abundance of power sockets, and even features an upper floor that’s frequently used for meetings. But productivity isn’t the only language here, as cool down-ready runners and bikers flock during early weekend mornings. It sounds full-circle, as the Loop’s name (as in “run loop” or “bike loop”) and logo (the double o’s resemble pedals) are meant to reflect Padilla’s fitness background. Cooling down also means being relaxed in conversations, as different age groups gather inside. There are even children’s books for the youngest customers. “The community in Kapitolyo is vastly diverse. From the cafes, restaurants, and people, we’re consistently innovating and improving. I like how wherever you go in Kapitolyo, it always feels very homey and inclusive,” Padilla said. 📍: 3 San Rafael St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City 🕰️: 8 am to 7 pm (weekdays), 7 am to 7 pm (weekends) If you’re a maximalist cat lover: The Beachhouse Stepping inside The Beachhouse will make you rethink your initial agenda: Am I taking a quick cafe visit, or barging into someone’s giant bedroom? (Well, it’s both. But you’ll likely extend your “quick” stay.) One minute you’re staring at strangers’ Polaroid photos, the next you’re flipping through a cool mini calendar. Posters, stickers, CDs. An eccentric restroom. Remnants of a film club. A summer-ready shop. Co-founder Jelito de Leon uses the term “dopamine decor”. “Actually, I first heard this from Kenneth and Sarah, my partners in Beachhouse! They actually did most of the decorating and made sure every corner was filled with things we loved and enjoyed,” he told Rappler. But of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without their interesting roster of drinks. Although my first bias off the menu was the Coffee Morning Crunch (which tastes like carefree childhood), my bias wrecker became their signature Kamote Cold Brew, which spotlights the unlikely duo of sweet potato and coffee, leaving a refreshingly sweet result. Their Coconut Cream Matcha also has a memorable texture and harmony of flavors. Composed of three floors, the Beachhouse can cater to various comfort levels: A couch area for lively group catch-ups, and more intimately spaced rooms for solemn alone time, or even a creative brainstorming session. There’s CC, the resident cat, if you need an additional member. The sense of community is very much alive, with artists getting a platform for their livelihood, too. “The best thing about the [Kapitolyo] community is how friendly it is. Some regulars of the cafe are actually from the neighborhood and have become friends with our baristas!” de Leon said. 📍: 11C East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City 🕰️: 9 am to 9 pm daily If you’re a sidequest master: Pancho Cafe You can stay in Pancho Cafe for 24 hours, not only because you’re allowed to – but also because this Italian-inspired haven has so much in store. There’s a photo booth that can fit 10 people, a gorgeous flower shop, and an abundance of artwork. While some food spots are designed not to make you linger for too long, Pancho offers enough space and a variety of chairs for you to stay comfortable in moving around for the rest of the day. You’ll also never run out of things to try. Among their offerings are their devour-worthy lasagna that oozes with creamy cheese, and quick bites like their croissant. In true Italian fashion, you can also get a scoop (or two) of gelato. Or you can start with their generous serving of coffee – and they do not disappoint. Enjoy the Caramel Macchiato’s thick blend of creaminess and sweetness that’s not off-putting for the non-sweet tooth. And while the Cafe con Leche (the Spanish Latte equivalent) isn’t that strong, its striking milky aftertaste will make you want to gradually finish the glass, just to enjoy a little longer. According to their staff, more customers come in between 9 pm to 3 am, so it’s up to you if you’re game to join the pack – or delight in the quiet morning with Pancho’s equally relaxing playlist. 📍: 50 West Capitol Drive corner United Street, The Vantage at Kapitolyo, Pasig City 🕰️: Open 24 hours We want to hear from you! Expecting to see your go-to spot here but didn’t? Share it away and we might just pay a visit. – Rappler.com Photos by Julian Cirineo Illustrations by Guia Abogado