Coffee & Play: Sun Life and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Make Financial Literacy Fun

Picture this: the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the hum of friendly chatter, and a table buzzing with excitement as players strategize their next move in a life-inspired board game. This is no ordinary coffee break; it’s “Coffee and Play,” a unique collaboration between Sun Life Philippines and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) that infuses financial literacy into casual coffeehouse moments.

Through this innovative partnership, Sun Life is taking its advocacy for financial literacy to new heights by creating an inviting space where people can learn the fundamentals of money management in a relaxed, interactive, and—dare we say—fun way.

“We’re excited to engage even more Filipinos and help enrich their financial knowledge,” shared Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Sun Life’s Client Experience and Chief Marketing Officer. “The enthusiastic response to the Play for Life board game during its launch early this year has inspired us to create more versions to cater to different needs and experiences.”

From Coffee Cups to Life Lessons

The centerpiece of “Coffee and Play” is Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices, designed to mimic real-life financial scenarios. With versions tailored to employees and professionals, business owners, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the game offers participants insights into budgeting, investing, and planning for the future—all through an engaging and competitive format.

To bring this initiative to life, select CBTL branches will host game sessions where coffee enthusiasts can sip their favorite brews while making financial decisions in a simulated setting. It’s a blend of education and entertainment that resonates with people from all walks of life.

“Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is committed to nurturing connections and enriching the lives of our community,” said Kimberly Cruz, CBTL’s Senior Marketing Manager. “Sun Life’s advocacy for financial literacy complements this by equipping individuals with knowledge and tools that lead to personal growth and financial well-being.”

A Coffeehouse for Every Crowd


Each “Coffee and Play” session is crafted with its audience in mind:


Game Night for Employees and Professionals

On November 28, 2024, at The Kitchen by CBTL in Bonifacio Global City, professionals will gather for an evening of gaming, dining, and camaraderie. Beyond the board game, attendees can enjoy exclusive merchandise, raffle prizes, and a chance to network—all while sipping their favorite coffee blends.

Coffee, Play, and Cooking Demo for Business Owners

Business owners will find inspiration not just in financial strategies but also in culinary creativity. On November 29, 2024, Chef Tatung Sarthou will join the session at the same venue, treating participants to a live cooking demo and tips for running a successful food business.

Game Day for OFW Families

In Bacolod, where family ties are cherished, Sun Life will host a special session for OFWs and their families on November 30, 2024, at CBTL in Ayala Malls Capitol Central. It’s a holiday homecoming event that combines financial learning with family bonding over coffee and an exclusive Shine Pinoy travel kit.

Brewing a Future of Financial Wellness

By transforming coffeehouses into hubs for financial learning, Sun Life and CBTL are redefining the way Filipinos approach money matters. The collaboration is a testament to the belief that financial literacy doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be as comforting as your go-to coffee order.

“Sun Life is always on the lookout for allies who can help us promote our financial literacy advocacy in a more engaging way,” Gonzalez-Chong emphasized. “We are glad to collaborate with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to demonstrate how learning about money matters can be a fun and memorable experience.”

For Sun Life and CBTL, the partnership is more than just a series of events—it’s a movement to make financial wellness accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Follow Sun Life Philippines (@SunLifePH) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates about “Coffee and Play” and other exciting initiatives.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brings childhood indulgence with its Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

What is it about chocolate chip cookie dough that we can’t just stop ourselves from licking the spoon when our mom whips up a batch of cookies?

Who would have thought that the combination of flour, sugar, butter, vanilla and chocolate would be irresistible, even if the mixture has not yet achieved its final form?

CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Just the scent of a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookie dough is enough to get us salivating, right? What more if we actually get to eat it by the spoonful?

Well, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf heard our hearts’ (or tummies’) cry and came up with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake!

CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (sometimes affectionately referred to as CBTL) hails all the way from Southern California, where founder Herb Hyman started importing and roasting coffee back in 1963.

Remember those ice-blended drinks we love so much? They actually came about in 1987 when a store manager had a burst of inspiration and mixed coffee, chocolate powder and milk together with ice at CBTL’s Westwood, California store.

Clearly, CBTL is no stranger to bringing new tasty items for its customers to enjoy. Its Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake is no exception.

CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

It is a melt-in-your mouth wonder from its base of crushed chocolate cookie crumbs right under a thick layer of rich vanilla cheesecake with bits of chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate syrup drizzled on top.

CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

What would make this dessert even better? Pairing it with some of CBTL’s signature drinks such as Ice-Blended Caramel and Ice-Blended Vanilla!

CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

So when you’ve got that craving for good ‘ole cookie dough that brings back memories of childhood, you know that you can always grab a bite and some drinks to go with it at CBTL!

CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
CBTL Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

CBTL outlets are located at:

  • Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center, Sipag Center, SM Southmall and Starmall
  • Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Ayala Triangle Garden, BDO Tower, Century City Mall, Circuit Lane, Convergys, Four Seasons Salcedo, Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, iAcademy, Philamlife Tower, Phinma, Power Plant Rockwell, Rada Street, SM Jazz, Enterprise Tower, The Residences
  • Manila: Adriatico, Avenue of the Arts, De La Salle University, Laperal Apartments, Midtown Padre Faura, One Archers Place, Robinsons Place Ermita, SM Grand Central, UST Bellagio Residences
  • Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Asian Hospital, Ayal Malls Southpark, Festival Malls Filinvest
  • Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
  • Pasay: Double Dragon, NAIA 3, SM MAAX, SM Mall of Asia, SMX Convention Center Manila, Solaire Casino & Resort, Two E-Com, W Mall
  • Pasig: Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls The 30th, Citadines Millennium Ortigas, Eastwood Mall, Estancia Capitol Commons, Ortigas Park, Rockwell Business Center, Shangri-la Plaza, SM City East Ortigas, SM Megamall, Victor R Potenciano Hospital
  • Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Banawe Lifestyle Center, Batasan Pambansa, Eton Centris, Fairview Terraces Mall, Gateway Cinema, Gateway Mall, Katipunan, M Place, Mezza Residences, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM Fairview Expansion Parkway, SM North EDSA, Tomas Morato, Trinoma Mall, UP Town Center, Vertis North
  • San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
  • Taguig: Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Stopover, Burgos Circle, Central Square Cinema, Every Nation Building, Newport, Resorts World, One Park Drive, Shell C5 Logcom, SM Aura, Starmall Taguig, Uptown Mall, Venice Piazza McKinley Hill

Photo Credits: Chocolate chip cookie flatlay by Georgie Devlin on Pexels and Chocolate chip cookie dough by Pam Menegakis on Unsplash