coffeehouse – Jellybeans in the City

The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity – a hectic dance of shopping for gifts, preparing festive feasts, and organizing family gatherings. For moms, the month of October can be especially demanding as we juggle the demands of everyday life with the added pressure of holiday preparations. Amidst the chaos, a moment to pause and recharge is invaluable. Fortunately, there is a delightful treat that can infuse new energy into our holiday errands, and we don’t even have to go far from our shopping grounds, as Bo’s Coffee opened its first-ever branch at the SM Store in Araneta City.

Bo’s Coffee: A Blend of Culture and Coffee

Bo’s Coffee is more than just a coffeehouse chain; it’s a celebration of Philippine coffee and culture built on its promise of being “your homegrown brew.” Established in 1996 by founder Steve Benitez in Cebu City, this coffee haven is deeply rooted in Filipino tradition and the love for local coffee beans.

The name ‘Bo’ is inspired by an Italian-American roaster named Bo, whom Steve met during his early coffee exploration. Bo’s Coffee proudly sources coffee beans from various regions in the Philippines, including Sagada, Mountain Province, Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato, and Mount Apo.

Notably, Bo’s Coffee takes pride in collaborating with local brands, embodying a Bayanihan Mentality by giving a voice to social enterprises and leaving a legacy of positive change within communities.

First Branch in SM Store

Bo’s Coffee at the SM Store in Araneta City offers a unique experience, thanks to its convenient location within the department store. It’s a cozy nook where weary shoppers, including busy moms and even dads waiting for their family members, can take a break and rejuvenate.

As a special treat for SM Store shoppers, presenting the receipt stub with Bo’s Coffee promo offer and using the SM Advantage Card unlocks the Brews & Chews Bundle – a delightful pairing of Hot or Iced Caffe Americano and any Craft Cookie for just Php149.

Various Snacking Options

The Brews & Chews Bundle isn’t the only tempting option available. Bo’s Coffee offers a variety of delightful snacks, each carefully crafted to cater to different tastes.

For those craving a touch of sweetness, the White Chocolate Mocha is a perfect choice, encapsulating the flavors of the season in a cup.

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, the Chocolate Waffle is a must-try, boasting a decadent flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

For those on the move, the Bagel and Cream Cheese option provides a quick yet satisfying snack to keep you going through your shopping spree.

When the holiday chaos feels overwhelming, a cup of coffee and a delicious treat can be just the remedy you need to recharge and face the hustle and bustle with renewed energy.

Bo’s Coffee at the SM Store in Araneta City welcomes all busy moms and shoppers to savor these delightful offerings and take a moment to relax amidst the whirlwind of holiday errands.

Discover more about Bo’s Coffee and stay updated on its latest offerings by visiting their website and following it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: Menu items were served at no charge in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature story.

During an overcast Saturday morning in Makati’s Central Business District, you would think that the cafes there would be nigh deserted. After all, office workers who rely on their cuppa to energize them for their workday are mostly at home, enjoying the extra time they can spend in bed snoozing.

However, such is not the case at the Coffee Academics Cafe along Carlos Palanca Street. In this cozy yet well-appointed establishment, there is a hustle and bustle of activity: patrons coming in for their takeout orders, some staying to enjoy their coffee and light meal inside as baristas and servers hasten to serve up the drinks and dishes.

The world standard in coffee

The Coffee Academics Cafe is the first Metro Manila presence of Hong Kong’s favorite coffee hotspot, joining its sister branches in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai. Known for setting the standards in specialty coffee and for delivering unique coffeehouse experiences to its clientele, TCA is a welcome addition to Makati’s gastronomic scene and prime destination for serious coffee aficionados.

Specialty Coffee

TCA sources only the top 5% of specialty arabica coffee from sustainable and fair-trade institutions worldwide, with the aim of ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and local livelihoods. Since its founding in 2012, it has garnered awards and recognition from global industry bodies and media outlets for its coffee products and practices.

Its strong grounding in its trade allows it to make delicious coffee creations that wow its customers, such as:

Specialty gourmet dishes

Your foodie adventure at TCA does not stop with coffee, however. With its unique takes on cafe fare, you can sate your hunger while indulging in your favorite brews.

These include:

Nori Nachos and Hummus (Php350). Homemade nori rice chips served with mixed pea hummus topped with Harissa chili, Lucban Longganisa and Kesong Puti.

Eggs Royale Bibingka (Php445).Toasted Quezo Bibingka Muffins topped with young pork tocino and poached eggs drizzled with dalandan Hollaindaise.

Prawn & Aligue Pasta (Php495). Buckwheat pasta on a bed of coconut cream sauce topped with seared prawns and crabfat, garnished with fried basil and nori rice chips.

KFC 2.0 & Kimchi Fried Rice (Php445). Boneless fried chicken thighs doused in Korean-style garlic soy glaze on a bed of kimchi and spam fried rice topped with furikake flakes with a side of caramelized sweet potato.

Steak Rice (Php795). Bistro steak and seared mushrooms on a bed of Japanese-style steak rice topped with furikake, Asian chimi and homemade demi glace.

As you can see, you can definitely do more than just enjoying a cuppa (or two!) at The Coffee Academics Cafe!

You can come in for a leisurely coffee break, a light snack or a filling meal.

Savoring your coffee and food in this relaxing atmosphere is an experience in itself.

You can also bring your TCA experience to your home, as it retails its signature coffee blends in whole beans, Nespresso-compatible capsules or drip bag sets.

The Coffee Academics Cafe is located at 109 Don Carlos Palanca Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, open daily from 7am to 12 midnight.

A new branch is set to open soon at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang.

Know more about The Coffee Academics through its website, or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items served were not paid for by the attendees.

Tag: coffeehouse

Specialty coffee and gourmet dishes at The Coffee Academics Cafe in Makati

The world standard in coffee

Specialty Coffee

Specialty gourmet dishes