sips n tales

📍Tagaytay City

Coffee: ★★★ ☆ ☆

Price: ★★★☆ ☆

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Experience: ★★★★☆

Tucked away in the refreshing and scenic landscape of Tagaytay, Calle Café by Don Gabriel marked my fourth stop on this coffee journey and it definitely made an impression, but not quite in the way I expected.

I ordered a Spanish Latte, which I usually go for when I want something sweet, creamy, and comforting. Visually, the drink looked inviting with its cinnamon powder on top served in a cozy setup that perfectly matched the café’s rustic-meets-modern aesthetic. But when it came to taste… it was just okay. Not bad, but not something I’d rave about. Considering the price, it left me wanting a little more in terms of the overall taste n flavor.

That said, the ambiance truly saves the experience. The interiors are beautifully done — a blend of warm wood accents, vintage pieces, and cozy corners that make you want to sit down with a book or chat away the afternoon with friends.

So while the Spanish Latte didn’t quite hit the mark for me in terms of value, the vibe and the space more than made up for it. Would I come back? For the ambiance, I believe absolutely. For the coffee? Maybe I’ll try something else on the menu next time.

📍Banlic, Cabuyao City

Coffee: ★★★★★

Price: ★★★★ ☆

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Experience: ★★★★☆

Looking for a chill spot around cabuyao? I got you! Recently I visited this coffee shop named Cafe Tambay & this hidden gem truly lives up to being your go-to tambayan whether you’re grinding through schoolwork or just want a relaxing coffee break with your barkada.

The moment you enter you’ll be greeted by a cozy and soothing ambiance with gentle lighting, a relaxing vibe, and background music that’s just right which makes it an ideal space for studying! 📚 BUT it isn’t only for those hitting the books. If you’re looking to relax, the café offers a great variety of board games that you and your friends can play while enjoying your go-to drinks.

As usual, I grabbed my all time favorite — iced spanish latte & I must say that it’s a SOLID 10/10 for their foods n drinks🥤 Also, one of the things that makes Cafe Tambay stand out is the genuine warmth of their staff. THEY ARE LITERALLY SO FRIENDLY AND ACCOMODATING 🙌🏻

So whether you’re deep into your study mode or just want a chill hangout with friends, Cafe Tambay in Cabuyao is the place to be! Mark my words.

📍 Carmona, Cavite

Coffee: ★★★★★

Price: ★★★★★

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Experience: ★★★★☆

Have you seen a coffee shop and a self photoshoot studio in one? Well, this gem is the one. Casa Litrato’s vibe is chef’s kiss — cozy, artsy, and totally Instagrammable! Whether you’re catching up on schoolwork with a latte in hand or capturing your best angles in the studio, this spot lets you do both effortlessly.

The coffee is surprisingly rich and flavorful, especially for such an affordable price (110 pesos). Their iced spanish latte is literally bomb 🤩Definitely student budget approved! The staff are really accommodating and they made the experience even better! If you’re looking for a new study spot and a place to snap some aesthetic pics, Casa Litrato is definitely worth checking out.

📍 SM Sto. Tomas, 2F

Coffee: ★★★★★

Price: ★★★ ☆ ☆

Ambiance: ★★★★★

Overall Experience: ★★★★★

If you ever find yourself searching for a place to recharge your devices and your social battery around SM Sto. Tomas —After Tree could be the cozy escape you’ve been looking for.

First on the sip list, my friend and I both ordered their iced spanish latte and I must say that it was rich, bold, and brewed just right 👍🏻 definitely a 5/5. It’s the kind of cup that wakes you up without punching you in the face.

A little heads up, they only offer one size for their drinks. In terms of their packaging, it is sustainable and is definitely something new to me! BUT the price felt a little too pricey for the portion. Still, kudos to them for being eco-friendly!

What really amazed me was the ambiance of the whole coffee shop. Even though it’s located inside the mall and is literally beside the SM Food Court, for some reason it was surprisingly peaceful. The noise levels are low, and there are plenty of sockets that are perfect for students like us! Plus, according to my friend, it’s introvert-approved, too.

The staff were friendly and accommodating, and to top it off—it’s pet-friendly! So it’s a BIG YES FOR ME.