#pampanga

NO ONE voted for Kulalaying so I decided to include her in the drawing!

2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten (2016)

directed by: Petersen Vargas (PHL)

written by: Jason Paul Laxamana

duration: 1 hour and 35 minutes

— We were assigned to visit a café, and we chose The Barn.

We decided to head straight there, arriving a little past 4 PM. The moment we stepped inside, the café greeted us with such a cozy atmosphere. Its Bali-inspired interiors instantly stood out, creating a warm and relaxing vibe—and to top it off, there were adorable cats roaming around, which made the place even more charming and homey.

Of course, we couldn’t miss out on trying their food and drinks. The prices are quite reasonable, with drinks ranging from ₱130 to ₱200, which is the average for most coffee shops. They offer a good variety, from coffee to matcha and fruity refreshers, so there’s something for everyone. 

If you’re into coffee, we definitely recommend trying their Doppio, which is bold and satisfying. But if you’re not much of a coffee drinker, there are plenty of alternatives you can enjoy from their menu.

As for food, the price starts at ₱150 and goes up to ₱325. We ordered the Spam Kimchi Rice Bowl (₱179), which turned out to be the highlight of our visit—a definite must-try for anyone dropping by. We also got the Chicken Parmigiana (₱325), and just like the rice bowl, it delivered on taste and quality, making the price well worth it.

What makes The Barn even more enjoyable is that it isn’t just about eating and drinking. They also offer small activities to make the experience more fun, such as board games to play with friends, a piano you can freely try if you’re feeling musical.

We also tried their quirky “floating lemon game.” It looked so easy at first but was surprisingly tricky—we’ll definitely give it another shot next time. 

On top of that, their Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, which makes it a perfect spot for studying, working, or simply browsing online while enjoying your food and drinks.

When it comes to the space, the indoor area is on the smaller side, but they make up for it with additional sections. One semi-outdoor space is still under development and has large windows overlooking their fitness gym, while another outdoor area feels like a garden retreat, surrounded by tall trees and greenery. At night, the hanging lights make it especially cozy. Tables with umbrellas are also available outside if you’d like to enjoy the natural breeze.

Overall, The Barn Pampanga has the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer—whether to unwind, hang out with friends, or even study and work. It feels like a little hidden spot where you can take a break from the busyness of life. The food and drinks truly delivered, the Wi-Fi was fast, the setting was relaxing, and the whole experience made us want to come back. For us, it’s an easy 10/10.

If you’re planning to visit, here’s a quick guide: The price range for drinks is ₱130 to ₱200, while food ranges from ₱150 to ₱325. Must-try items include the Spam Kimchi Rice Bowl, the Chicken Parmigiana, and of course, the Doppio for coffee lovers. The café also offers board games, a piano, cats for company, and a peaceful outdoor space. It’s definitely one of Pampanga’s hidden gems.