This has been one of the many projects I really wanted to start before the pandemic, but unfortunately, cafe hopping doesn’t really make sense when you’re all in a lockdown so… The community quarantine has been a big challenge to businesses and most of them permanently closed eventually because profit went down and they couldn’t support the business anymore. While some took the risk on going straight online, content creators grew their business on the other hand, and thankfully most online businesses grew as well. Except me, of course.
I can give more reasons why I went MIA, but I had a nice time reflecting and I learned there’s just one reason why I stopped accepting jobs while quarantine. I lost inspiration. I became too lazy, anxiety attacked more frequent, I almost thought I was okay, but apparently, I wasn’t. I tried to focus more on my corporate job, but though I became occupied with online tasks and organizing online events, I still felt uninspired. So when the lockdown has started to ease down, I knew I had to go out sometimes, be more mindful of where to go, what to do, and finally see something else other than the four walls of our tiny house.
Please do not travel unless it's already 100% safe! All travel articles and restaurant reviews in this blog are here to inspire you on your future plans, but please DO NOT LEAVE HOME UNTIL IT'S TOTALLY SAFE! We all are excited to go out and have fun, but let's keep "safety" our number one priority. Stay healthy!
These are not the first cafes I visited after a year of lockdown. I mean, I just realized I wanted to document my “work-from-anywhere” adventure a couple of months after. And in below list are cafes I found super nice to work in especially when you think you’re kind of getting tired of working from home.
Hey there! My name’s May and you can view more about me here. I travel a lot for both work and leisure. Thanks to being an auditor and a content creator and, of course, to my love for travel, I barely feel I’m actually at work when traveling. And if I’m actually off work, I usually am with friends or family, discovering places and trying out new food. I’m juggling three jobs – the two mentioned + being a single mom. You think it’s easy? Of course not! But what glues me together is my passion and love for these three. More about my story here.
I love sharing what I know and how I do things, so if you haven’t read these yet, visit the following pages to view:
1. Starbucks (several branches)
Yes, I love Starbucks! A cup of SB coffee may cost too much, but here’s a few things I like about Starbucks: 1) you or the barista can adjust your coffee to your liking. I mean you can also request the same in other coffee shops or cafes but 2) Starbucks has branches almost anywhere in the Metro and major provincial cities as well. It’s my go-to cafe when I don’t want or don’t have time to Google “what’s the nearest cafe from me” which is almost everytime, so it’s my first choice. One disadvantage of having your coffee at Starbucks is if you’re working remotely, people’s voices will definitely annoy you (at least me) and they don’t have public wifi yo ucan connect to. But if you’re just hanging of with friends, or want to spend a “me time” or you have noise canceling headphones or earphones, SB is <3.
View their social media: FB | IG | YT | Visit their website: starbucks.ph | Check out more branches
2. St. Louis Cafe, BGC
St. Louis is known with their perfect pairs of coffee and ice cream and I staaaaaan. #CoffeeXIceCream is my forever hashtag being a lover of both coffee and ice cream individually, I mean what’s more comfy and cozy than having these two by your side? This branch has it’s usual cafe background noise, but Bonifacio High Street offers a number of alfresco seats that’s not just IG worthy, but also refreshing to hangout at, have your coffee and ice cream or more, and get into the zone of working…or watching a Netflix series.
View their social media: FB | IG | YT | Visit their website: starbucks.ph | Check out more branches
3. El Jardin de Manila, BGC
Here’s one we found accidentally along the streets of BGC. Good thing I was wearing my glasses and spotted this cute little cafe just a small alley/street next to High Street. The cafe is not located right in the busy streets so it’s not usually too crowded. They also offer great food and nice coffee fix that will add better vibes to your stay.
View their social media: FB | IG
Or read my full review: El Jardin de Manila, BGC
4. %Arabica Manila, BGC
% Arabica is probably one of the most famous and most visited cafe in BGC since they brought the brand to Manila. Aside from the aesthetics, people loves their coffee and Instagrammable interiors (and exterior, tbh) plus I looooove their pastires. Love their cookies most! They have three branches in Metro Manila as of writing.
View their social media: FB | IG
Or read my full review: % Arabica, McKinley
5. Dear Joe, Taguig
We were invited to a wedding of J’s friends and while waiting for the actual ceremony (and while J’s on a pictorial as one of the groom’s men), I spent a little time in Vista Mall, Taguig, to finally experience Dear Joe. And in all fairness, I enjoyed my little time there although not for work but for reading. They have sockets and wifi soooooo. Btw, the creamy chicken was soooooo good. I recommend! They have more branches but I personally have visited only one so far.
6. Coffee Project (several branches)
Coffee Project, if you’re not aware, has the same owner with Dear Joe. Villar family started their coffee chain Coffee Project, became famous for it’s “Instagrammable” interiors and cozy vibes. It’s also a great place to work in, as they also offer free wifi and sockets available for charging your devices. They have several branches and I looooooove staying regardless where. Love their dishes, too!
In case you missed, I am now on Youtube! In my channel I ~try~ to share more visuals as of how I spend my days at work, during travels, reading books or just doing anything I love, including visiting cafes! Below are two of my recent vlogs as of writing:
I know, I know. It's not advisable yet to go and stay outside. I've got the virus, too. Thankfully, I got the jabs prior. Have you got your jabs, too? If yes, and you also have your reasons why you need to work in a cafe, leave some recommendations and a quick review!
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