Cafes in Manila That Will Get You in the Mood for Studying and Working
The best places if you're looking to get some studying or work done.
by Shen Mascariñas | June 13, 2016
Good bye, El Niño. Hello, La Niña.
The weather screams for staying in bed, wearing fuzzy sweaters and sipping on some hot chocolate (or Sinigang). Leaving your fort of comfort is already such an ordeal, let alone actually getting work done.
But put your game face on and don’t give in to the cuddle weather this time. Get your lazy butt out of the house, and try these cafes in Manila. They have the ambiance, set-up and caffeine that will spark your productivity.
UCC Clockwork
Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue Corner EDSA, Libertad, Pasay City | (02) 8434383
Ground Floor, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Oranbo, Pasig City | (02) 9422142
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If you’re a fan of UCC, then you’ve got to try their take on the third-wave coffee trend: UCC Clockwork. Dubbed by many as the upgraded version of UCC—they offer a more extensive menu with various coffee variants, trendy dishes and even alcoholic drinks. And with its rustic and homey interiors, you’ll feel comfortable enough to work the day away.
Equatorial Coffee
F. De la Rosa, Katipunan, Quezon City | (02) 3660241
Katipunan kids will realize they’ve got it real good—if only their gaze gets slightly off the beaten track. Finally, there’s no need to travel all the way to Makati just for Yardstick’s awesome, specialty coffee. Equatorial’s brews are from the same group, and they’re serving it in a lovely study nook. It’s tucked in an alleyway, which makes finding it all the more worth it. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet along with great coffee and luscious waffles.
Commune Café
36 Polaris Street, Poblacion, Makati | 09337200241 | Facebook Page | Website
Although famous for adorable 3D latte art, Commune Café is much more than that. They provide a bright, welcoming space that encourages sharing of ideas. If you’re looking for brain fuel, Commune definitely has that covered. They pair great Pinoy coffee with tasty Filipino dishes. Once you finish with work, reward yourself with Commune’s decadent dessert—a warm cookie shot topped with a generous scoop of Carmen’s Best ice cream.
Writer’s Block
The Alley at Kirrivin,2316 Chino Roces Ave., Pasong Tamo, Makati | 09175358283 | Facebook
Makati-yuppies may be wondering why Local Edition hasn’t appeared in this list yet. But, actually, the only reason for that is Writer’s Block—a new third wave coffee shop that’s also from the same creative hands. The quality of their coffee is unquestionable, but if you’re looking for something stronger, their caffeinated cocktails just might do the trick. Try to catch one (or five) of the many classes they hold, too.
Habitual Coffee
2135 Chino Roces Avenue, Legaspi Village, Makati City | 09175741119, 09178255293 | Facebook Page
Habitual Coffee’s short yet well-curated menu serves as a reminder that, indeed, quality is better than quantity. Baristas passionately brew each cup of Joe, so you can be sure you’re getting the good, hand-made stuff. To go with your chosen caffeine-source, Habitual Coffee offers extraordinary sandwiches and almost-too-pretty-to-eat desserts.
Their impressive food and drink line-up is perfectly-complemented with an industrial and minimalist interior. Your surroundings will be so simple yet functional that you won’t be distracted from beating your deadlines.
What’s your favorite café for getting productive? Sound off below!