You know that the Metro Manila summer heat is getting to you when the phrase “Winter is coming” from A Song of Ice and Fire becomes a deep longing from the core of your body and soul. Yes, the heat and humidity can get so intense, the thought of sitting north of the wall getting antagonized by white walkers sounds like a desirable proposition, indeed.
That is why, with the heat and humidity in mind, we decided to scour the city for cool (literally and figuratively) places to hang out with your current read while sipping on something tasty and refreshing. Feel free to tell us where you like to read while beating the summer heat!
Big Bad Wolf
G/F Fairways Tower, 5th Ave cor McKinley, BGC
Looking for a hideout in Fort Bonifacio can be quite tricky, but this one is a sleeper hit waiting to happen. Meet Big Bad Wolf, the perfect place for little piggies who need a place to kick back and devour a summer read. Hidden on the ground floor of a condominium, BBW is so secure in its hipness, it’s not vying for your attention. Coffee, beer, or iced drinks will be waiting. Red riding hoods welcome. Lumberjacks need not apply.
Kuppa (32nd)
G/F Commercenter Building, 31st St. cor. 4th Ave., BGC
Not all coffee shops are created equal, especially those that have their own coffee roasters, like Kuppa in Fort. They’ve got comfy seats, nice big windows, lots of space, and delicious drinks. If summer doesn’t put you in the mood for a hot libation, take a look at their cold offerings such as iced cucumber green tea, Italian lemonade and sodas, and any of the coffees served over ice such as the Nutcracker Latte, which is espresso with macadamia and hazelnut syrup. Expect a deep menu of drinks, including craft beers in good measure.
Craft Coffee Workshop
66 Broadway ave, 1112 New Manila, Quezon City
Word on the street is that Craft Coffee Workshop in New Manila has got some of the best brews in all the city thanks to their micro roastery, arsenal of coffee brewing mojos and elite team of award-winning baristas. We won’t even mention their free wifi, since you’ll be too busy enjoying a good book and the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans. Recommended drink for the summer heat? Ask their barista to surprise you with one of their cold brewed coffees.
Blacksoup Cafe + Artspace Maginhawa
154 Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Blacksoup Cafe + Artspace along Maginhawa St. in Sikatuna, Quezon City is setting itself apart as a coffee shop with a social conscience. It’s called ‘suspended coffee’: for every coffee you buy, they encourage you to pay for a cup and some grub for a needy person, which they will in turn give to those people in need. So you can read a book, have a drink and a snack, and beat the summer heat, all while participating in some fulfilling philanthropy. Not a bad way to spend a summer afternoon.
Epic Cafe
102 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig
The people behind comfort food haven Poco Deli bring you Epic Cafe, a Japanese neighborhood cafe-inspired coffee roastery located in the cool kid magnet of Kapitolyo, Pasig that showcases mainly Filipino-grown coffees. Since it’s summer, you’ll be pleased to know that they have sweet frappe drinks and home made ice cream. Comfy brick and wood interiors await.
Subspace
G/F Grand Emerald Tower, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig
Subspace along F. Ortigas Rd (formerly Emerald Ave.) is what we call ‘Indie K-Pop in a cup’. With a trendy Asian-urban vibe, Subspace is definitely one of the Ortigas district’s most interesting places to kick back and relax. Most intriguing thing on the menu is their Purple Potato Latte, which sounds like it would go well with a book involving strange aliens.
We like CBTL Coffee Bar in the Muji building on High Street for two reasons: it’s got a great view, and it’s right beside the Fully Booked flagship store! This means you have another reason to come pay us a visit!
Tell us, what is your favorite summer reading spot?