Phil Cafe Naga

Naga City - Dominant in black, white and mint green color, a new coffee shop recently brewed just right in front of Super Metro Gaisano called Phil Cafe. Named after the owner Philip Julius O. Julia, the coffee shop mainly focuses on providing a healthier coffee alternative to "coffeeholics" in the city. 

"Don't panic, it's organic". Written on the black painted bricks inside the shop is the core and essence of the cafe. Phil Cafe uses organic coffee that is, Organo Gold as the base coffee. 

Experience the Healthier Coffee and Tea at Phil Cafe

Hot drinks starts at P45 to P60.  Cold Frappe Drinks starts at P75 to P120. Tea is only for P60. 

About Organo Gold. "Regarded by the Chinese as the “King of Herbs” or the Miracle Herb” because of its ability to help improve the body’s healing capacity and longevity, Ganoderma Lucidum is a medicinal mushroom with a number of natural health-benefits. Ganoderma Lucidum, once reserved for “ROYALTY”, enjoys an honourable place in Asia, where it has been used as a medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years. The scientific name “Ganoderma” is derived from the Ancient Greek   ”bright shiny skin”.  The word “Lingzhi”, in Chinese, means “herb of spiritual potency” and has also been described as “mushroom of immortality”. Read more at https://msocoffee.wordpress.com/ganoderma-benefits/

Guilt-free coffee. There are many health benefits of the Miraculous King of Herbs. To name a few are: It provides more energy and vigor, boosts stamina, clears skin, natural detoxification, improves mental alertness and many more.  Health benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum is also good for weight loss, reduces cholesterol levels, anti-aging and has immune boosting properties, it also helps prevent and fight cancer.

My personal favorite would be the Double Choco. It has a distinct taste from among the different coffee shops I've tried both from the local and international brands. It's not that sweet but not too dark but still "chocolatey". But don't get me wrong, it's still different with mocha, so you have to try it and taste the difference. 

Take your coffee while on a high chair when you're inside Phil Cafe. This actually makes Phil Cafe unique from other coffee shops. There are a lot of chairs on the side of the cafe just in case it's full house inside. 

Black and white artworks. Plus, there's a huge mirror towards the end of the coffee shop where you and your friends can take your want-to-sawa selfies or groufies. 

Pastries in Phil Cafe is something you would want to look forward to especially if you're a fan of Krispy Kreme and J. Co Donuts. Since both of these brands are not yet here in Naga, Phil Cafe will be our source for the meantime, but I guess it will by piece and not by dozen. 

They also have Red Velvet Cupcakes and Red Velvet Whoopie Pies baked by the first lady of our city, Mdm. Farah Bongat.

Other pastries available are Strawberry and Blueberry Muffins and the Ombre Cake from Jaella's Cupcake and Factory.

Kripy Kreme Donuts

J.Co Donuts

All pastries photo are lifted from Phil Cafe Facebook Page.

Whoopie Pie

Ombre Cake

All pastries photo are lifted from Phil Cafe Facebook Page.

If you are  very conscious of your caffeine intake, you might want to visit Phil Cafe along Panganiban Drive. If you're going to Naga's centro, you'll see a huge billboard on the left where it says Phil Cafe and I'm sure you won't get lost. Experience the healthier coffee and "get Phil'd in".

Phil Cafe

In front of Super Metro Gaisano

Panganiban Drive, Naga City

Facebook: Phil Cafe

Instagram: @phil_cafe
Store Hours: 10 am to 10 pm

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Art Event: Adrift

"ADRIFT" 
by Angelo Malanyaon Gretchen Alarkon
in Watercolor, etc

Opening on March 25, 2015 with live performances by Nardong Tutpik, Kalye Dose, Van Navarro (Centerfold), Victor Andrada, 199X, John Pharr Away, Ras Ita & many more.

A benefit exhibit for the indigent children's art workshop.
(In cooperation with CEPPIO-LGU Naga City)

Anthosia Café presents "Adrift: A Watercolor Exhibit" by Gretchen Alarkon and Angelo Malanyaon. Exhibit opens on March 25, 2015 at 8 PM. There will be live performances by various local artists.
Posted by Anthosia Café on Tuesday, 24 March 2015

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Sir Lancelot Cafe and Restaurant

Who is your knight in shining armor? Do you have one? Well probably in Naga, it might not just be a person in your life but also a cafe and restaurant.

The new restaurant in town is named after one of King Arthur's first and greatest legendary Knights, Sir Lancelot. The movie "First Knight" is one of my favorites when it comes to King Arthur's life and Lancelot's as well. Who could ever forget the love triangle of Richard Gere as Sir Lancelot, the great Sir Sean Connery as King Arthur and Julia Ormond as Guenevere.

I asked one of the crew members as to why they named the restaurant after Sir Lancelot, well the very honest answer that I got was "the owner wanted it that way" lol. Maybe I should have asked the owner herself, perhaps next time.

LOCATION: Mayon Avenue, Naga City. Very Near Triboo Grill Mayon Avenue Branch.

THE PLACE: The place itself looks English from the outside. There's a veranda on the second floor, and is very photogenic from the outside especially during a dusky atmosphere right after sunset.

Once you enter the main door of the restaurant, the bar and reception area is right in front of you and a staircase as you turn right is exactly near the doorstep as access to the second floor.  Most of the seats I believe are located on the second floor. The whole second floor is divided into two. The place is very ideal for small group meetings, family occasions and not to mention that it has as an impression of exclusivity, in other words, you can bring your dates here and enjoy quiet moments while eating delicious food. :)

Main entrance

At the veranda

At the second floor. There's not much to see, it's simple with a few wood crafts and displays. The place has an ambient lighting.

Stairs going down, is an access for the crew towards the cashier or kitchen

Since it's two floors and with partitions, if ever you need something, just ring the bell. 

THE FOOD: Sir Lancelot Cafe and Restaurant is an advocate of "no msg" in cooking, this is a plus point for me as I was also raised with the same kind of cooking. The menu offers a variety of choices from appetizers, pasta, entree like pork, chicken, and beef, desserts, coffee, etc. This means there's a lot to try.

Frapp

Avocado Shake

The spaghetti is one of a kind!! It has a different recipe  than that of the classic spaghetti. Definitely it has a distinct taste and flavor. It's a must try. 

Chicken Pesto

BUDGET: Around 120 to 250 pesos per person. Just like any other restaurants, I believe healthy cooking require a little extra from our budget. Serving might look a little small but the taste of the food is really good. 

There you have it, Sir Lancelot will be waiting for you!

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La Mia Tazza Coffee at Legazpi City

Featuring another coffee haven in Bicol..

THE LOCATION:  La Mia Tazza Coffee is located at the 2nd level of Embarcadero de Legazpi. Whenever I go to Embarcadero I see to it that I am able to get myself a coffee from this shop. Not only that I patronize local products, but the coffee serves as an energizer for my drive back to Naga.

THE PLACE: I am able to visit LMT only during daytime, but I bet it's even more relaxing at night. During daytime, the view of Mayon Volcano will keep you company and the sea side ambiance is just great.

Photos taken May 2012

THE COFFEE: Looking for something unique? Order the Pili Tazzino or any other beverage that is uniquely Bicol, with Pili of course. The price is affordable and the taste is competitive. 

Here's a photo of the Pili Tazzino that I ordered. 

Photos shown next were taken last March 2011. La Mia Tazza at dusk is very romantic.

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White Bean

Looking for a BRIGHT new place? Here's something new for coffeeholics. Bean there, done that!

White Bean is the renamed, renewed, and revitalized concept of Trevi Cafe. It's like a person who had a grandiose make over. LOL

coffee, cakes + love

this is so me hahaha

LOCATION: Ground Floor of Nagaland Emall.

THE PLACE: The former Trevi Cafe which was quite dim is now a very vibrant and dainty white-painted coffee shop. Contrary to the color of a coffee bean which is dark brown, this coffee shop made use of the color "white" with accents of blue and pink. Baby colors right? Since the place is white, pink and blue, this is no place named after Rowan Atkinson's character Mr. Bean. Definitely not.

Honestly, I have never visited the coffee shop when it was still Trevi Cafe. I don't know, I just didn't feel like going there. But now?? When I saw some photos of the place posted on skyscrapercity thread, my senses were awakened calling me to visit the place. The whole coffee shop is not yet complete. Photos shown below is just half of the whole place. Nagaland Hotel's lobby is in between the dining area, quite unique right?

View outside, opposite the road is Nagaland E-Mall

See the hotel entrance on the right? The white doors on the right most part is the access to the other half of White Bean (still under renovation)

You can sit here if your alone.

Interesting displays

A miniature couch

THE FOOD: The taste is very competitive enough since the cost it not that pricey (See price list below). Plating is also good and preparation does not take too much time to fill in your stomach. Drinks come in one size only. No short, tall, grande, or venti.

Italian Soda: Green Apple & Cucumber Flavor

Iced White Mocha

Ceasar Salad

Chef's Choice Salad

with mango, grapes and pili nut slices 

See the pili nut?

Creamy Pesto Pasta

yummyness and creamyness pasta! ftw!

plus a complementary cupcake

BUDGET: Php 120 - 200 per person. The coffee is so!!! affordable. The pasta has a huge serving. And I'm excited to try their cakes which will be available soon (according to the staff).

SOMETHING UNIQUE: The ambiance of the place is very different from the usual coffee shops with warm colors. The couches are very comfortable, they make you feel like a prince and princess.

I will definitely go back to White Bean, there's a long queue on the menu to try! So hurry guys, it's not that pricey, very affordable and yet with a very competitive taste. But for the meantime, Bean there done that.

Last week of June  2012 Food Photos

Flavored Iced Tea

Raspberry Italian Soda

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