caffera photo + café

2/F Doña Zenona Suites, 54 Maginhawa Street, U.P. Village, Quezon City
Mon-Sun: 10 AM-12 MN
Instagram: @caffera_ph

friday's 10 happy things

It's Friday! And I have time to make this list! This alone makes me happy. 

As I was remembering what transpired this week to put in this list, I realized that most of the things that made me happy are not things that I actually experienced, but more of my fandom sightings. I am such a fangirl of many things and this is probably the main point of this blog: to gush. Because I cannot shut up about the things I love.

1. Seeing Jun Ji Hyun photos and gifs from a Korean award show. 
2. Finally got my Ilford Delta 400 scans from the lab, which took me 4 months to finish and 1 month to develop. I had it developed in Studio 58 c/o Fuji Megamall. Thank God they showed me first the contents of the CD before clearing the transaction because when I checked, the photos and negative belonged to somebody else! Qué horror.
3. New Tinamy photos.
4. Having a person who knows you.
5. Alicia and Sam together. Why don't you throw in Adele in there too, if it's not too much to ask?
6. WLPPR.
7. I have been cooking for myself more often. I really enjoy experimenting even though it's not always a success. My favorite so far is sautéing butter, garlic, thyme, shrimp, and then putting soy sauce, honey and Nando's peri-peri sauce together with it, and then topping it all off to angel hair pasta. Haha it's my go-to comfort food lately.
8. Casually started to drop by Bakers Fresh before catching the train, and eventually turned it into a routine. The smell of their bread -- mmhmmm.
9. Walking Kimi around after months of not being able to do so. 
10. Eating isaw and drinking ice cold coke from plastic. Sarap!

Friday's 10 Happy Things Blog Link-up

back at cafe antix

CAFE BRETON

During my 10-minute walk from the bus stop to our office building, I get to pass by Cafe Breton every morning. Each time I see a glimpse of this French-inspired coffee shop, I wonder how lovely it would be to sit inside and be served with those pretty porcelain china (or whatever is the proper term for those). I always tell myself, "one of these days."

And that one day came, gladly, right before my scheduled interview for a post-grad application. The pressure was getting into my head at this moment obviously, but the company and ambiance relaxed my uneasy nerves somehow. Their mango crepe has the perfect combination of light, tangy and delicious! Although their coffee was not served as hot as expected, I would not think twice on trying them again, one of these days :)

I did not make the cut, by the way.

Prior to the interview (and exam), I had a year to think about applying first. For a year it became this dark cloud hovering my sanity, and was one of those would I/should I things I had to decide for myself. I ridiculously spent months thinking and questioning my ability to commit into something I was so unsure of. Anyway, the bottom line is, I had to know. And I will not ever know if I never try.

I've tried, and although failed, I cannot explain the wave of relief this has brought me. I may or may not try again in the future. For now I rest my head on the thought that, failure cannot humiliate someone who has tried.

Happy end of the weekend to you :)

CAFFE BENE

At last, I have found my favorite coffee shop chain and branch! Caffe Bene (Korean-based) inside the SMX Convention Center.

I was coming out of the building when I passed by it and was immediately caught by the wooden interior (again, I know) PLUS the sight of only three to five customers at that time. Thought it was the perfect place to just read a book and pass time with a cup of coffee, without having to hear other people's conversation at the next table, so I wrote a mental note to visit it one time. I know they are are not libraries, but nothing annoys me quickly than a bunch of loud people at coffee shops (just the thought of it annoys me now).

So on one free afternoon, I brought a book, went and had a great, quiet time by myself. There was more people than the initial, but nothing that would distract me compared to if I was on Starbucks or CBTL. Couldn't be more impressed when I ordered a cup of cappuccino and thought that it was the best I have tasted so far. It was a perfect match to my book at that time :)

P.S. I love Rainbow Rowell's Attachments! Beth and Jennifer's email exchange are so funny :D Can't remember the last time smiled and laughed with a book. I was instantly captured by Rainbow Rowell that I just purchased Eleanor and Park yesterday, and I cannot wait to dive on her story again :)

NEW LEAF BOOK CAFE IN BLACK AND WHITE | TWO

I knew that my Pentax KX has a busted light meter but still bought it anyway because from my experience in using a camera that has got one, I found shooting with a light meter less efficient. I believe exposure still lies in personal preference, and it's wonderful when you think about it that way, because you get to see how diverse and dynamic shooting with film can truly be.

I think shooting with black and white film gives you more liberty than any other because it is, again, very forgiving when it comes to exposure. This set has both under and over exposed shots which gives room for a relatively-newbie like me to still learn and study setting proper exposure.

View the first set here.

CAFE NORITER | THREE

 

As much as I visually enjoyed the quirkiness of Cafe Noriter, I simply did not enjoy their Coffee Jelly at all :( It was too bland. Despite this, I'm still willing to try and visit them again :)

Cafe Noriter One | Two

CAFE NORITER | TWO

Cafe Noriter is such a full-on house of quirks! I almost finished an entire roll of film snapping the cutesy stuff that I'm sharing the photos in three parts :)

This Korean playground in Taft, Manila reeks of teenage youthfulness. We took advantage of the emptiness of their two-storey seats where you can freely sit, or as how we did, sprawl on the floor (I know someone who did more than sprawl haha). I was delighted that the place had only about two small groups of students scattered around the back on a Saturday, so I was able to take photos much to my heart's content.

NEW LEAF BOOK CAFE | IN COLOR

Among the famous temples and ancient architecture, I also made sure that we get to visit at least one coffee shop in Siem Reap. I researched two, just in case there was still time, but we circled the Old Market Area twice and didn't find Sister Srey Cafe which supposedly was our first choice.

Doing my homework in researching before a trip pays off in times like this. *pats self on the back* We found the second coffee shop tucked in 75 meters east of Old Market: New Leaf Book Cafe. It's a restaurant and bookshop in one, and occasionally a space for events like social talks, workshops and movie nights. Book coffee shop with a purpose!

What a perfect way to start the morning of our last day in Siem Reap :) We ordered a usual breakfast platter with hash brown, mushroom, bacon and scrambled egg, but what really took my appetite to a roll was their noodle soup. Tasty and flavorful to the palate, warm and comforting to the stomach. I should also not forget to say that they have the friendliest and most polite staff! :)

And what would a great morning be without a cup of rich Cambodian coffee! Quiet moments like these are the ones that I sincerely enjoy and make sure to keep and relived for years to come. I hope my short yet blissful memory of Cambodia will never cease to haunt me. 

Facebook

CAFE NORITER | ONE