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THE MATURE MANILA CAFÉ SCENE WHEN I FIRST VISITED Manila almost four years ago, I was shocked to find American-style coffee bars everywhere, mostly because there were American chains that moved into the capital of the Philippines quite early on. I think the reason the Philippines was among the first places on the Pacific Rim for the large chains to experiment with expansion was the genuine love most of the locals have for America and Americans; most Manilans speak English. Starbucks and Seattle's Best exploded here early. On my visit back to Manila in August, however, I noted that a great many things had changed. Yes, the big American players were still thriving, but the day I spent exploring Filipino chains was encouraging. The quality of the coffee served in most of the places was good, and the ambiance was unique and local. SOME OF THE LOCAL FLAVOR INCLUDED: Bo's Coffee: The premier local player with almost 50 locations. Really good coffee, good baristas, and this chain is not only in Manila but has also expanded to many of the outlining islands. Café Mary Grace: My personal favorite. Café Mary Grace was warm and inviting. The food and dessert menus were extensive, and all excellently prepared. But what stuck with me the most was the very unique island ambiance. The brand is growing quickly with 17 stores already. Sonja's Cupcakes: With four outlets, Sonja's Cupcakes is known both for great coffee and great—what else?—cupcakes. Figaro Coffee Company: This four-café chain is super upscale and promotes coffee from the Philippines. Café de Lipa: Their Batangas Coffee is the best of Philippine Robusta, and no wonder: the three-outlet Café de Lipa serves coffee grown on the owner's plantation and roasted on-site. Echo: This one-off café resides in a double storefront with a hip organic produce store and deli in the adjoining space. Good coffee with a very cool, coffeecentric owner. Craft Coffee: This place is run by three young guys who have a huge passion for coffee. They are micro-roasters doing "the Portland thing," and seem to be shaking up the local scene. Kuppa Tea + Coffee: This was another of my favorite spots. With three cutting-edge stores, Kuppa roasts its own Philippine Arabica coffee, but also offers coffee from different origins. I loved the chic vibe of their stores that would fit very well in Manhattan. —Bruce Milletto www.baristamagazine.com 43 SHOW HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE 200 EXHIBITION BOOTHS OVER 75 CLASSES & WORKSHOPS AMERICA'S BEST COFFEEHOUSE EASTERN CHAMPIONSHIP AMERICA'S BEST ESPRESSO EASTERN CHAMPIONSHIP LATTE ART WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OPEN TEST DRIVE THURSDAY FRESHMAN CLASS – 1ST SOURCE NEW PRODUCTS TIME ATTENDEE PROGRAM THE BEST BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN IN PERSON REGISTER TO ATTEND, COMPETE OR EXHIBIT @ COFFEEFEST.COM OR CALL 800-232-0083