Hi There

12/06/2025

Hi There, its Hyder!

On a Wednesday in a café, I watched it begin again – Taylor S.
No, babe, this isn’t another love song from Taytay. It’s a new café that just opened last Monday. However, just like the song, in an old place, you can see that the café has indeed had its new beginning.

Hi there, coffee lovers! Want something new? How about something old? Well, why not have both? In this familiar place where you find comfort after a long hospital duty, a loaded school day, or even that hustling, bustling city traffic, a warmer and more welcoming café has opened its doors to you.

Yes, the place is familiar — this new café is located in the former Arya’s Coffee Veterans Branch. While it's sad that they’ve moved out, we’re also excited to try something new. After all, great things often come in familiar places.

Let’s get into the ratings!

I ordered the Laksa Pasta and I’m absolutely giving it a solid 9/10.
Babe, it was good. Can’t give it a 10 because I don’t believe in perfect scores (taste is just so subjective).
Recommendation: I wish the menu already suggested spice levels.
Disclaimer: I like it spicy, but hey, we want to be inclusive!

Drink of choice:
Spanish Latte, giving it a 9.9/10. Let’s leave that 0.1% as a safe margin of error. LOL

Pastry of choice:
Are you kidding me? A Pistachio Cheesecake?
I was kinda skeptical about trying it (intrusive thoughts: Is this just another hop on the pistachio trend? Is it even worth it?)
Babe, I gave it a go, and Holy Pistachoi—this slice gave you pistachio in a cheesecake, not just in name.
And you know what I mean.
Solid 9/10, just because it wasn’t too sweet (which I love).

Thanks for the free cookie, by the way, it also tasted so good!
And the price? Come on. You can take home a box of these goodies without breaking the bank.

Disclaimer: Full transparency here – the café is owned by a friend. But hey, honesty is key, right? And remember, taste is subjective. Peace out!

📍 HAYA Café

09/04/2025

Hi there, it's Hyder

And we are born in pairs. - a religious phrase.

Kien pensa? (Who would have thought), that phrase is the best way to describe this new coffee shop in town.

Yes, a coffee shop and an arcade in one. Overwhelming right? Babe, hear me out!

Upon entrance, the coffee shop's modern and clean aesthetic gives you a relaxed vibe to study, talk, socialize, and perhaps, among other things, chill cozily.

Now, the exciting part: imagine the excitement and the chaotic social bliss of being in an arcade while enjoying your daily caffeine dose. Yes, you got it right. This café has an arcade on its second floor(please refer to the photos below), and it also offers alcoholic beverages and up-to-date arcade installation. So, here's the info: the arcade opens at 4 PM and closes at midnight. The entrance fee is 200 pesos, and that gets you eight (8) tokens. So, each token is 25 pesos. Expensive? No, it's just 25 pesos per token. PLEASE, THE PHOTOBOOTH IS TO DIE FOR.

Now, onto the ratings!
For my drink of choice, I opted for an Iced Spanish Latte, and it scored an 8/10.
My Ate tried their coffee special, it was kinda “matapang” can’t rate it as di ko sya na try. (but please do so)
As for the food, the CTY X ARCADE beef tapa earned an easy 8/10. It was tender and the flavor is “saks lang”

Separate appreciation for their humongous and not oily cheesesticks😭😍🫶

In the event that additional privacy is required, conference rooms can be availed.

Verdict? Babe, I would love to de-stress here every day!

📍CTY Cafe - Veterans Ave

08/02/2024

Hi there, it's Hyder!

Long time, no see! How have you been?

I'm wondering if downtown is ready to embrace the aroma of freshly brewed coffee?

Picture this: a quaint café nestled perfectly where coffee spots are a rarity. And guess what? You can indulge in a cup of joe right next to a law firm. Intriguing, right?

Let's dive into it!

This gem of a café is tucked beside Handang Law Firm at Ateneo Lantaka Campus, making it an ideal spot for downtown coffee lovers.

Now, onto the ratings!

For my drink of choice, I opted for an Iced Spanish Latte, and it scored a solid 9/10. Though not perfect, considering its price compared to other spots in the city, it's definitely worth a try. Creamy, not too acidic – just the way I like it.

As for the food, the DWNTWN Gambero Pasta earned a respectable 7/10. It boasted freshness with a burst of flavors from the cherry tomatoes. My only gripe? I wish the spiciness could be customized. Overall, it's a good deal.

Now, onto my favorite – the DWNTWN Penne con Alfredo. It nearly reached perfection with a score of 9.9/10. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked penne – need I say more? It's a definite must-try!

Verdict? Absolutely, I'd revisit in a heartbeat! Imagine relishing delicious bites while waiting for your documents to be notarized – talk about multitasking!

But, of course, there's room for improvement:

1. Expedite the service.
2. Consider self-service options.
3. Expand pastry choices.
4. Enhance seating arrangements for a more comfortable experience.

Remember, this café is freshly opened, and tweaks are part of the journey.

Disclaimer: Full transparency here – the café is owned by a friend. But hey, honesty is key, right? And remember, taste is subjective. Peace out!

Dwntwn Café

16/09/2023

IMBISTI!

To fight and carry on amidst self-doubts, fears, and uncertainty. As future Ignatian lawyers, you hold the spirit of perseverance, grit, and faith.

As the Late Dean Junie said, "Commit to succeed". Hold on tight to your efforts as they paved your journey and made you reach this far.

Power through for we stand beside you to get that dot.

IMBISTI! Arriba AdZU Law!

08/08/2023

01/06/2023

Happy Pride. 🌈

27/05/2023

Hi There,



Have you fed your Soul lately?

Located at Tumaga, Soul Bake is a local coffee shop in Zamboanga City that offers a variety of pastries and several coffee blends originally offered in their café.

This coffee shop is perfect for the gram, giving a clean and aesthetic theme of creme, and white is soulful to the eyes.

Pastries:

Among other coffee shops in the city, Soul Bake serves a variety of Patisserie, and the best part, these treats are baked daily. As such, pastries that remain unsold (selected few) after 9 P.M. will be at a discounted price.

Blends:

Like other coffee shops, this café offers several house blends that they believe are best sellers.

What did I order?

Drink of choice:
Coffee de Leche (5/10) I think the coffee did not live up to its descriptive name as I barely tasted the leche and thought it was just an average 3 in 1 coffee.

Pastry of choice:
Lemon Pound Cake (7/10) I rarely get to eat or taste lemon pound cake in the city due to the few shops or bakery that serves them; however, for that reason, I tried their lemon pound cake, and it was citrusy, as a lemon cake should be, but not moist as I expected it. A 7 out of 10 is a fair rating for the pastry.

Location: too far from the City Proper and to those who reside' on the west side of the city. However, it is pretty accessible since it is visible right across the street. Also, don’t forget that they have a few parking spaces.

Verdict: will I visit again?

Of course, offering such an amount of pastries makes you want to come back to try them all.

Overall Experience 7.5/10

11/05/2023

Hi There,

How has it been?

Are you a sucker for an Instagramable worthy coffee shop?

CHECK THIS OUT Cafe Intana

A roof deck experience whilst enjoying your coffee and pastries in the northeast side of Zamboanga City(PASONANCA) sorry, my Geography is poor. Lol. Worth it? Let’s talk about it.

Well, you have to hike a four-story building to get here. With a Boho-tropical-ish design, this coffee shop is indeed worthy for the gram.

How’s the food?

Ordered Carbonara: I liked how the taste was too distinct and how they made adjustments in understanding the Zamboangeño-Filipino palette. It's a plus for understanding the market. I'd give it an Honest 9.5/10. It was just too creamy, and cheesy, and will leave the .5 for the margin of error.

Coffee of choice: The famous Caramel Machiatto and Blueberry soda(not yet available for order).

The Iced caramel was milky and lived up to its descriptive taste, A coffee caramel drink. It wasn’t too perfect, but I would give it an 8/10.

Note: The blueberry Soda was a taste test, and still working on it. So it wouldn’t be fair to judge it yet. We’ll have to leave it to the management and give the review later once done with their recipe.

Overall experience: 8/10

Verdict: Will visit again? Definitely.

Disclaimer: This is owned by a friend. Regardless, I have to be honest. 😘😍☺️

08/05/2023

Hi There,

How's your Lash?

Amongst all the Lash extension services in Zamboanga, which one for you is the best?

Let's talk about it:

I will be revealing my top 5 best lash extension services from several shops here in Zamboanga, which includes the type of lashes and the longevity of the products, with the same amount and type of aftercare.

📸CTTO

27/04/2023

Hi There,

Study and Coffee?

The Market for Coffee X Study in the City has been overwhelming. The spontaneous development of café establishments and continuous patronage of Zamboangeneous for Coffee and comfort while studying, working, and anything in between has attracted several business owners to establish the best Coffee shop in the city.
Today, Let's Check out The Library Zamboanga, a coffee shop recently opened nearby Ateneo De Zamboanga, offering drinks and food to taste. However, what makes this Coffee Shop unique among others?
Space:
The coffee shop is cozy, and the ambiance does have a similar mood setting to most coffee shops(Lighting and set up). However, what makes it unique among others is its "STUDY HALL" with such you will be able to enter a secluded place much more convenient for studying with others who have availed the same amenity. However, it isn't for free. You need extra hundred bucks to enjoy your two hours' worth of a supposed noise-free environment to get your job done.

Ratings are based on personal preference and are subjective. (1- Lowest and 10- Highest)
Ratings:

Location: As a consumer, 8/10 (They have few(4 or 5) parking slots.)

Menu: 8/10

Comfort Room: 8/10( Because they have bidet)

Money's worth: 6/10
( Ordered Pasta Alfredo, and it was bland)
(Coffee of choice: Caramel Macchiato 5/10)
Wifi connection: 9/10
(it was fast. leaving 1 point for the margin of error. haha.)

Recommendation: they should keep the "Study hall" free from noise, considering extra cash is needed to get in. I mean, it would be reasonable if they would impose a few rules to tone down customers who are too noisy to be in the same room.

Will I be back?
Verdict: Uncertain. But worth it naman e try. 🥰

Also, I am not really sensitive with Gender Pronouns but their staff needs to be senstive para sa iba. 🥰

20/03/2023

Hi There,

is happening soon.

Unfortunately, due to the massive number of multiple purchases from resellers, we blinks are having problems buying tickets due to scalping. Not to mention the scammers who continuously fool us fans and concertgoers.

This post is to teach you how to legitimately check your tickets if in any case that you are buying from a reseller or a scalper.

Here is the step-by-step legitimacy checking:

1. Go to https://smtickets.com/events/view/11815
try to buy a bus/shuttle ticket to the event.

2. Upon purchasing, you will then be asked to choose your desired bus number and schedule.

3. After choosing, you will then be asked to type your promo code(Your Ticket ID Number) the number that has a hashtag( #) with 8 digits.

4. When you can successfully add your desired schedule or the promo code pushed through, it means that your ticket is recognized by SM Tickets.

Good Luck and I hope we will be able to enjoy

11/03/2023

Hi There,

If I were to be asked with the same question:

This could’ve been my answer.

My answer:

The crown tells us that despite its prestige, we must put our feet on the ground. This is why the crown is placed above our head to always remind us that we must possess humility in order to work and be successful in our duties. The crown is an obligation to perform and the people around us will be our mentors in creating positive change to make this unfair world a better place to live in.