Coffeecat– A celebration of coffee and life

“A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.”

After first opening its doors in May 2009 in Torres Street, Davao City, Coffeecat marks yet another milestone with its second branch, this time in Cebu, at the Asiatown IT Park’s newest high-rise development, the eBloc Tower. The Asiatown IT Park branch is Coffeecat’s first foray into the exciting Cebu market. With its passion for coffee and excellence, Coffeecat promises to further enrich the highly developed coffee culture scene in this city already spoiled with choices.  Coffeecat serves the pure goodness of 100% premium Arabica coffee, making it not just another brew in the City.

The name ‘Coffeecat’ is the product of an intriguing play of words coupled with a serendipitous association to a cat-sized mammal called a civet cat, which has a close affinity towards coffee berries.

The concept for Coffeecat was born out of a dream of creating a new type of meeting place –one that mixes modern, industrial, and minimalist elements yet retains a warm and cozy ambiance for good conversations, great beverages and delectable dishes. This is a meeting place that recognizes the Filipinos’ cultural tradition of taking a break from daily workday life and relaxing in the company of others. These, combined with the Italian coffee culture and influence of the North American pastry tradition all came together in the vision of Coffeecat.

At Coffeecat, each beverage is meticulously prepared and carries with it a memory of the taste and sensation inspired by the founders’ travels to other countries. The essence of various origins is captured in each drink to give one that ‘holiday’ sensation of being giddy and lighthearted, perfect for bonding moments with family and friends, making Coffeecat a cozy place for relaxing and celebrating all of those life moments. From precious family time, hearty laughter with friends, some needed alone time with a good book and cup of brew, private discussions with colleagues and sweet moments with a special someone, Coffeecat is a celebration of coffee and life.

Coffeecat is 90 square meters of stylish and chic space which can accommodate a total of 60 guests with its indoor and outdoor seating combined. The café specializes in expertly handcrafted beverages made from premium coffee blend illy®, a careful balance of 9 types of pure Arabica beans from South and Central America, India and Africa which createsthe unmistakable illy flavor always identical in any espresso cup, wherever it is drunk around the world; non-coffee drinks like Avalanche™ Ice Blends and its signature product – Yogo™ Premium Frozen Yogurt in Original or Green Tea Flavors.

Yogo™ is the finest frozen yogurt made with the freshest ingredients, a mixture of fresh non-fat organic yogurt with probiotics and organic skimmed milk.  Yogo™ promotes a positive feeling by serving a delicious tasting treat that is good for both body and mind. With optional fruit toppings available, it can help make up ones 5-a-day diet.

Other products include specialty teas, pastries, light snacks and short orders. Guests may also check their email, download a file before a meeting, or simply browse the internet by logging on to Coffeecat’s in-store free wireless internet service aptly called wireless@coffeecat.

Coffeecat is a lifestyle coffee concept owned and operated by Coffeecat Corporation. For more information, please visit www.yourcoffeecat.com .

COFFECAT MISSION, VISION, VALUES

Our Mission: To delight people we meet and serve. To offer the best coffee experience through our quality products and customer service.

Our Vision: To be a reference for coffee culture and excellence. An innovative company offering only the finest products.

Values we keep in mind:

Quality – We are committed to providing only the best quality food and customers service standards possible.

Customer Focus – We will create an atmosphere of hospitality in which the needs of our guests are met and consistently exceeded.

Our team as One – We value and celebrate teamwork as a source of strength. We strive to provide a supportive work environment that promotes teamwork, respect and dignity for one another.

COFFEECAT PRODUCTS

Yogo™ Premium Frozen Yogurt

Yogo™ Premium Frozen Yogurt prides itself in creating the finest frozen yogurt made with the freshest ingredients. We make it using a mixture of fresh non-fat organic yogurt with probiotics and organic skimmed milk.

Yogo™ promotes a positive feeling by serving a delicious tasting treat that is good for both body and mind. With optional fruit toppings available, it can help make up ones 5-a-day diet.

Yogo™ Premium Frozen Yogurt can be enjoyed in Original or Green Tea flavor.

THE MORE, THE MERRIER.

Available in Small, Medium, Large and Pint Sizes. Frozen Yogurt this good is meant to be shared

Toppings Fruit, Dry, and Liquid

fruit toppings

Mango ●Banana ● Pineapple ● Blueberry ● Strawberry ● Kiwifruit ● Mandarin Orange ● Peach Red Ruby Cherry ● Grape

dry toppings

Mochi ● Special K ● Meuslix ● Butterfinger ● Reese’s ● Fudge Brownie ● M&M Minis Oreo Cookie ● Desiccated Coconut ● Granola ● Crushed Graham ● Sliced Almond

liquid toppings

Organic Honey ● Chocolate Sauce ● Caramel Sauce

Yogo on Waffle

your choice of frozen yogurt flavor with the addition of optional toppings set on a bed of belgian waffle.

ESPRESSO DRINKS

OUR COFFEE

A careful balance of 9 types of pure Arabica beans from South and Central America, India and Africa creates the unmistakable illy flavor: always identical in any espresso cup, wherever it is drank around the world.

Producing the world’s finest tasting coffee requires an exacting balance of subtle, aromatic nuances; a blending of acidic, sweet and bitter notes, in order to create the distinctive illy taste. illy’s rich body envelopes the palate, creating a pleasant tactile sensation as it paints the tongue. Numerous flavors ranging from fruity to flowery with traces of chocolate, caramel, hints of almonds and honey, all blend sweetly together. Even those who prefer sugarless coffee are sure to be more than gratified by the end result.

Available in:

REGULAR AND DECAFFEINATED

AVALANCHE™ ICE BLENDS

YOGI ORGANIC TEA

Yogi™ teas are created with purpose using masterfully blended ingredients that support your mind, body and spirit. Our philosophy is rooted in Ayurveda, which combines natural therapies with a balanced approach to overall health and well-being. We invite you to experience all that Yogi has to offer and achieve balance and joy in every aspect of your life.

Yogi™ tea is part of Golden Temple of Oregon, LLC in the United States and is imported and distributed in the Philippines by Coffeecat Corporation.

MANAGEMENT PROFILES

JC R Tan

President and General Manager

• JC Tan was named president, Coffeecat Corporation in March 2008. He is responsible for all of Coffeecat operations and is committed to ensuring that the Coffeecat Experience is delivered to customers and team members (employees), combining a passion for the best quality coffee, served in a superb in-store environment.

• Prior to the founding of Coffeecat, JC had working stints as guest service officer at Intercontinental Hotel Manila, chef apprentice at Yes Thai Restaurant in Chicago and Kitchen of Porta Via Italian Foods in Pasadena, California. JC earned his degree in culinary arts at the Philippine School of Culinary Arts in Cebu.

• He is 24 and lives in Davao.

Eugene R Tan

Vice President and Director for Finance

• As vice president for finance, Eugene Tan is focused on the business and financial strategies, decisions, and execution that will deliver on Coffeecat short and long term strategies.

• Eugene graduated from De La Salle University Manila with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with specialization in Applied Corporate Management.

• Before joining the company, Eugene worked for several years in various fields of consumer credit, banking, and international trade, for HSBC in the Philippines.

• He is concurrently working as director for a telco distribution company based in southern Philippines.

Marie Peluchi R Tan

Corporate Secretary and District Manager for Cebu

• Marie Peluchi Tan, in the newly created role of district manager for Cebu, is responsible for the operations management as well as the marketing and product strategy for Coffeecat in Cebu.

• As district manager, Marie leads a team of dedicated administrative jobholders ensuring the smooth overall operations of the Cebu branch.

• Marie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Cebu Doctors University, and a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of the Visayas – Gullas College of Medicine.

• Marie has recently relocated to Cebu.

ACROSS SOCIAL NETWORKS

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yourcoffeecat

• The Coffeecat Tumblr: http://www.yourcoffeecat.tumblr.com

• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yourcoffeecat

PHOTOS

• Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourcoffeecat

Aside from being a delicious snack with fruits on the bottom, yogurt has great health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B 12. When yogurt is compared to milk, yogurt contains more calcium and protein because of the added cultures in the yogurt. Yogurt must contain active and living cultures to be yogurt. Cultures are composed of unique living microorganisms which are responsible for many of the health and nutritional benefits of yogurt. Now I don’t have to enumerate all the health benefits of yogurt, do I?

Mark your calendars now and get your Frizberry Yogurt: Healthy Lifestyle in a Yogurt!

Last January 28, 2010 I celebrated my 20th Birthday. I was glad it was a clear sunny day yet I felt anxious coz’ I missed my clinical duty. I woke up late so better be absent, that was my special day anyway. I only thought of going out in the afternoon so I went out all by myself, and went to Sto. Niño Church to pray and thank God for giving me another year to cherish. Thereafter, I went to SM to stroll. I was planning to watch a movie all by myself, but then mom texted me that she’s already on her way to Cebu. She was in Manila that time and took a 2 hr travel by plane. She arrived at around 5PM in the airport and was picked up by Fr. Mike (priest), our friend.

I spend my time window shopping while waiting for them. Finally, at around 6PM, they’ve arrived, just in time for dinner, yay! So we then went to Cafe Laguna as Fr. Mike suggested.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by their personnels, took us in our seats, and gave us the menu. Fr. Mike was the one who ordered for us. I was disappointed coz’ I wasn’t able to take photos of their dishes. Mom didn’t told me ahead that she brought the camera with her, tsk3x. I only took some photos right after I get hold of the camera. I was so full not just because Fr. Mike ordered too many dishes but because they were also very tasty. Can’t wait to dine their again.

me and mom

chocolate ice cream for dessert

enjoying my chocolate ice cream..:D

I would like to thank  Fr. Mike for treating us to dinner, to mom who left her seminar in Manila just to be with me on my special day, and to EVERYONE who greeted me on my special day particularly in Facebook, Plurk, and trough text. THANK YOU SO MUCH! This is just one among the few happenings on my birthday and I really enjoyed it a lot.  :) Glad to be tweenteen.

Here are the different diners at SM City Cebu Foodcourt with their brief histories:

GOLDEN BOWL DIMSUM

Golden Bowl Dimsum Express started our by an invitation from an SM Foodcourt tenant friend way back in 1997. It was the first Dimsum in a Foodcourt in Cebu. The name Golden Bowl Dimsum, at that time, came from the existing restaurant business, Golden Bowl City Dimsum Restaurant, “Bowl” for the smaller store, “City” for the big one.

Golden Bowl Dimsum Express offers different variety of traditional Hongkong style Dimsum and other Chinese cuisine. Their Steam Rice is known to most Chinese community as the original and the best tasting Steam Rice in Cebu. Steam Rice is originated here in Cebu. It was created by a Hongkong chef, Chi Keung Leung. It was created only by accident, the oven for baking was out of order and chef was forced to create a new dish to replace unavailable menus.

Steam Rice was and still a hit to the Cebuano Market.

RIC’S BARBECUE

After 15 years of operations in SM Foodcourt, Ric’s Barbecue owner Jingle Benitez-Polotan knows by heart the ingredients for a successful restaurant.

“It’s our food. I know that if your food is good, people will always come back for more even if there are a lot of restaurants around you.” says Benitez-Polotan, before adding “It’s the service also” that matters most to our customers.

Benitez-Polotan knows fully well that this formula works.

Ric’s Barbecue, an unassuming diner located at SM city Cebu’s Foodcourt, sfter all is turning 15 years, a pioneer at the mall which also celebrates its anniversary every November 27th. Over the years, this restaurant manages to stay ahead becuase it serves tasty Filipino favorites such as pochero and barbecue.

She also has SM City Cebu to thank: “It’s good business. We’re happy with SM, how they take care of us. Plus, it can really draw a crowd especially the foodcourt. It’s interesting because the people dining here really have th money to eat as much as they want.”

ISLAND GRILL EXPRESS

Island Grill Express opened its first outlet fifteen years ago at the SM City Cebu Foodcourt. It specializes in Ilonggo and Cebuano dishes with its “siunugba” or grilled meat and seafood as constant bestsellers. Other favorites are their crab relleno, camaron rebosado, tinolang isda, pinangat and La Paz Batchoy.

They are proud to say that they have been constantly in the number one slot in terms of sale. Island Grill Express presently has two outlets in Cebu and three franchised outlets in Davao and soon in General Santos City.

VENETIAN COFFEE BREAK & DESSERTS

Venetian coffee started on October 16, 1998 as a coffee cart at the SM Foodcourt in SM City Cebu following the Italian concept of “coffee-to-go”.

With its growing number of patrons, Venetian Coffee expanded from a small cart to a coffee shop; this time associating its brand with the businessmen & entrepreneur clientele.

Venetian Coffee became a place for business meetings with its wide array of coffee blends and pastries.

On December 11, 1999, Venetian Coffee opened its 2nd coffee shop at the 3rd level of the same mall.

FOUNTAINHEAD

Fountainhead Bakeshop started as Linda’s Bakeshop in the early 70’s and evolved from a home based business to what it is now; an institution of 31 years.

From delicate sponge cakes, to chiffon and chocolate cakes, the bakeshop grew under the enthusiasm of Mrs. Erlinda Francisco who specialized greatly in large tiered cakes for all occasions and home made baked goodies like ensaymadas, leche flans, well-loved brazo de Mercedes and the like…

When the first store was birthed in Manalili St., Cebu City, the flag bearer, Fountainhead Tasty Bread came into being as well. This gread joined the elite force of great tasting cakes and with many other new concoctions, which now contribute to the Fountainhead we all know now. They have many stand-out delicacies from bread, cakes, and pastries enough to wow the customers.

MAMA GIE

Started in 1980 managed and operated by spouses Alfredo E. Costales (deceased) and Virginia P. Costales. The name “MAMA GIE” wa derived from Virgnia’s nickname Virgie or Gie for short and was widely known to friends and peers as “MAMA GIE”.

By July of 1994, the name of the company was called MAMA GIE CORPORATION.

The same year 1994, MAMA GIE Corporation was offered aspace at SM City Cebu Foodcourt. MAMA GIE’s concept of Kapampangan foods was approved. Setting up of a foodstall in SM Foodcourt was a brilliant and wise move of MAMA GIE to corner the market. Indeed, MAMA GIE ranks no. 1 in terms of SALES at SM City Cebu Foodcourt since the 2nd quarter of 1998. The reason for its success, “good food, fast service and quality not to be compromised” is the philosophy they have instituted among their works. The top favorites are Boneless Bangus, Lechon Kawali as well as other top seller menu items.

FISHPORT GRILL

Fish Port Grill Express opened last July 26 of 2009 at SM Foodcourt, SM City Cebu. Fish Port Grill is a seafood fastfood restaurant where they serve mainly tuna dishes. They serve tuna in different ways but they are known for their grilled tuna belly, panga, and tuna bicol express.

Their Grilled Tuna Belly is served with achara. It is marinated for a few hours. Then the tuna belly is grilled and glazed with their special marinade which makes it taste juicy and mouth watering.

For spicy lovers, it is recommended to taste their Tuna Bicol Express. Tuna Bicol Express is served with coconut cream and season with salt and pepper. Minced siling labuyo and spada to make the tuna spicy.

They may be new in the food industry but if you are looking for delicious and inexpensive meal, go to Fishport Grill Express, savor and experience the taste that is distinctively different from the rest!

FIESTA CEBUANA

From the picture of 1st time tourists in search of a place to eat in a 1st time island, Fiesta! Cebuana was born in December 2005. Fiesta! Cebuana serves fine celebration food called from an heirloom of recipes passed on to one of its owners from a great grandmother. Fiesta! Cebuana is happy food, a modest expression of Cebu island happiness. 365 days in a year, one could partake in a true island feast in 365 different ways. Fiesta! Cebuana is love, protected from  generation to generation, as a priceless heritage from the past.

KING WAH CHINESE CUISINE

Travel is always the best way to experience culinary diversity and Mrs. Evelyn Lim can personally attest to this. Her travels to China, Hong Kong and to other countries allowed her to savor the different dishes each country had to offer. Enlightened on the joys one can get from gastronomic delights, she was then inspired to share the wonderful experience to the Cebuano people.

Wanting her dream to become reality, she opened King Wah Chinese Cuisine. Established on May of 1994 at the SM City Cebu Foodcourt, King Wah Chinese Cuisine made sure that it can provide the best dishes at affordable prices garnished with impeccable customer sevice.

Through this delightful food house, Mrs. Evelyn Lim made good with her promise to serve the patrons with authentic Asian dishes that was not only unique but also quite delightful to the palates of Filipinos as it combined the savory taste of Filipino cooking with that of the sophistication of Chinese cuisine.

King Wah Chinese Cuisine will always stand to its vision of serving the people with hot, fast, affordable and exquisite Chinese-Filipino dishes.

SMOKEY’S

Smokey’s was conceived and developed by Pure Foods Corp. in 1982. It specializes in hotdog based food products. The first Smokey’s outlet was opened at the Quad Carpark in Makati City in November, 1982. Provincial expansion began in 1989. To date Smokey’s can be seen in every conceivable corner in the Phils. Especially in malls, schools, hospitals, etc. In the year 2002, Smokey’s is now part of San Miguel Pure Foods Corp.

Smokey’s SM Foodcourt opens together with the opening of SM City Cebu in 1993. Over the years, it has delighted customers at SM Foodcourt, SM City Cebu with its plain hotdog sandwiches an hotdog combinations. A trip to SM Foodcourt is not ocmplete without Smokey’s.

Yummy huh? But unfortunately I wasn’t able to taste those foods except for the Black Forest cake from Fountainhead because I was already full beforehand. So there, it was like we’re having a feast in the SM City Cebu Foodcourt.

Other highlights of the event include the live blogging contest which is to blog about the event. The hosts of the event would be the judge and the fortunate winner of the contest was Michael Sinjin Pineda of the Cebu Bloggers Society. After the contest was the distribution of certificates plus a gift pack from Del Monte to each of the bloggers who joined the event. Of course, I received mine. Thank you so much.

See more photos here.

Last November 9, 2009 we have remembered our great friend’s/brother’s/father’s Special Day. He have been so kind and true to us from the very start. He brought laughter and joy to each and everyone of us.  We have been so blessed for having him in our lives. He is non other than Atty. Ethelbert Ouano.

Let us just consider this post as my post birthday message to him:

As we observe your birthday now,

Your cake and gifts don’t matter much.

These common things aren’t really you,

Ribbons, paper hats and such.

We celebrate a person who

Bring happiness to everyone,

Someone who gives more than he gets,

And fills our lives with joy and fun.

So Happy Birthday, and many more!

We hope you make it to a hundred and two,

Because we cannot even dream

What life would be like without you.

Yesterday, he gave us a belated birthday treat to remember. We, the Cebu Bloggers Society, have been invited to celebrate his special day in a small resto called Cream and Bake located somewhere in Mandaue City, Cebu. Even a small resto could fit the large number of CBS folks. The room was filled with many Christmas decors along with their specialty which were the cakes on display. A long table was placed in the center of the room for us. Much to our surprise, they don’t just serve desserts but they also serve the main courses. All of their dishes were superb.

Here are some of the foods served:

The part where the feast took place:

After our sumptuous dinner, we then headed to Cafe Shang to continue our celebration, around 100 meters far from Cream and Bake. Cafe Shang has a videoke spot so once we got there, all of us were ready with our song numbers. It was our 2nd time in the place. The 1st was after the PBA night. Then, soft liquors were served particularly San Miguel Beer Light and Red Horse. Also, a bottle of Tequila was passed around by Beejing. We totally enjoyed our night until 1:00AM. After which, we went home thanking Atty. Ethelbert for his unforgettable birthday treat.

The videoke session:

THANK YOU ATTY. ETHELBERT! HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!

Photo credit to laagcebu.com.

You can view the full album here.

MAMMA MARIA’S PIZZERIA

AUTHENTIC ITALIANO PIZZA & PASTA

HOME OF THE BIGGEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD

27 Different Pizza Flavors

6 Pizza Sizes 8” to 52”

OPEN 24 Hours

Delivers! Call (032) 417-11-77

June 12, 2009 was the grand opening of Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria in Cebu City branch. We, the members of Cebu Bloggers Society were invited to taste the biggest pizza in the world for FREE! Thanks to Mcbilly for inviting us. We met Ms. Jhay Mont, owner of MMP in Cebu Branch. She’s very sweet and welcomed us cheerfully.

The place was crowded. Some foreigners were there also. Just after a few minutes, a 30” pizza was served to us. They served us different kinds of pizzas. There was Crocodile Pizza-which is the most expensive, Kinilaw Pizza-which really tasted like tangigue kinilaw, Breakfast (Boat Shaped) Pizza-which contains bacon and egg, and I forgot the names of the other pizzas. I could barely remember how many pizzas were served. But there were a lot and were all delicious. We were very stuffed that evening.

Craving for pizza? Hurry! Visit or call now!

Located at:

Cebu City

Gorordo Ave. 888 Building

Open 24 Hours

Phone: (032) 417-11-77

Lapu-lapu City

Mactan Town Center

Open 24 Hours

Open in July

Branches in Negros Occidental:

Bacolod

Open 24 Hours

Phone: (034) 708-92-92

Silay City

Open 24 Hours

Phone: (034) 708-12-38

Kabankalan

Open 10AM-10PM

Phone: (034) 471-38-19

NOW OPEN FOR FRANCHISE

Take a “TASTIE” bite of an EXCELLENT business opportunity

For more info Email: pa@discoverypizzaplanet.com

Home page: www.discoverypizzaplanet.com

Photo credits to Doyzkie and Ken Jesryl.