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Coffee, cafe, kape...Whatever you call it, it is known worldwide. Once confined to the cupboards of homes to wake up the sleep-deprived household members, coffee has become a niche drink in the Philippines. Dozens of small coffee shops have sprouted across the metropolis and these have become cool places to hang out. For some cafes are places for social bonding. Agroup of four CSB students who have made Starbucks their weekly jaunt say that it has become a place for them to be together while talking and enjoying their Fraps. Mentioning cafes also conjures images of artists sipping their drinks melancholically while pondering thoughts and dreaming up their new creations. One night, when a group visited Seattle's Coffee, we encountered a lively group of artists discussing their latest product. Kiko, one of the artists from this group, believes that the environment is very conducive.

Starbucks
Starbucks is best known for its Frappucino - a sweet coffee drink with crushed ice that packs major calories. Aside from its original Frappucinos, Starbucks now has Green Tea Frappucino topped with whipped cream. Their Belgian Waffles also warrant a try.

Seattle's Coffee
Seattle's Coffee is the café most similar to Starbucks. They are designed somewhat similarly, and are both populated by teenagers and young urban professionals at night. It is best not to miss out on their white mocha drink.

Figaro
Among Philippine-based companies, Figaro was among the first to jump on the coffee bandwagon. Figaro provides a good variety of hot and cold coffee concoctions. Like most cafes, it has the requisite pastries. But it goes beyond this and serves salads, sandwiches and pizzas.

San Francisco Coffee
San Francisco Coffee has a very homey and laid-back vibe to it. It is well-lit and decorated in hues of greens and red. It has many comfortable sofas where you can plop on. Like Starbucks and Seattle's Coffee, it has a wide selection of coffee drinks. However, when it come to real food, you are limited to pastries. Try their chocolate Danish.