March 2003
Destination: Manila

Gaga Over Java,
Cuckoo for Coffee
by Pia Puno

"Isn't it possible to get a cup of coffee-flavored coffee anymore in this country? What happened with coffee? Did I miss a meeting? They have every other flavor but coffee-flavored coffee. They have mochaccino, frappaccino, cappuccino, al pacino... Coffee doesn't need a menu, it needs a cup."-Denis Leary

Hi I'm Pia, and I'm a coffee addict.

And it doesn't help either that there are coffee shops just about everywhere. But I'm not complaining; I'm not about to quit anyway. Starbuck's Coffee. Seattle's Best. San Francisco Coffee. These are just some of the famous-name coffee shops that infest every street corner. In certain places these shops can be found right next to each other even. As if it wasn't hard enough to pick a single drink amidst all the choices, now you have to pick which shop to drink from! The proliferation of coffee shops, what triggered this craving for a complicated cup of joe and the thirst for a jolt of java?

Atmosphere.
It is calm and relaxing, just as the beverage it offers is strong and intense. With its delicate aroma, dim lights, and, sometimes even, a soft, soothing music on the background, it can serve as a haven from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even for just a few hours. Conducive for studying, working, stimulating conversations, and even just for lounging around on those big comfortable couches, it's no wonder that these places call out to many people.

People.
Artists with their black turtlenecks and berets, students reenacting the "Friends"-sitting-pretty-in-Central-Perk scene, and yuppies with their ties and laptops, more often than not fill these places as opposed to the generation who still prefer their simple black coffee, for the reasons mentioned a while ago.

Choices.
As tedious a task it is to single out a drink with so much to decide from, it is equally gratifying to know that the Grande-hot-café-latte-with-a-splash-of-vanilla-syrup-topped-with-non-fat-whipped-cream-sprinkled-with-nutmeg-powder-and-smothered-in-chocolate-syrup you have in your hand is a drink that is your own. Plus, there are biscottis, cheesecakes, cookies, and the whole sweet deal laid out for you to choose from to compliment your unique beverage.

Name.
There is just something so different from walking around with a small Starbuck's paper cup in your hand, as opposed to a large plain Styrofoam cup, though knowing they're just the same cup of black coffee.

Back to top

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