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. A group 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 G-mag 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
As far as coffee is concerned, the US giant Starbucks is the king. While Starbucks is not found on practically every corner here like the US, it is the most active coffee franchise in the Philippines to date. 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. It

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.

Cafe Breton
Located in Eastwood City, Jack's Loft is a smoky new happening place. When you hear the word café, you immediately think that coffee takes center stage on the menu. But not in Jack's Loft which claims to be an alternative café. It is best known for its desserts which include mouth-watering cheesecakes. It also brings to old-time rivals together by having a good selection of teas.

Cafe Sigafredo
Located in Greenbelt 3, Café Sigafredo is alive whether day and night. Café Sigafredo has a modern design and has lots of stainless steel. Among the cafes we visited at night, it had the most number of kids enjoying their drinks alongside their parents. It truly is a family café.

Sari-Sari Café
The Sari-Sari group never seems to bore of reinventing themselves. The latest in their line-up is a coffee shop located in Eastwood City. The style of the café is minimalist and is reminiscent of the layout of their stores.

Man or woman, child or adult, loner or social animal…There's a café for you in the Metropolis but it may take some searching before you find the café that meets your match. Or perhaps you've already found it and are now sipping your cup of coffee while reading this page.