I've mentioned on the blog that I did some bulk book buying during the last Manila International Book Fair. I got really inspired to go back to basics and read actual physical books. However, I know I suck at consistently reading my books. And so I thought of a method that would be a win-win to make me read the books + discover new places! I decided to regularly visit new coffee shops and just chill there reading a book. 📖☕And so I started my search for coffee shops around the metro: from QC to Alabang, I searched online for nice cafes to visit some after my work hours and during the weekends!

Dean & DeLuca
128 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village Makati City
Book Read: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Marie Kondo)

This is a very posh cafe, which is borderline to a restaurant already. Because it was just walking distance from my previous office, it was very convenient to just drop by here for some quiet "me time".


Cafe Shibuya
Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati, 1224 Metro Manila
Book Read: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Marie Kondo)

This cafe is actually situated in the middle of the mall alleyway. If you're okay with an open area and is not the type that gets easily distracted with people passing by, then you'll do fine reading in this area. Plus, food here is really great! I super loved their baked salmon 😋(pictured below).




Toby's Estate
G/F, Senta Condominium, 140 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Book Read: Unnatural Creatures (Neil Gaiman)

This is one of the nicest cafes I've visited on this list. It's a bit of out of my usual route, and I really had to schedule the day I visited the place. But I must say, it was worth all the effort. Their cafe is such a nice hideout within the busy Makati district. I've tried their chai latte, and I actually liked it.


Local Edition Coffee & Tea
116 Perea St. Legaspi Village Makati City
Book Read: Unnatural Creatures (Neil Gaiman)

I went to this coffee shop after my office hours. I really chose a day wherein my workload was light so I could time out earlier than usual. That way, I can stay and hang out in the coffee shop for a longer time! And that's what I did! The cafe was a bit small with a few tables available. Just a few groups of friends and solo goers will make the cafe full already. 

Cool Beans Library Cafe
Diliman 67-A Maginhawa St., U.P. Village, Diliman, Quezon City
Book Read: Unnatural Creatures (Neil Gaiman)

This is the only cafe that I got to visit in the North. It was during the time I was studying Korean 1 in UP Diliman. They have Sagada Coffee, which of course I endulged into. This cafe indeed looks like a library because of the shelves of books. I saw at least two people reading!



Exchange Alley Coffee House
Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
I didn't read a book during this time, but instead did some homework I had in my Korean 1 class.

This is a recommended place by a friend, which I actually met up there. The place was smaller than I expected it to be, but it was pretty (very Instagram-worthy, but ironically I wasn't able to take any photos 😅). I super loved their long black coffee - one of the best black coffee I had so far.


The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Frabella 1, 109 Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
Book Read: Unnatural Creatures (Neil Gaiman)

Among all the coffee houses that I got to visit, this CBTL branch specifically became the perfect match for me because of three main factors: it is very accessible, the cafe interior is nice, and it doesn't get too crowded. I have visited this branch more than 3 times to read a book and also to hang out with friends. I also have found my favorite spot inside the cafe.