Did you know that Filipinos are the second largest consumers of coffee in Asia, behind only Japan? This goes hand in hand with cafés becoming the ideal spot for remote work and as a third place where people chill and hang out. Shangri-La Plaza celebrates the Filipino coffee culture and its evolution from a simple beverage into a social ritual that enable relaxation and connection by brewing up events and activities that delight all the senses.
The festivities kick off with the Coffee Library at the Grand Atrium, giving visitors an inviting and multi-sensory experience showcasing the best of the local brews, complete with books, displayed art, and cozy seats. Coffee geeks can also check out Shang’s educational exhibit detailing the history and science of coffee as well as its influence and impact in many aspects of life and art.
Pair an espresso or a latte with an enlightening chitchat at Tingin Southeast Asian Film Festival. A showcase of a remarkable list of films from the region, the festival wraps up with Kape at Pake happening on August 18, 7PM at the Red Carpet Cinema. Held in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Kape at Pake promises an engaging discussion on ASEAN cinema served with your choice of brew on the side.
No café experience is ever complete without music, and the right sound even makes every cup more enjoyable. Enjoy a cuppa as LIVE at the Shang! presents Filipino band Cheats on August 25, 6:30PM to round out the month-long celebration of Filipino coffee culture with a blend of indie music, pop rock, and alternative rock. The 7-piece band includes Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona, the musicians/coffee aficionados behind the cozy Kape-Kape by Linya-Linya café at the inclusive play space Puddy Rock.
Every day is the best time to grab a cup of joe at Shang with its impressive roster of coffee spots: savor the popular sea salt latte at harlan + holden coffee opening soon at the Streetscape, get refreshed with an iced yuzu americano at MUJI Coffee Counter, sample freshly roasted beans with unique notes such as S’mores and Deathwish at Candid Coffee, explore proudly Filipino beans at Department of Coffee, or enjoy the beloved Woolly blend from Toby’s Estate. For more familiar names, head over to Starbucks, support more local favorites from Filipino chain Bo’s Coffee, and Figaro, or soak in the hotel lobby ambiance of UCC Mentore.
Get inspired by Shang and celebrate your love for everything coffee with a lineup of activities and cafés that remind us how a simple drink has given us delightful ways to recharge or slow down and enjoy every moment and connection one sip at a time.