I’ve long wanted to ask this, “What’s the inspiration behind 32 Umber’s design?”

Every time I pass by this boxy coffeehouse near Grand  Convention Center (Cebu), it makes me take a double take. Seriously, always.

So one day, I finally gave in to my curiosity and checked out what this space has to offer.

The Coffee Haunt with Brennan

On our first visit, Neil and I thought of inviting Brennan, a good friend, self-confessed coffee person, and 2015 Best Cebu Food Blogger. Check out his intriguing Instagram and thriving corporation – they’re really cool.

This is what I ordered: a chocolate brownie and coffee brewed with a Hario V60 (we have one at home so I know it is better). Aeropress is another option. Both preparations take some time so be patient. You’ll love the result. You can also watch the barista while she brews a cup for you! How charming is that!

This coffee date was more than 20 weeks ago, I barely remember what we talked about – travels, past and future, I suppose. We talked and talked all afternoon until evening, then we left the shop around 7pm and began searching for a good spot for dinner at Escario street. It was Brennan’s area so we let him decide where to get supper.

Brennan heard of an Italian coffee place opening that day but alas(!), it was reserved for VIPs. Coffee culture is indeed booming in Cebu city.  If we don’t keep up with the newly opened cafes around, we will lag behind in no time. Many boutique coffee houses have come and gone, much to the chagrin of caffeine aficionados.

I hope 32 Umber Café & Co. would stick around.

Talks of Wedding Bells

One 32 Umber experience has led to another. Whenever someone asks for a meet-up where it isn’t too crowded, this coffee place springs to mind.

For instance, when Liezel invited me and Darwin to her wedding, I asked for a coffee date. Talks of wedding bells are a perfect excuse to grab a cup of coffee and catch up. Nobody wants to miss how the guy proposed. Yay!

While they didn’t try the pour-over brewed coffee, they loved the atmosphere, chilled drinks, and desserts. We stayed for hours talking, giggling and laughing but the baristas didn’t seem to mind.

When you enter this intimate coffee shop, you begin to subtly understand its appeal. The owners are passionate about providing a space for people to appreciate coffee at its finest. The crowd is varied.. Some are curious passersby who discovered the cafe while walking to Ayala. Others are avid visitors. Students, yuppies, and I’m yet to see executives frequent this cafe. To me, the vibe is more hip and chic than stern or formal. Just right for casual meetings and heart-to-heart chats.

So Liz and Japheth are tying the knot after waiting for 10 years (or probably longer). Liz, feel free to correct my facts. These adventure-loving couple are so inspiring. They have saved for years for a house, bikes, an awesome wedding and more I couldn’t mention here. Rare souls, indeed.

I look forward to your big day. 🙂

Quick Facts about 32 Umber Cafe & Co.

• Address: The Forum, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City, Philippines
• Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00am – 9:00pm | Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 10:00pm  | Sunday: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Parking: yes; Payment: Cash only
• Instagram | Facebook | Contact: 0932 804 7983