Sip, Savor, Repeat: BRWD Café & Tea Shop Elevates Affordable Gourmet Coffee in Lilac, Marikina

 

Situated within the bustling heart of Marikina’s Lilac culinary district is BRWD. Coffee and Tea. It offers a wide selection of coffee and tea at highly affordable prices. So affordable that you can have two distinct frappé options and two additional beverages, all at approximately the cost of a single cup from a well-established coffee shop with comparable or better coffee. Greater value for your buck!

 

No kidding!

 

 

Remarkably, within just a year of its establishment, BRWD. Coffee and Tea has expanded to encompass 50 branches. Given its status as a family enterprise, the most prudent strategy would really be to establish additional franchises.

 

And franchise they did as Miss Alex Alfonso, the owner and proprietress of BRWD. Coffee and Tea, Lilac, adeptly oversees this branch with assurance. After all, she is a second-generation owner and franchisee of this family business.

 

With a selection of coffee specialties that appeal to a younger clientele, BRWD. Coffee and Tea has established itself as a popular hangout for young professionals and students in this part of Lilac. The visual appeal of their frappés alone piques interest, so you’d be curiously adventurous to try them out the first time you see them.

 

Concept:

BRWD. Coffee and Tea is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place where folks can come together, share their stories, and truly feel at home in the community. A friendly spot where everyone can savor amazing coffee and tea.

 

Their store design emphasizes a clean, modern, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

 

Store Format: Café available for dine-in or takeout. Continuously refining and enhancing their menu and pricing structure. BRWD. Coffee and Tea will soon be providing updates on their strategies for consistently serving their clientele, as they may soon introduce an online ordering option. The establishment operates from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Sunday.

 

Quirk:

BRWD. Coffee and Tea shares the space with a garment shop, so do not be surprised when you enter its premises. Just the same, this café is recommended for coffee lovers who want to explore their coffee palates without breaking the bank.

 

Specialties:

Discover an enticing selection of beverages designed to satisfy every palate. Indulge in their refreshing iced or steaming hot coffee, rich hot chocolate, delightful frappes, vibrant fruit tea, and soothing milk tea. No matter your preference, there’s something here to awaken your senses and elevate your day! A diverse range of beverages that cater to every taste. They offer iced/hot coffee, hot chocolate, frappe, fruit tea, and milk tea.

 

You should try their pastries too. Their lime-flavored cookies are a delish pair for your frappe.

 

The BRWD Cafe Menu

 

Typical Spend: Php 39-49

 

 

Where:

51A Lilac Street, Marikina

(In front of Puregold Lilac)

 

Contact:

brwd.lilac@gmail.com

Why This Café Is the Next Big Franchise Opportunity for the New Generation

The name “I Want Cofi” was inspired by a simple, everyday craving—the moment when you want something comforting and familiar. While coffee is at the heart of the brand, I Want Cofi was created to be more than just a coffee shop. “It’s a journey in every cup.”

 

At first glance, the cafe may appear as a cute dessert spot where you can hang out and relax. Nonetheless, upon closer inspection, IWantCofi Maginhawa operates a single storefront service similar to one of the Philippines’ largest fast-food restaurants.

 

You can order at the counter, scan its QR code, use the automated machines, all of which offer several options for your convenience, or use the QR code on our secondary photo visual with the IWC Maginhawa logo and address on the lower right of the photo. It’s current, trendy, technological, and intuitive!

 

Definitely, it’s a new storefront with character!

 

IWantCofi Maginhawa is also a fast-food-inspired café enterprise committed to a specific mission. You may enjoy their exceptional and delicious offerings, opt for additional opportunities if you are heavily involved in franchising and interested in advertising and promoting IWantCofi Maginhawa, or both.

 

A mutually beneficial outcome in all circumstances for entrepreneurial minds, motorbike drivers not affiliated with any delivery services, and just about anyone who desires to earn extra.

(Isang kapaki-pakinabang na pagkakataon sa mga utak negosyante, mga driver ng mga motor na hindi konektado sa anumang serbisyo sa delivery, at sa kung sinumang nagnanais na kumita ng dagdag.)

 

Believe me, it’s top-notch marketing savvy! A full-service franchise, a ‘one-stop shop’ right at your fingertips.

 

Moreover, IWantCofi Maginhawa, as a café, operates a POS system unlike any other. By all accounts, it’s modern café comfort. But first, let’s look at what they’re offering!

 

I Want Cofi is a concept that extends beyond coffee. It serves coffee, non-coffee beverages, comfort food, and sweets, making it an all-day café for everyone.

 

First and foremost, they are firm believers that convincing begins with what they provide.

 

Non-coffee offerings include soda juices, fresh juices, frappes, yogurt drinks, and yogurt shakes. Food and desserts include fries, chicken wings, pasta, waffles, and specialty desserts. IWantCofi may add more as it progresses.

 

Mind you, this cafe’s servings are just hefty and delish too!

 

Concept/Theme:

Asian-Filipino Café with Signature Drinks, Frappes & Comfort Food

 

History

I Want Cofi was founded in 2024, with its first location at UG24, Cityland Pasong Tamo, Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.

 

In December 2025, I Want Cofi held a soft opening for their second location at 176 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City. The Maginhawa location is an I Want Cofi Express Shop, which offers quick service, takeout, and delivery options.

 

The moniker “I Want Cofi” was inspired by a simple everyday craving—the desire for something soothing and familiar. While coffee is at the core of the brand, I Want Cofi was designed to be more than just a coffee shop.

 

It's “A Journey in Every Cup.”

 

The people behind the concept are Georgia Gayle Dakokoy, owner. and Bernard Yu, the very unassuming Head of Product Development & Creative of IWantCofi.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Resto Interior:

The interior design is inspired by modern café aesthetics, with warm, cozy elements. Clean lines, soft lighting, and artistic details create a relaxed and welcoming environment.

 

Resto Format:

Dine-in (8 guests). Takeout (50-100 customers/day), Delivery (GrabFood, Lalamove), Online Ordering (QR code).

Facebook Page: lwantcofi maginhawa

Ordering Link / QR: Available via our digital ordering system: scan the QR at the store, or you can use the QR code found on our secondary photo visual with IWC Maginhawa’s logo and address, Top, on the lower right of the photo.

To pay for general, and particular orders.

 

Price Range:

Php P80 – P250

 

Quirk:

A café that lets you dine, relax, and earn if you’re into business or just aim to add a little something to your pocket.

 

Specialties:

Signature Coffee Drinks – Tokyo Boom Latte, IWC Toffee Dream Latte, Vanilla Espresso, Spanish Latte, and more. Frappes & Ice Drinks – Creamy frappe series, Macadamia Nut Ice Espresso, Brown Sugar Soy Milk. Butterscotch Ice, Espresso, Non-Coffee Drinks, Fruit sodas, juices, specialty cold blends. Comfort Food – IWC Crispy Wings in various flavors.

Menu: Full menu available via QR code or Facebook link with a 10% discount on the first two orders.

View to appreciate!

Check options from their Resto Menu

 

Where:

176 Maginhawa Diliman Quezon City, Philippines

 

Contact:

Email: iwantcofi@gmail.com

 

Note: For any interest in IWantCofi franchises, you may contact ronnievivar@gmail.com to schedule an online meeting with the owner. IWantCofi management prefers to meet in person once you’ve decided on a franchise acquisition.

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY

Why Locals Love La Vernice Cafe in Parang, Marikina, for Its Handcrafted Donuts and Comfort Food

It might surprise you to learn that La Vernice Café originally comes from Tarlac. Yes, the farthest branch from the main one is the Parang branch, neatly located at P. Lopez St., along Gen. B. G. Molina St., Marikina, 1809, Metro Manila. It’s just across the side of the Parang Barangay hall and at the back of Dada’s Panciteria.

 

The name was taken from the owner’s daughter, Vernice, so it’s no surprise that the proprietors are a family of food enthusiasts dedicated to providing delectable, well-crafted dishes and beverages at reasonable prices.

 

The Marikina branch maintains the name’s legacy by offering donuts, freshly brewed coffee, and comfort cuisine, all of which are infused with the same warmth and passion. However, this branch operates as a franchise, energized by the vision and drive of  young entrepreneurs at the helm.

 

Known for its handcrafted donuts and specialty espresso-based beverages, La Vernice has a well-loved cafe menu that includes baked breads, frappes, sandwiches, and silog meals. Each dish and beverage is prepared from scratch and is influenced by both traditional and contemporary comfort flavors.

The Visit

 

Concept and Inspiration:

The cafe offers coffee, handcrafted donuts, pastries, hearty meals, and specialty drinks. This branch, however, added an extra.  A Photo Booth. This photo booth recalls the classic 70s Photo Me, now enhanced with advanced touchscreen technology that offers a wider range of photography effects. The interface is as intuitive as a cellphone app.

 

Interestingly, this hi-tech photo booth can be rented out to interested parties for weddings or any other events. It’s 200 for two strips, and rental starts at 18,000 for unlimited photos for 3 hours, fully customizable.

Details as linked.

 

Ambiance/Art Inspiration of Restaurant Interior:

La Vernice Café Marikina’s design combines soft teal, warm wood, and industrial details to create a modern yet inviting setting. The space is designed for relaxation and socialization, with an open bar and pastry display, as well as comfy seating for working or resting.

The café’s signature teal color adds personality and freshness to the space, accentuating the natural warmth of the glass windows and doors.

 

Resto Format:

Café with…

✅ Dine-in

✅ Takeout

✅ Delivery via FoodPanda or DM through third-party couriers

Open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. Cut-off at 8:30 PM.

Quirk:

Check out their LOOKIE Photobooth, the first enclosed smart mirror photobooth of its kind, providing customers with a fun and engaging experience while dining!

 

Location:
P. Lopez St, Along Gen. B. G. Molina St, Marikina, 1809 Metro Manila

(In front of the Public Safety Office, and just behind Dada’s Panciteria)

Note: Google Maps might be correct in the location, but the photo that accompanies it is not. This is La Vernice Cafe’s Marikina entrance.

 

Contact:

📧 lavernice.marikina@gmail.com

👍 facebook.com/lavernicemarikina

📷 instagram.com/lavernice.marikina

🎵 tiktok.com/@lavernice.marikina

 

Typical spend:

P30-250

 

Specialties

🍩 Handmade donuts, with classic and premium flavors

🧈 Endeared pastries like Ensaymada and Cheese Rolls

☕ Signature espresso-based drinks and frappes

🥓 All-Day Breakfast Silogs

🥪🥤 and more snacks and drinks!

 

Check other options from their Cafe Menu

 

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS: FOOD TOURISM—MARIKINA