Precynct
By Alessandra Sy and Bea Nazareno, Year 12

Precynct is a newly opened Melbourne - inspired café in Pasig. Upon hearing the abstract name, we assumed that it was going to be just another pretentious wannabe hit that attempts to attract all the hipsters. However, we thought that the point of this column was to review different cafés in the Metro (regardless of our perceptions), so we gave it a shot. Seeing the sign outside, we had a bad feeling; it seemed dark, and the location was secluded in a corner where you wouldn’t see it if you weren’t looking for it. But as soon as we stepped inside, we were proven wrong. Based on our experience, we can confidently say that Precynct is a rising café to look out for in Manila, and has solidified itself in our 

top favourites!

 Coffee

We asked the woman who was serving us what her personal favourite was off the menu. She told us that for hot drinks, it was the Bitter Burnt Better, and for cold drinks, it was the Precynct Iced Coffee. The Bitter Burnt Better is made up of "thirsty" espresso, burnt local honey, and steamed fresh milk. What set this apart from the other cafes that we have been to was the fact that the coffee was served with mole bitters: a combination of alcohol, water, cacao, paprika, and spice. The waitress added 5 drops of this onto the foam of the coffee, which burnt the area it touched; the taste was unique and delicious. The Precynct Iced Coffee is the cafe’s best seller and contains Yardstick 12-hour cold brew, fresh milk, rose water, and ground cardamom. Personally, what made this beverage stand out is that it didn’t taste watered down in the slightest, not even as time went on and the ice melted. Refreshing and strong, it is definitely a must try. 

 Price
The beverages at Precynct are a bit pricier than those at your average coffee house, but to be perfectly honest, it is worth it. Its most affordable non-alcoholic beverage is the Small Victory, which contains warm and fluffy milk, chocolate dust, sprinkles, and homemade marshmallow. It comes at the price of ₱90. Its most expensive non-alcoholic drinks come at the price of ₱280. One smoothie contains cacao, berries, banana, and house almond cashew milk; the other is made up of mango, banana, chia seeds, and house almond cashew milk.



Atmosphere 
Precynct’s atmosphere is very relaxing and will easily put you in a good mood. Aside from the smiling staff (who were lovely), the background music has a pop feel paired with an indie-rock cadence - uplifting and lively. The ambience of the café can take you away from social media, and centralize your attention to the one you’re with. It’s perfect for catching up with a friend.

 





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Find Precynct at Ground Floor, The Grove Retail Row, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
Closed on Monday, Open on Tuesdays to Sundays at 10AM to 6PM
Follow their social media accounts:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @Precynct

 

COMMUNE
By Alessandra Sy and Bea Nazareno, Year 12

Commune has always been one of our favourite places to hang out in. When it closed down a few months back, we were devastated. However, upon learning that they were relocating, we were more than ecstatic and had high expectations for its renewed opening.

The old location was smaller, and had different styles to its interior. Although it was quaint and quirky, it came across slightly hectic. The new location is much more spacious and has a consistent style throughout the space, whilst still keeping its warm atmosphere. Since relocating to the heart of Makati, the new Commune has come back even better than before.


Coffee
What sets Commune apart from other small cafes is undoubtedly its 3D latte art. Its cappuccino isn’t only Instagram-worthy, but it also appeals to the taste buds of coffee lovers everywhere. Its signature cappuccino is neither  too sweet nor too bitter, and definitely a must-try. If you want your coffee to be on the sweeter side, the Café Mocha may just be the drink for you. Although it comes with 2D art instead of 3D, it is still pleasing to the ‘gram aesthetic!





Cuisine + Menu
Commune’s cuisine is traditional Filipino breakfast food, served throughout the day. Easily, we recommend the Beef Tapa or the Chicken Tocino. They’re not on the menu, but they’re still some of their most popular dishes. Dessert-wise, their Carmen’s Best Cereal Milk ice cream definitely takes the prize. This can be enjoyed on it’s own, or with a cookie. More recently, Commune has some new additions to their menu, like cookie shots, which pairs just as well with the ice cream. Tasting authentic and homemade, Commune’s food reminds anyone who grew up in the Philippines of home.



Price
Surprisingly, Commune’s food comes at low prices. Its most expensive dish is Pollo all’agrodolce over rice at 255 php, and their most expensive non-alcoholic drink is the Iced Mocha at 165 php. And their most affordable dish is 75 php for a cupcake, and, saving the cash in your wallet, its low-cost non-alcoholic drink is 90 php for an espresso. It’s the perfect hangout spot for anyone on a budget!





Atmosphere
Commune’s atmosphere is very relaxing and productive. The music plays at the perfect volume for you to be able to  concentrate on your work and jam out at the same time.

Plus, the wi-fi’s a big bonus.

INTERVIEW 

with Iñigo Alvero, one of the business partners

How long have you been working for Commune?

I’ve actually been helping my friend out in the old one whenever I’m free, a couple of months last year. So when we opened this new one in September, I came in as a business partner.

Why do you think people love Commune so much? Why do you think people come back?

Our strength is really in the coffee, so that’s number one. I think a lot of people go for the ambiance, they like the design, for the aesthetic. We also get a lot of good reviews for the service, the staff are mostly friendly and we pretty much know the regulars.

What has working in Commune taught you?

One thing I’ve learned is that the way you do business now, you really have to have a strong online presence. We don’t really do advertising and whatnot, but we do get a lot of posts with our 3D Cappuccino art. So mostly word of mouth.

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Find Commune at 36 Polaris corner Durban Streets, Poblacion, Makati City
Open on Mondays to Saturdays at 10AM to 6PM and Sundays at 11AM to 6PM
Follow their social media accounts:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @communeph