Spend some quality time with yourself
In our modern, hyperconnected world, it can be hard to focus on ourselves and get that much-needed alone time. More often than not, choosing solitude over companionship is regarded to be antisocial. But hey, saying no to your friends’ invitation for a Friday night out or a weekend getaway is okay—whether it’s so your body can recuperate from a tiring work week or…for no reason at all.
Either way, taking some time to yourself can benefit your overall being. Not only is it good for your mind and body, but it’s also great for your soul! It’s an opportunity to take a break and reflect on life; get started on building passion for a new project or catch up on that long-delayed book; get more work done or do nothing at all. That’s the sweet thing about going solo: What you do is all up to you. No pressure, no need to compromise.
So when everything in the world seems to be going wrong or you feel like your life is a big chaos, it’s obviously the perfect time to sit back, relax, and disconnect from the world (including the Internet!) for a while. And what better way to spend some “me” time than with a steaming cup of coffee on one hand and your favorite novel on another?
Check out these solitude-friendly coffee shops within the metro where you can get the peace and quiet—and of course, delicious coffee—that you deserve.
The Curator
If you’re as serious about your coffee as you are about your me time, then The Curator is the place for you. The newly renovated café in Legaspi Village is a stone’s throw from the Sunday market at the park. It’s also the kind of café where the noise level is at a comfortable hush, the low lighting provides you enough privacy, and no one is going to approach you for small talk.
Best time: Sunday afternoon
Pro Tip: Their world-renowned baristas go above and beyond the menu, so enjoy your experience by letting them brew you a custom creation.
Open Daily: 7:00AM – 2:00AM
Palanca cor. Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Cartel
Tucked away in busy Salcedo, Cartel’s multi-faceted offering isn’t as daunting as it seems. For a place that’s got coffee, a deli, fresh produce, and baked goods, it’s surprisingly laid back and intimate, even if you don’t really care about your food being organic or the real meaning of gluten. Cookies roll out of the oven faster than you can say “peanut butter and chocolate chip,” so leave some room for sweets!
Best time: Sunday
Pro Tip: Great place to snag last minute salad fixings
Open daily: 6:30AM – 11:00PM
G/F, The Picasso, 119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo, Makati City
Toby’s Estate
Another Salcedo gem is Toby’s Estate, which is perfect for millennials who lead anxiety-ridden lives and are tired of feeling a little too stuffed in cramped spaces. But the roomy interiors will offer more than just a breather for your exhausted self, as its menu has enough savory options for those late, working lunches or early, still-working dinners.
Best time: Weekday afternoons
Pro Tip: A little sleepier than usual? Wake up with their not-so-secret, off-menu Gibraltar.
Open Sunday – Tuesday, 7:00AM – 10:00PM, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00AM – 12:00AM, Thursday, 10:00AM – 5:00PM, Saturday, 7:00AM – 2:00PM
V Corporate Center, 125 L. P. Leviste St., Salcedo, Makati City
3/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City
59C
59C is a testament to the fact that not every co-working space is fitted with subway tiles, open-plan architecture, and tables brimming with 20-something creatives and their MacBook Pros. What was once a ‘50s family home is now a charming co-working venue, café, restaurant, and bar in one. Every menu item is fully consumable, so feel free to stay while you sip on your freshly-made salabat amidst the homey interiors.
Best time: Late afternoon
Pro Tip: There are outlets under every table. Yay for the workaholics!
Open Monday – Saturday, 9:00AM – 1:00AM
59, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Rural Kitchen
Rural Kitchen is reminiscent of those Sunday lunches at your lola’s: solihiya chairs, soft yellow lighting, and pretty porcelain. Well-known for its Laguna roots and cuisine, the cozy 30-seater restaurant makes for a nice hideout to nurse that huge cup of white cafe mocha and homemade ube ice cream.
Best time: Sunday afternoon
Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a little pick-me-up, Rural brews its own plum lambanog!
Open daily: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
G/F HRC Center, Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Century Café
Shopping, running errands, and all-around adulting on a busy afternoon doesn’t mean you have to compromise your quiet time. Give yourself a few minutes (or hours?) of peace by stepping into a café that’s easy on the eyes and good for the stomach. Century Café is a new lifestyle café and showroom that will provide you a visual break apart from a caffeine fix. Century City Mall favorite, Chaplin, is in charge of the menu.
Best time: Mall hours
Pro Tip: Can’t leave any work behind? Surf the net in one of their iMacs to stay productive.
4/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan cor. Salamanca St., Poblacion, Makati City
This is a modified version of an article that originally appeared on FemaleNetwork.com. Used with permission.
