Ish Meets World

After 147 years in the business, the Barbera family proudly opened their first coffee shop in Manila, Philippines on Sept. 14, 2017. Cafe Barbera Manila is located in the Uptown Parade Complex, a hip, new bustling development in Bonifacio Global City (Metro Manila). The brand was brought into the Philippines in partnership with a local company run by Mr. Vartan and Ms. Maricel Tekeyan. Tekeyan Coffee House will serve as the local franchise owners of the Cafe Barbera Brand. Proudly family-owned since 1870 Despite now having stores in 16 countries in 5 continents, the Barbera family has maintained a firm grip on the brand’s connection with the family. In fact, 6th generation owner Enrico Jr. Barbera flew all the way to Manila to take part in the grand opening of their latest franchise. Enrico Jr. Barbera with Ms. Maricel Tekeyan and Mr. Vartan Tekeyan According to Enrico Jr., he and his cousin Elio Barbera are continuing the family business started way back in 1870 by family patriarch Do...

There are very few things that I find more satisfying than having a leisurely cocktail before noon. My recent visit to BISTRO MADRID (Formerly Café Madrid) at Estancia Mall, Pasig provided just that, with the introduction of LOLEA Sangria. As a bonus, the drinks came alongside bouts of nostalgia brought about by some of the best Spanish food I’ve had in the Philippines. LOLEA is a new player in the alcoholic beverage industry in the Philippines. Hailing from my beloved (Zaragoza) Spain, it aims to bring world-class and consistently perfect sangria quickly and easily into your glass. The pre-mixed bottle allows one to enjoy the hand-crafted cocktail without having to worry about how your local bartender mixes the popular Spanish drink. Lolea Sangria The drink was brought in by the people behind Terry’s Selection, the deli chain also behind Terry’s Bistro and Bistro Madrid. At the moment, only the red and white varieties of LOLEA Sangria are available in the country. The restaurant has a...