By Eunhice Corpuz

Each Tamaraw can attest that ‘Hell weeks’ consist of coffee, cramming, and deadlines, which is why a few new coffee pubs have emerged around Far Eastern University (FEU). However, one café simply remains as “the OG.” Now celebrating a decade of tasteful service, Café Alfredo plans to open a new spot for the community to enjoy.

Coffee culture is prominent in the country because Filipinos are accustomed to filling their empty stomach every morning with warm drinks—may it be milk, hot chocolate, coffee, or even taho. 

Additionally, brewing pubs around Metro Manila and nearby schools are established, offering a convenient spot for a quick rest, a casual hangout, or a nearby study space. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the coordinator and regular faculty member of the FEU Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) John Malonzo shared the humble beginnings of Café Alfredo alongside its progress. 

“During that time [before I arrived], Café Alfredo was only selling beverages, [such as] coffee and blended drinks. But during my time, we were able to produce some baked goods, some pasta, and even sandwiches for Café Alfredo,” Malonzo recounted. 

The coordinator shared that the students of ITHM are the ones preparing and serving the available products at the Café. 

The Café is also currently partnered with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Ladies Dormitory, which supplies baked goods through FEU Community Extensions and Services’ ‘Project HOPE’.

Last December 2023, the Café faced one of its biggest challenges yet: relocating to the Nicanor Reyes Hall (NRH) during the renovation of its original location, the Alfredo Reyes Hall (ARH).

Malonzo revealed that there were times the Café had to close on certain days, preventing ITHM students from applying their skills in running the business. 

“We were not able to operate during those time[s] and mayroong mga days na nagko-close [ang Café]. So, hindi masyadong nai-practice ng mga estudyante kung paano ba talaga ang operating nung Café. At the same time, marami rin tayong stocks that time na hindi masyadong nagamit pero ngayon nayu-utilize [na] siya. So, good thing [na] maayos naman ‘yung team and even the students, alam nila kung paano nila i-manage stocks natin. So, less [ang] naging wastes and spoilages,” he shared. 

Typically, the Café is operated by ITHM Tamaraws, and it is now seeking ITHM interns as well as student volunteers from other institutes. 

“Everyone is invited to join Café Alfredo if they want to render a duty. But if they will have it credited as an internship, s’yempre meron tayong requirements (of course, we have requirements) but if they want to have it just as a volunteer, pwede naman (that’s okay). Wala naman tayong (We don’t have) requirements for that,” the Café coordinator explained.

Making the 10th anniversary extra special, the coordinator revealed an exciting new chapter for Café Alfredo and the ITHM community. With its opening date yet to be announced, Tamaraws are to witness the launching of a new version of the Café—the ‘Café Alfredo Bistro.’

The Bistro will serve not just drinks but also rice meals, pastries, pasta, and sandwiches, while the original Café will focus on serving beverages such as coffee and blended drinks.

Malonzo also disclosed that both the Bistro and the Café will focus on sustainability to reduce waste and consumption of single-use plastics. 

According to the coordinator, latest updates indicate that Café Alfredo is projected to make a temporary return to ARH later this November. 

Why "temporary," you ask? Malonzo spilled that after the establishment of the Bistro in ARH, the Café will be staying in NRH long-term, although the specified area and date are yet to be announced.

"Si Café Alfredo, babalik siya sa NRH. Do'n pa rin siya pero sa ibang location sa NRH, [but] that's for you to find out (Café Alfredo will be back at NRH. It will still be there, just in a different location, but that's for you to find out)," the Café coordinator teased.

In light of its 10th anniversary, the Café recently concluded its five-day event last September 19. FEU Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) Society President Carl Josh Brul described that the event was “smoothly” implemented. 

“Well, as the HRM Society President, I collaborated with Café Alfredo. Eventually, the event went smoothly naman, even though there were some complications, nagagawan naman natin siya ng paraan (we were able to create action) and with a better solution for the event itself,” he asserted. 

Brul said that the Café spearheaded the event and tapped other organizations to collaborate with them. He also complemented the preparation process for being “well-prepared” and “hands-on,” which resulted in a successful commemoration. 

The event featured competitions, demonstrations, and an opening on its first day. Students joined in various contest categories, such as Culinary Challenges, Coffee Craftsmanship, Baking Excellence, Art of Mixology, and Pasta Cooking Competition—which the ITHM Tamaraws exemplified by winning in each category.

Alongside the main branch’s anniversary, the Café Alfredo branch at the Makati Campus will also hold a separate celebration for its second anniversary in December. 

After a decade, the aroma of coffee has strengthened the Café’s legacy and brewed a new opportunity for Tamaraws to experience—the Café Alfredo Bistro. The blended drinks, coffee, and food it offers are a testament to the journey of each student it serves. So, as it launches a new chapter, Tams, are you ready to sip a new flavor?

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)