PEP Ka-Loveteam Quiz Banner
×

PEP TRIES: WACo, where coffee, comfort, Christmas come together

Its Puto Bumbong Latte pairs beautifully with bibingka.
by Karen A.P. Caliwara
Published 2 hours ago
WACo Capitol Hills with bibingka and puto bungbong latte
Find your cozy corner at the cafe's newly-opened branch in Capitol Hills.
PHOTO/S: courtesy of WACo

Some places are worth a visit; others deserve a place in your memory.

The latter become little escapes from the daily grind, welcome pauses in the rush of everyday life—places you find yourself wanting to return to, if only to linger a little longer.

Perched along the uphill stretch of Capitol Hills in Quezon City, the newly opened branch of WACo, short for What About Coffee, seems right at home in its scenic surroundings.

Step inside, and you're greeted by an interior that feels both contemporary and comforting.

WACo Capitol Hills
The Capitol Hills branch of WACo
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Natural wood, rattan furniture, earthy tones, and warm lighting come together in a space that is bright, relaxed, intimate, and thoughtfully curated.

It has the polished look of a modern café, softened by the familiar charm of a home.

WACo’s Capitol Hill location is its third branch, joining its Katipunan and U.P. Diliman outlets
WACo’s Capitol Hill location is its third branch, joining its Katipunan and U.P. Diliman outlets.
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

WACo's FOOD AND DRINKS

Then comes the menu, with a delightful surprise: a selection of Christmas-inspired drinks that bring a little holiday cheer to every sip.

The Toasted Mallows Latte is a treat, whether served hot or iced.

Christmas drinks selection: Biscoff Matcha Latte, Black Forest Latte, Cinnamon Brown Sugar shaken iced latter, Pistachio Matcha latte, Premium hot chocolate, puto bumbong latte, Tiramisu latte, and Toasted Mallows latte
Christmas drinks selection: (1st row, L-R) Pistachio Matcha Latte, Tiramisu Latte, Toasted Mallows Latte, and Biscoff Matcha Latte; (2nd, L-R) Premium hot chocolate, Cinnamon Brown Sugar shaken iced latte, Puto Bumbong Latte, and Black Forest Latte
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
NOOD KA MUNA!

Matcha lovers can turn to the Pistachio Matcha Latte, while the Tiramisu Latte and Black Forest offer their own indulgent pleasures.

But the standout is the Puto Bumbong Latte—a festive, distinctly Filipino creation that makes a lovely companion to another holiday favorite, bibingka.

Puto Bumbong Latte
Puto Bumbong Latte
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

WACo offers three varieties of the traditional rice cake: Four Cheese, Salted Egg, and Ube Cheese and Salted Egg.

Bibingka: 4 cheese, salted egg, and cheese and salted egg
Bibingka: cheese and salted egg (bottom), salted egg (middle), and 4 cheese
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo

For those arriving with a bigger appetite, the Filipino-style grilled chicken and slow-cooked barbecue ribs are hard to miss—both generous in size and flavor.

The presentation may be polished, but the taste feels wonderfully familiar, like the kind of special-occasion dish a family would lovingly prepare and gather around.

slow-cooked BBQ ribs
Sow-cooked BBQ ribs
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo
Filipino style grilled chicken
Filipino style grilled chicken
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo

The Chicken and Beef Burrito Bowls are just as satisfying, while the poppers offer something for different palates.

The Spicy Cajun version brings to mind classic Buffalo wings; the Yangnyeom Chicken caters to fans of Korean flavors; and the Garlic Parmesan is a welcome choice for those who prefer something milder.

Burrito Bowls: steak and chicken
Burrito Bowls: steak and chicken
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo
Chicken pops: garlic parmesan, yangnyeom chicken, spicy cajun
Chicken pops (L-R): yangnyeom chicken, spicy cajun, and garlic parmesan
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo

The Salt and Pepper Calamari is another standout, with squid that is tender yet pleasantly chewy.

salt and pepper calamari.
salt and pepper calamari.
Photo/s: courtesy of WACo

On October 27, 2026, members of the media and social media personalities came together at WACo—not just to sample its offerings, but to discover the charm of a place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

The evening also held the promise of adventures on two wheels.

Yela Gregorio, the company’s general manager, announced that every single receipt worth PHP2,000 earns an e-raffle entry for a chance to ride away on a Vespa.

The promo runs until January 30, 2027, with the grand draw set for February 1.

And as the cups were emptied and the plates enjoyed, the experience revealed itself to be about more than coffee and good food.

It was in the warmth of the welcome, the comfort of every bite, the quiet charm of the interiors, and the festive notes of its Christmas offerings.

For a little while, WACo made an ordinary day feel like a holiday worth savoring.

Read Next
PEP Live
Featured
Latest Stories
Trending in Summit Media Network

Featured Searches:

Read the Story →
Find your cozy corner at the cafe's newly-opened branch in Capitol Hills.
PHOTO/S: courtesy of WACo
  • This article was created by . Edits have been made by the PEP.ph editors.
    Poll

    View Results
    Total Votes: 12,184
  • 50%
  • View Results