Cloudy with a Chance of Spam and Eggs

* At the beginning of the week, I had this very vacant, vacant feeling about the cafe. Maybe because we didn't have activities planned for the week. After a few minutes of brainstorming and joking around last Monday, we decided to have another movie marathon. And yes, it was very successful once again. Thinking of activities is pretty challenging stuff. One friend told me, having many activities has become a trademark of CAnton. Yeah, I agree. Keep those suggestions coming, guys! Thank you!

It's One Owl-of-a-Town!

* We just love our mascot, Owltonio. Photo taken at BioSci last Tuesday, where I used to buy Milo and sandwiches before class.

Movie Night Tonight!

Everyone's invited to watch and hangout! We will sell freshly popped pop corn, only 10 bucks per bag. Show starts at 4 pm.

We're Alive!

* Hello blog readers! I'm very sorry for not blogging for almost a month. Most of you have noticed. But, yes, this blog is still alive! I've been very busy with work and school, that's why I wasn't able to write blog entries. Our Facebook account is very active, thanks to my new admin and to all the customers and fans who have been keeping that page alive. 

* Some news: the DAKO is doing very well. I'll write an article about that soon and all the past and coming activities we have in store for you for the BER months. And we have a new Facebook account: CafeAntonio Los Banos II. Our first account has already reached its limit of 5000 friends. PTL! See you!

A Contest, a Drink, a Mascot, and a New Series

CAnton people love to use weird words. Here's a quick guide to some of the cafe's terminologies:

1) DAKO - means "big" in Bisaya. In CAnton, it's the new 64 oz size for all cold drinks.

2) PAK PAK POOM! - a monthly epic breakfast meal contest consisting of Spam & Eggs, Bacon, a Waffle, French Toast, and a 16 oz Mocha Frothiccino. 

3) OWLTONIO - CAnton's official espresso-drinking Owl mascot.

4) BORN TO BREW - the "Cafe Antonio Sessions" of the barista world where we will be inviting baristas from all over the country to talk about their profession.

Masarap Nga! Woohoo!

(L-R): Yane Bonita, Mark Fellizar, Lougee Basabas, Wats Bonita, Rick Jason Obrero
(photo by Dan Sta. Romana)

* We're still recovering from last Saturday's gig. Delara, Aspen Way, and Yield Avenue rocked the house down and there was a legion of ELBI people in LB Square. It was a majestic sight to be seen. Oh my. Thanks to our friend, Khat Trinidad, for organizing the event. One mega-apir for you!

* We have a bunch of activities for you this week and for next month. The PAK PAK POOM contest just ended and we hope we could launch it again some time in late October. But the combo meal is still available, you can order it for Php 300 pesos. Appetite Magazine was in the house last Saturday to photograph the epic meal, hope to see it on its November issue!

* We have this new series called The Born to Brew Series. It's kinda like Cafe Antonio Sessions but it's the "coffee version". Instead of bands and artists, we would be inviting baristas and people from the coffee industry to talk about their coffee experiences. The first episode is on October 6 featuring Vanessa Caceres, grand champion and finalist of many barista competitions here in the Philippines. Fifty bucks gets you in plus you get a free brewed coffee. So for those who would like to become a barista or get into the coffee shop business, this series is for you! 

* Our Facebook page is on fire. Thanks to my new admins who's been working online when I'm at the cafe. Get updated about our new food and drinks and check our pages regularly. 

* I would like to give kudos to our CAntoneers, the CAnton Volunteers! You've been a very big help to us. See you this week!

* It's getting late and I've just finished some afis wurk. I have to be at the cafe at 7 am. I have to prepare drinks for an SP presentation.

* And yes, FROTHICCINO TO THE DEATH! It's our new promo, unlimited Frothiccinos (mocha, white chocolate, caramel, and strawberry) for only 200 pesos! Checkout our Facebook account and/or page for more details!

PAK PAK POOM?!

 PAK PAK POOM Participants 

(From left to right: Ogie Frio, Juni Frio, Arwyn Rubio)

* I know I haven't been blogging for the cafe for almost a month now. That's because I work 6 days a week again at the cafe as manager/barista/busboy. Just like the good 'ol days in early 2008.  I'm still adjusting to my schedule but I'll try my best to revive this blog that will be turning 4 years old next year on March 15. 

* So what have we been up to lately? A lot! Last night we had two events happening at the same. We had the PAK PAK POOM! Late Breakfast Chow Down and Cafe Antonio Sessions XXVI featuring The Sunday Brew, Juniper Face the Corner, and Riki. The cafe felt so alive that night. You didn't know what to watch! For the first time, our customers really had actual options regarding what to do. And there was also a photo exhibit by the UP Photographers' Society. It was a food, music, and arts mini-fest!

* What is the PAK PAK POOM? The name of the contest was actually inspired by Manny Pacquiao's practice sessions, when he would say "PAK PAK PAK" when practicing his jabs. It's actually a "jab-jab-hook" combo. The first "pak" is the meal of Spam & Eggs, Toast, Bacon, and a Waffle. The next "pak" is a dessert of French Toast with peaches and/or mangoes. The "poom" or what we would like to call "the clincher" is the 16 oz Mocha Frothiccino featuring a shot of Cafe Antonio's espresso. Last night, two big boys finished the challenge. The first one to accomplish the feat was Ogie Frio (bassist of Pathway) with a time of 4 minutes and 55 seconds. The second one to conquer the combo meal was Arwyn "Wyn Radio" Rubio with a time of 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the best time so far. Other contestants who attempted to win a t-shirt and get a free meal were Juni Frio (vocalist of Pathway and younger brother of Ogie), Ara Bagunu, Jing Fresnoza, Herbert Osio Jr., and CAnton's Senior Barista, Ian Soliven. Ian was the first to attempt the challenge when we had our time trials. The contest was originally set at 10 mins but we figured that it was too long. Ian finished in 6 minutes and 30 seconds making him the first and last winner of the 10-minute challenge. Herbert, upon seeing the time trial, was the first to attempt the 5-minute challenge. Lenard Gabriel served as our official time-keeper in last night's challenge. My brothers-in-law Herbert and Mark Fellizar helped our crew in the kitchen and the bar.

* This week will be the official start of the PAK PAK POOM Late Breakfast Chow Down. See our Facebook page for more details or text us (0906-455-0522) ahead so we can prepare your MvF-inspired monster meal.

* We would like to invite you to watch on Saturday for Cafe Antonio Sessions XXVII. The gig will feature DeLara, one of the hottest indie bands right now featuring former members of pop-rock band Mojofly. Indie bands Aspen Way and ELBI's very own, Yield Avenue, will open the night. Special thanks to our friend, Khat Trinidad, and Ali Alejandro of DeLara for organizing the event. We hope to see you all on the 24th! ADMISSION IS FREE!

UP Photographers' Society Sets Up Exhibit at CAnton

 (photo by Ja Fernandez)

On September 6, Tuesday, 7 pm. See you there!

http://theafterhours-redux.tumblr.com/post/9744867927/hard-work-pays-off-fun-productive-day-with

My Life Began When Your Coffee Break Started

* I can't believe it. We're actually opening Cafe Antonio again for the third time in 3 years! I would like to ponder on that thought for a moment. Actually, my head is throbbing right now. I had a long day. So I think I'll just reflect on that thought for a few days and get back to you guys as soon as possible. I hope to see you all later at 4 pm.

What is Cafe Antonio, Los Banos?

BUSINESS IDEA

Indie music & arts cafe and espresso bar with professionally trained baristas dedicated in the science and art of coffee preparation and coffee education.

MISSION

To become a prominent gourmet coffee brand in the Los Banos community while being a place well-known for its dynamism, creativity, innovativeness, youthful exuberance, and strong sense of community among its customers and clients as we serve the best possible coffee our skills and resources can offer.

VISION

1.)               To accommodate and develop not just merely customers but loyal customers who would support and sustain us even in the presence of a number of establishments that offer the same products and services.

2.)                To gain loyalty from and be the source of pride of the residents of Los Banos, specifically the UPLB community (students, alumni, employees, and affiliates).

3.)               To be an active participant in food and/or coffee industry-related activities and establish a recognizable and distinguishable coffee brand and product image. 

"Prep Hard. Play Harder. Pray Hardest."

Our Core Values

·       We acknowledge that there is a God and our success is dependent on Him.

·       We strengthen our community by helping others and developing meaningful friendships.

·       We think of others’ needs first before thinking about ourselves.

·       We believe that having fun in one’s work and in life is the key to a successful business and a satisfying life.

·       We see our purpose and direction in life through our work and through the lives of people we work with.

·       We stand firm in our choice to be DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and preserve the indie culture that sustains our integrity and sincerity in everything we do.

·       We believe that every cup that’s from the heart is a work of art.

See you on September 1 for our re-opening!