How does someone set out to work in medicine and end up opening a coffee shop in the middle of a pandemic?
+88 Cafe began not with a business plan, but with a moment of inspiration, a family’s support, and a deep love for good coffee. What started in a small corner of Aritao is now a growing local spot for comfort, connection, and quality food—any time of day.
Our Story
+88 Cafe opened its doors on December 8, 2021, with nothing more than a love for coffee, a dream, and a small space in the CCQ Buko Pie building in Darapidap, Aritao. We opened our doors right in the middle of the pandemic, starting with a small, cozy spot.
The idea for +88 Cafe didn’t come out of nowhere. Our founder never planned to be in business. In fact, she wanted to work in the medical field and saw business as something uncertain. But growing up in a family of entrepreneurs—especially with the guidance of her mom and grandmother—she couldn’t help but be drawn to it eventually.
Everything changed during her 18th birthday trip to South Korea. There, she discovered a little coffee shop that completely captured her heart. The beautiful space, the cozy vibe, and the amazing food and drinks made a lasting impression. From that moment on, the dream of starting her own cafe back home was born.
With her mom’s support and a space ready to use, that dream came to life. A year later, +88 Cafe moved to a better location at Balay Corazon, which is better known as CCQ Compound—a 24-hour bus stop where even more people could enjoy what we offer. We also expanded our menu to include pasta, sandwiches, and quick meals, making +88 Cafe a place where anyone can find something they love.
Today, +88 Cafe is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a dream brewed into reality, fueled by inspiration, resilience, and a love for great food and even better coffee. Come take a sip of our story.
