Kapeta
Finally tried the famous coffee of Kapeta, Silay's coffee on a bike.
The spot's popularity was boosted through Featr's video but in my opinion, even without that, it still would have been a very successful business because of the community around it.
You will find the iconic Kapeta bike in the southeastern edge of Silay City Plaza. The brewing usually lasts from 6am until 10am.
The setup is easy. A couple of butane stoves heating a couple of kettles to provide hot water for a couple of French presses.
As of this writing, Kapeta is being managed by the 2nd generation owner, a close relative of the first. The original has moved overseas, probably continuing his coffee hobby there.
The barista could be found busy grinding the beans with a manual grinder, or adjusting the temperature of the stoves, or pouring his liquid gold. He is surrounded by people sitting on the park benches or on foldable stools and tables. It's a portable setup that is quick to pack and very DIY in feel. This keeps the cost of the product down. P50 for a cup of Arabica with cream is the most expensive thing on the menu.
The secret to Kapeta's success, after talking with a loyal customer, is the consistency. Kapeta sets up at the same place every day (unless it's a bad weather morning) and serves the same flavor of coffee every time. Kapeta serves two kinds of coffee: Robusta and Arabica, served hot, either with creamer powder or black.
That's it. Simple and sufficient.
And based on customer turn out, very successful.
After trying a cup of Robusta with cream (P40, because Arabica sells out fast, I was told), I immediately tasted why the coffee keeps people coming back. No bitterness, hints of chocolate, dark roast brewed to perfection. It got me a little intoxicated, to be honest. Smooth profile but rich flavor rounded off by the cream. I felt a little light-headed after a few sips.
The barista was sadly too busy with orders to make conversation. I wanted to know where he sources his beans, how long he brews, the entire process. I love my fruity notes, but the coffee he makes is the perfect cup for a quiet morning in Silay.
The ambiance of a small group of people talking quietly, people racing their remote-controlled cars, titas doing their zumba routines. These just add more to the experience. I knew I would crave this moment when I'm back in the big city.
People see, people try, and when they like the product, people stay. There are also some customers helping to grind the beans just so the process can move along a little faster.
Now that's community.
-jgzn
P.S. I wasn't able to take photos as Shane was using my phone to book tickets to the BTS concert. I'll take some when I inevitably return.