[why we started]

The coffee break has always been more than just caffeine—it’s the pause in the day to slow down, sit, and actually enjoy the whole cup.

Manilla Manilla was created to bring that feeling back and redefine what a coffee break can be. Born from a love of coffee, community, and culture, it’s about turning a simple drink into a moment to sip, savor, and connect.

[day one]

Manilla Manilla started with a simple idea: bring Filipino flavors into coffee in a way that feels fresh and new. It began with recipe testing, and then a deadline—our first pop-up was booked 60 days out, pushing the leap from idea to reality. The brand came to life, friends and family showed up, and over 100 drinks were sold just on day one.

[our challenges]

Without a brick-and-mortar, the challenge quickly became momentum - finding the next venue, wondering who would show up, and figuring out what kind of events people would connect with. The answer came through community. Local businesses opened their doors, partnerships formed, and each pop-up became another chance to grow.

[where we’re going]

Manilla Manilla has grown into a space for community. In the past year, we’ve hosted 20+ events, launched 10 signature drinks, and sold out every drop of merch. The drinks are still at the center, but each pop-up now weaves in food, activities, and shared moments that bring people even closer together. What started as a simple idea has become a place where culture, creativity, and connection all meet.