Whether you’re looking for a place to wait before a concert at the Philippine Arena or just want to chill when in Bulacan, these spots shouldn’t disappoint you.
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No longer do MOA Arena, Araneta Coliseum, and New Frontier Theater have a chokehold on concert venues in the country. Now, the Philippine Arena has been rising the ranks as one of the next go-to venues for global stars concerts’ in the Philippines. While the world’s largest indoor arena has been used as a concert venue for a while now, it’s only been in the past couple of years that the Philippine Arena has gained notoriety for where icons like BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, Harry Styles, and Coldplay hold concerts in the country. It’s a trend that looks to continue for the foreseeable future.
But whether it’s because of the heavy traffic, far distance, waiting for hours outside the arena doing nothing, lack of establishments in the area, or a mix of all that and then some, just getting to the Philippine Arena can be as much of a journey as watching a concert there. So, to help make your next concert at the Philippine Arena and that wait for the start of the show more bearable, we’ve rounded up a few cafes and coffee spots around the venue you may want to check out.
CAFE LIBERICA
Their motto is “Where good friends talk over good coffee,” and that’s the vibe you’re getting in Cafe Liberica. This two-floor establishment serves affordable coffee and meals, all with a nice view of the Philippine Arena given its nearby distance from the venue.
Cafe Liberica is located at Brgy. Igulot, Bocaue, Bulacan.
IT’S EIGHT THIRTY
Okay personality! This cute cafe may be relatively small in size, but it makes up for it with its charming ambiance and design. It’s Eight Thirty! offers guests a variety of drinks and pastries and makes for a cool hideaway from the crowds at the Philippine Arena. Oh, and they also hold themed events for concerts, such as their IU-themed event when the superstar performed at the Philippine Arena.
It’s Eight Thirty is located at 165 LRT Building, New Bypass Road, Santa Maria, Bulacan.
SIRIUS ESPRESSO
Moving away from the minimalist-meets-modern aesthetic of many of today’s cafes, Sirius Espresso stands out from the crowd with its industrial design, as seen in its exposed concrete walls and moody lighting. Inside the two-floor establishment, you’ll be treated to a selection of coffee, drinks, meals, and pastries. But they’re most known for their special sourdough bread, which they use in their sandwiches, or can be bought as is separately.
Sirius Espresso is located at Jasper Street, Rocka Village 2, Tabang, Plaridel, Bulacan.
STRIDE COFFEE
Looking for somewhere lowkey to wait out the long lines at the Philippine Arena? Then check out Stride Coffee. This quaint spot not only has your typical offerings like drinks, snacks, and desserts, but the coffee shop also has unique concoctions you won’t find anywhere else, like their famous Coffito drink, which won the 2020 Global Coffee Championships – Beverage Creator award.
Stride Coffee is located at Lot 17, Igulot Road, Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan (beside Villa Zaragoza Gate 1).
RE/CAF COFFEE
Honestly, even if you aren’t in the area for a concert at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan is a good place to discover some cool cafes, such as Re/Caf Coffee. With its signature white and green aesthetic, Re/Caf serves multiple roles as a coffee shop, social space, hangout and study hub, and even a drive-thru. They offer indoor and al fresco seating as you enjoy their drinks, meals, and pastries. And the best part? They’re open ‘till late, and even open 24 hours a couple of days a week (yes, you read that right).
Re/Caf Coffee is located at Ciudad de Victoria Bypass Rd., Bocaue, Bulacan.
ROCKET’S ROOM CAFE
@hangang.friends another super cute bulacan café near philippine arena 🦖💗 bulacan has so many not-so-hidden gems! 📍 rockets room café, marilao, bulacan ☕️ dirty horchata #cafeph #bulacancafe #foodieph #rocketsroomcafe #cafehoppingph #coffeecrawlph #wheretogobulacan #cafetokph #coffeetokph #aestheticcafe #dirtyhorchata #caferecommendation ♬ original sound ✨🎧 – tgb
Rocket’s Room Cafe is what happens when you turn a teenager’s bedroom into a cafe. It’s like stepping into the mind of a teen from the 90s and 2000s as you get retro-inspired interiors and classic meals and drinks to help heal your inner child. And if that wasn’t enough, this pop culture spot has a PacMan arcade machine you can play for free.
Rocket’s Room Cafe is located at Lot. No. 805, Pook Super NLEX Road, Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan.
GRIND & GO
If the booths and pop-up food options in the Philippine Arena aren’t giving, then you may want to take a quick drive to Grind & Go for the full sit-down experience. This cafe, bar, and restaurant has what you need to satisfy a grumbling tummy and quenched throat, and they even serve alcohol, though just remember to drink responsibly.
Grind & Go is located at New Bypass Road, Tabing, Bakod, Santa Maria, Bulacan.
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