A Few Matcha Later

26/10/2026

EPISODE 12: BUT FIRST, COFFEE

A strong matcha aroma that makes you look forward to that first sip.

I’ve tried their matcha oat latte twice, on different days and at different times. The first cup was a little too milky, while the second was a bit too watery. Both times, the aroma was there, but I felt like something was missing in the taste. I guess I was hoping for a stronger matcha kick to match its aroma. I do prefer my matcha a little bolder, with less milk and water taking center stage. But that’s just my palate, and it might be different for someone else.

The matcha verdict: The aroma got my hopes up; I just wish the matcha flavour came through a little stronger.

The café: But First, Coffee has a cozy, mature vibe that makes it a nice spot for professional catch-ups, small dine-in meetings, or even a little business talk over coffee. I can also picture it as a Saturday/Sunday morning stop for coffee and a light breakfast after a slow-long-distance run.

The food was okay, and as a vegetarian, I appreciate having meat-free options on the menu. That’s always a plus for me! The staff were warm and welcoming, too. They even helped make sure my car was parked safely, which was a thoughtful touch.

And while I can only speak for the matcha, friends have vouched for their coffee. Perhaps But First, Coffee has already found its strength in its name.

📍Beside Jetti Gasoline Station, Sayre Highway, Hagkol, Valencia City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Matcha Oat Latte
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

19/10/2026

EPISODE 11: MANNA & QUAIL

The matcha is thick and creamy, with a gentle bitterness. However, the walnut milk’s distinct aroma and nutty taste take center stage a little, leaving the matcha slightly overshadowed. An interesting change from the usual, but I’d love to see more alternatives, particularly oat and soy milk, or even a coconut water matcha for something lighter and more refreshing. As someone who’s both nut-allergic and lactose intolerant, having more options would make the experience more inclusive. Their matcha affogato is also worth trying!

But Manna & Quail has always been about more than matcha for me. The food goes straight to the heart and soul. My friends and I have this little secret language: we don’t keep going back to places that aren’t “life-changing”. And Manna & Quail? It’s earned its place on our list.

The matcha verdict: Thick, creamy, and gently bitter, though the walnut notes could let the matcha shine a little more.

The café: Homey, familiar, and filled with memories shared with family and friends. Some places feed you; others make you feel at home. Manna & Quail manages to do both.

📍Purok8, Sayre Highway, Brgy. Bagonta-as, Valencia City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Miyabi. Origin: Shizuoka & Kagoshima Japan. Cultivar: Okumidori, Yutakamidori, Seimei. Harvest: First Harvest (Ichibancha). Grinding: Bead mill. Shading: Approximately 20-30 days before harvest.
📌 Iced, walnut milk, some sweetener added.

12/10/2026

EPISODE 10: HOUSE OF TZÚ

A deep green hue, fresh leafy notes, and a pleasantly earthy profile with a gentle bitterness that lingers just enough to invite another sip. I opted for zero sweetener, allowing the matcha, milk, and water to speak for themselves. My first cup was a little watery, but the second was better blended. The lingering bitterness? Subtle, composed, and quietly compelling.

The matcha verdict: A promising cup, best enjoyed when the blend finds its balance.

The café: Cozy, clean, and calm, with warm, welcoming service. A lovely setting for a little matcha pause.

📍AG Global Business Center, Purok 17C, Sayre Highway, Brgy. Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Matcha Oat Latte
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

03/10/2026

EPISODE 9: KAPI

I rest my case, Atty. It’s beyond reasonable doubt - salty, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth, with a gentle bitterness that softly whispers, “it’s good, right?”. And, for a classic matcha girly, the verdict is: salted matcha latte - worth trying.

📍Carbajal Street, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Salted Matcha Latte | Matcha Oat Latte
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

03/10/2026

EPISODE 8: HOMBRÉ

A very manly cup, playful yet simple, straightforward and true to its taste. A hello that lingers on.

📍Carbajal, Street Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Yoru. Dark roast, umami-forward. The barista’s favourite to drink to make when he’s tired.
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

30/09/2026

28/09/2026

EPISODE 7: COFFEE CLOCK

Smooth, gentle, easy to drink. A comforting cup, thus I found myself wanting a little more matcha depth and punch.

📍 Karen’s Bakeshop bldg., Sayre Highway, Hagkol, Brgy. Poblacion, Valencia City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Matcha Oat Latte (Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha)
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

28/09/2026

EPISODE 6: KOFFI BRAKE

Creamy with just enough matcha coming through.

📍 Purok 5, Casisang, Malaybalay City (in front of the City Agriculture Office), Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Matcha Oat Latte
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

28/09/2026

EPISODE 5: FIKA COFFEE

A comforting cup with earthy notes and a pleasantly bitter finish.

📍 Barangay 9, San Isidro Extension, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Matcha Oat Latte - smooth matcha blended with creamy oat milk.
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.

28/09/2026

EPISODE 4: MMMATCHA BAR

Cool, creamy and pleasantly bitter, the kind of match worth coming back for.

📍 Level 2, E&J Villa Building, Fortich Street, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, PH
🍵 Premium Multiblend Matcha Latte - Japan: Sweet Bean, Spring Greens and nutty creaminess. mellow umami, balanced seeetness and no bitterness.
📌 Iced, oat milk, zero sweetener added.