It has been ages (okay, two years) since I last stepped out of my ‘senior’ comfort zone to join a launch of anything.

And, how things have changed.

So, upon the invite of a friend, I ventured out into BGC to see what the event would be like.

First things first: I had to be convinced that the event was something that would be ‘chill’ enough for me if I decided that the noise was too much to handle.

I guess it comes with growing older — I mean, my tolerance for noise. Yup, I am one of those types who prefers silence… and noise has a way shaking me to the bone and disturbing the quietness of my being. It’s true.

Age matters

As an aside, did you know that according the World Health Organization, “By 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. By 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion). The number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million.

“While this shift in distribution of a country’s population towards older ages — known as population aging — started in high-income countries, it is now low- and middle-income countries that are experiencing the greatest change. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population over 60 years will live in low- and middle-income countries.”

But, for many of us, we know that growing older is a process one arrives at gradually, many times without our even realizing it.

But, did you know that a longer life brings with it more opportunities? At least from what I am told. The additional years provide a chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career, a long-neglected passion — or hanging out with young folks at launching events (like I did).

Friends + coffee = BFF goals

Listening to the lively babble around me, I picked up that there are many things from Korea that many Filipinos have come to love — K-pop, K-drama, 10-step skincare routines, fried chicken, face masks — and now ready-to-drink beverages.

Just like how the mukbangs have taken over the internet, the latest Korean food culture is the ‘coffee pouch’ and it’s taking the world by storm. Made even more popular on social media, many continue to be enamored (or surprised) over the endless ASMR videos of Korean drink pouches and their refreshing contents being poured over ice.

That day at BGC, I learned that Chingu Café is a new go-to for ready-to-drink beverages that is 100-percent developed, produced, packed and imported straight from Korea. It comes in coffee, tea and ades, all packaged in those Instagram-worthy, ASMR-ready pouches that are really cute. Each pouch features adorable characters that add a fun, playful touch to the experience, making it not only delicious but also a delight to look at and share.

“We wanted to bring the hallyu experience to the Philippines in a way that feels authentic and exciting. These drinks let you enjoy Korea’s iconic flavors anytime, anywhere,” says Pau Baloro, senior brand manager of NutriAsia.

Gretchen King, senior marketing manager for NutriAsia, hyped it up even more: “Korean pouch drinks are blowing up on social media because they’re convenient, unique and straight-up delicious. Chingu Café is here to be your new obsession. We wanted to bring a fresh global experience to Filipinos, especially as more and more people are traveling to enjoy the fun, tasty food that the world has to offer. With Chingu Café, you can now savor the South Korea experience right at home.”

Chingu Café’s first coffee offerings are not to be missed. Each variant tastes as good as it looks — the classic Vanilla Latte, the after-meal dessert feels Caramel Latte, and the bold yet sweet Hazelnut Americano — there’s something for every day and every mood, and meant to be shared with your fellow Chingus. Even with its vibrant flavors, you can still savor the rich, strong coffee taste in every sip.