You know you’ve stumbled upon something extraordinary when a sip of coffee lingers in your memory. That was the experience I had with The Giving Café’s iced salted caramel latte, served at its newly opened branch on A. Mabini Street, Mandaluyong.

The drink was unassuming — served in a plain plastic cup — but its taste was anything but. The first sip was a revelation: sweet and salty notes harmonized with velvety steamed milk and rich caramel syrup, all underscored by the unmistakable depth of high-quality coffee. It was the kind of drink that makes you pause, savor and appreciate the craft behind it.

It’s no surprise, though. The Giving Café (TGC) is the brainchild of Michael Harris Conlin, a name well-known in the world of specialty coffee. Conlin, the 2019 Philippine National Barista Champion, isn’t just a barista; he’s an advocate, entrepreneur, and visionary. His mission is simple yet profound: to create a sustainable ecosystem for Philippine coffee farmers, from bean to brew.

Coffee ecosystem with a purpose

Through TGC and his other ventures — Conlin’s Coffee World, Henry & Sons, and the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence — Conlin aims to uplift farming communities in La Trinidad, Benguet. The foundation funds initiatives like educational assistance, healthcare access, and seminars on sustainable farming practices.

“Every cup you enjoy at TGC contributes to our local farmers,” Conlin shared. “We work closely with them to improve both the quality and quantity of their coffee, ensuring they receive fair compensation.”

TGC isn’t just a café; it’s a movement. By promoting locally grown coffee and reinvesting proceeds back into farming communities, Conlin has created a model that celebrates Filipino coffee while empowering the hands that grow it.

Café in a family home

Nestled in a quiet residential area, TGC’s A. Mabini branch is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a piece of history. The café occupies Conlin’s ancestral home, a 1950s bungalow built by his late grandfather, Juan Bautista Lee.

Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a time capsule. The open-plan space retains much of the house’s original charm, from the low-pitched roof to the eclectic furniture and family heirlooms. Every room has been thoughtfully repurposed: the old living room now hosts diners, former bedrooms redesigned to host special occasions, and a quiet library downstairs offers a cozy retreat.

There’s even a pool table in the main hall, adding to the laid-back vibe. Conlin’s personal touch is everywhere, from the framed family photographs to the curated selection of novels and pop-culture artifacts in the library.

Feast for the family

On a recent Sunday, I decided to bring my family to TGC’s A. Mabini branch to experience it as a regular diner, away from the orchestrated polish of a media event I had attended earlier. Conlin himself was there, playfully calling himself the “door-greeter.” The place was bustling, but the ambiance remained unpretentious and welcoming.

We sat at the longest table, a necessity for our group of ten, and ordered a feast: broccoli with oyster sauce, sweet and sour pork, salt-and-pepper chicken, TGC’s house pancit, fried rice, and more. The dishes felt like they came straight from a family kitchen — hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

The menu reflects Conlin’s roots, with Filipino-Chinese classics taking center stage. Each bite carried the warmth of home-cooked meals, making it clear why the café has become a favorite among locals, particularly the Filipino-Chinese community from nearby Xavier and San Juan.

More than just coffee

The Giving Café is more than a hangout spot; it’s a space where coffee and community converge. Whether you’re enjoying a latte or a plate of pancit, every visit supports a larger purpose —uplifting Filipino coffee farmers and showcasing the best of what our local beans have to offer.

No flashy rewards program here — no stickers to collect for a planner. At TGC, the real reward is in the giving: every sip and bite supports Filipino coffee farmers and celebrates the richness of local coffee. And, of course, the coffee is excellent.

The Giving Café A. Mabini is located at 858 A. Mabini Street, Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.