Kapé Lakbay: A Filipino Coffee Story on Two Wheels
“Nagsisimula ang lakbay sa unang hakbang.”
This has been the guiding mantra behind Kapé Lakbay, a proudly Filipino coffee venture that began as a modest street-side cart and is now steadily brewing a movement for sustainable, values-driven entrepreneurship.
Long before it became a business, Kapé Lakbay was a dream born on a mountaintop. In 2012, a group of friends from LAKBAY (Lilok Antabay Kalikasan at Bayan)—united by their love for travel, causes, and the environment—envisioned a café that would also organize mountain tours. That idea, sparked in the cold of Mt. Pulag, lay dormant for years. But when the pandemic hit, something stirred.
Stranded by lockdowns and working in a BPO under a no-work, no-pay arrangement, the founder turned to a bicycle for transport—and later, for livelihood. What began as a mobile food venture eventually brought him back to his first love: coffee.
“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Hindi ako papayag na wala akong masimulan at the age of 40.’”
At 41, he invested what little he had, borrowed what he could, and brewed his first cups on a bike cart outside his home on February 28, 2023.
A Cup of Coffee, A Thousand Stories
Today, Kapé Lakbay is a vibrant expression of Filipino identity, resilience, and creativity. It’s not just a coffee brand—it’s a traveling kapehan ng bayan grounded in local sourcing, artisan preparation, and a strong social mission.
From a single cart on Sto. Domingo Street in Quezon City, the venture has grown into a physical shop, Kapé Lakbay–Misericordia, named in memory of the owner of the place he is renting, who passed away during the pandemic.
Every item on the menu at Kapé Lakbay is more than just a drink—it’s a carefully named invitation to explore Filipino identity, memory, and imagination. The names draw from everyday expressions, natural imagery, and beloved local flavors, sparking curiosity and conversation among customers.
Take Takipsilim, for instance—a caramel latte that echoes the soft amber tones of twilight. The name means “dusk” or “sunset,” and it captures not just the flavor’s warm sweetness but also the quiet transitions in life. Sinagtala, a citrus-infused coffee, roughly translates to “starlight” or “ray of stars,” evoking a sense of brightness piercing through darkness—possibly a nod to the owner’s experience of climbing mountains and gazing at night skies from high altitudes.
There’s Itim (black coffee) and Kayumanggi (latte), both simple yet powerful affirmations of Filipino skin tones—reclaiming beauty in our own shades. Morena, a mocha drink, continues this celebration of natural Filipina features. Tisoy, a Spanish-style brew, adds a playful twist, referring to mixed heritage and perhaps a bolder flavor.
The non-coffee drinks are equally grounded in local favorites. Halaya Latte brings together ube (purple yam) and salted cream cheese, turning the traditional ube halaya dessert into a comforting, indulgent beverage. Kakaw and Sikwate feature pure local cacao—one in its modern form, and the other in the traditional tablea de batirol style. Gabriela, a strawberry latte, may remind some of the iconic Filipina revolutionary—sweet but strong. Luntian (matcha latte) reflects the color green, often associated with nature, newness, and serenity. Pagsibol (also matcha-based) means “to sprout”—suggesting fresh starts and personal growth.
Then there are uniquely creative blends like Lakambini (Barako strawberry latte)—a title of honor for a Filipina muse or lady; and Palitaw, a coconut-cream-based drink inspired by the beloved sticky rice delicacy that floats when cooked. It’s a playful reminder of resilience: just like the real palitaw, the drink ‘rises’ to the surface of one’s taste memory.
“Gusto ko na kapag binasa nila ang menu, parang tula. May kwento. May pagka-Filipino. May alaala,” the owner shares. “I want to highlight the richness of our own produce and our own language,” he added. “Hindi lang ito tungkol sa lasa ng kape, kundi sa lasa ng pagkakakilanlan natin bilang Pilipino.”
His beans come from a friend’s farm and roastery in Sta. Maria, Laguna, and when harvests fall short, he partners with local cooperatives. The cacao he uses—sold under the name Tablea de Bohol—is sourced in Bohol province though processed in Laguna. It is small-batch, and proudly artisanal.
Sustainable Innovation
What sets Kapé Lakbay apart is its commitment to sustainable, purposeful simplicity. Every decision—from brewing methods to transport—is made with the environment, community, and Filipino identity in mind. Instead of high-energy espresso machines, he uses moka pots and brews cold coffee through immersion, saving water and electricity. During events, he still pedals his bike cart when possible to reduce carbon emissions.
“Lahat ng aspeto, pinag-iisipan ko—pati materials, packaging, at kung paano bababa ang energy use. Hindi kailangan ng engrande kung ang puso ay buo.”
This reflects a deeply thoughtful approach to Kapé Lakbay’s business operations and sustainability.
The founder’s decision to use moka pots instead of energy-consuming espresso machines reflects a commitment to practical innovation. By focusing on efficiency, he finds ways to deliver quality coffee while minimizing the environmental footprint. This approach is innovative because it challenges the standard coffee shop model, which often relies on expensive, high-tech equipment.
His use of immersion brewing for cold coffee also ties back to sustainability. The minimalist approach—using less water and energy—aligns with both the environment’s needs and the business’s values. This is a form of constraint-driven innovation, where the limitations of resources don’t hinder creativity but instead fuel a more thoughtful, sustainable process.
The founder’s focus is not just on the final product, but on every step of the process. By being deliberate about the materials used, packaging, and even energy use, he integrates sustainability into the very DNA of the business. This goes beyond just offering “green” options; it’s about the whole system of the enterprise. Sustainability, for Kapé Lakbay, is not a marketing gimmick but a guiding principle.
For the founder, authenticity and purpose take precedence over flashy, expensive techniques or investments that don’t align with his vision. This reinforces the commitment to staying true to one’s mission and values.
By continuing to use his bike cart for events whenever possible, the founder emphasizes the importance of reducing carbon emissions in practical, actionable ways. Instead of relying on fossil fuel-powered transport, the bike serves as a symbol of sustainable practices. This makes the business not only eco-conscious but also customer-conscious, appealing to those who value green initiatives. It ties into his personal brand, showcasing his commitment to low-carbon living.
This eco-friendly mindset isn’t merely a trend for Kapé Lakbay; it’s embedded into their daily practices. The owner’s ability to make eco-friendly choices, even when it may seem inconvenient or less lucrative, positions him as a role model for green entrepreneurship.
The business philosophy aligns well with the brand’s authentic Filipino identity—steeped in simplicity and rooted in community. It positions Kapé Lakbay as more than just a café but as a movement that challenges the status quo. The founder’s business philosophy is a testament to the idea that sustainability and community impact should be at the heart of all business decisions, even when it’s not the easier or more glamorous choice.
The careful attention to detail and the authentic Filipino approach to sustainability can help foster customer loyalty. When customers see that the founder isn’t just offering a great product but is also genuinely committed to sustainability and social responsibility, they become part of a bigger story. They are not simply buying coffee; they’re investing in a business that aligns with their values.
In the pursuit of eventual franchising, the founder’s approach to innovation and sustainability could be a key competitive advantage. As Kapé Lakbay considers expansion, these constraint-driven innovations might offer scalable ways to replicate the brand’s success without compromising on quality or core values. This is a model that could inspire other businesses looking to balance growth with environmental impact and community-based practices.
The founder’s unwavering focus on simplicity and purpose resonates with an emerging wave of Filipino entrepreneurs. It shows that building a successful business doesn’t have to mean adopting Western standards or overcomplicating operations. Rather, it’s about leveraging local resources, simplifying processes, and staying true to Filipino values of community, hospitality, and sustainability.
He gives discounts to customers who bring reusable tumblers and accepts tips which he redistributes through Careton by Kapé Lakbay, an unofficial community page he created to support outreach efforts. These include graduation photoshoots for Aeta youth, donations to coffee farmers in Mindoro, parol sales from IP artisans, and typhoon relief efforts.
His helpers include his own senior citizen mother and out-of-school youth in the community—“Kahit simple lang, gusto kong may partisipasyon ang komunidad. Kapag may kinikita ako, may natutulungan din.”
From the Street to BUYanihan
In May 2023, Kapé Lakbay first joined BUYanihan sa Diliman, UP ISSI’s premier MSME showcase, where it stood out not only for its bike-cart setup and flavorful brews, but for its story. Held at the UP ISSI building in Diliman, Quezon City, the event brought together microentrepreneurs, advocates, and the academic community to celebrate local products and grassroots innovation.
Kapé Lakbay has been a regular participant since then, continuing to bring its signature blend of culture, advocacy, and craftsmanship to each gathering.
Most recently, in May 2025, Kapé Lakbay returned to the BUYanihan circuit—this time held at the iconic UP Academic Oval. It was no longer just a newcomer—it had become a familiar favorite. With its handcrafted drinks and Filipino branding, the coffee cart not only served beverages but continued to embody the heart of the event: community-based, sustainable, and distinctly local.
“Hindi ko akalain na makakapasok ako sa isang ganitong event,” the founder recalled. “Pero ang sarap sa pakiramdam na may espasyo rin para sa mga tulad ko—maliliit pero may layunin.”
He remains grounded, but hopeful. “Wala pa lahat ng permits, pero unti-unti ko itong inaayos. Pinag-aaralan ko rin ang franchising. Gusto ko na kung palalaguin ko ito, hindi mawawala ang
puso ng Kapé Lakbay—ang pagiging malapit sa masa, ang malasakit sa kapwa, at ang pagmamalaki sa sariling atin.”
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Kapé Lakbay is more than a business—it is a movement by one man who chose to pedal his way through uncertainty with heart and vision.
Founded officially on February 28, 2023, Kapé Lakbay operates as a sole proprietorship. It began as a pop-up cart outside the founder’s home in Holy Spirit, Quezon City, and has since expanded to a physical café called Kapé Lakbay–Misericordia. While the founder runs the café full-time, he is sometimes assisted by his senior citizen mother and local youth during events. The café sources its coffee beans from a friend’s small farm and roastery in Sta. Maria, Laguna, and its cacao from Bohol, processed by a manufacturer in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The brand has become known for its bike-powered coffee cart, Filipino menu names, and strong sustainability and advocacy efforts. While not yet fully franchised, it has already drawn interest from entrepreneurs in Quezon City and Negros Occidental—a clear sign that its concept has growth potential rooted in heart, heritage, and innovation.
For fellow entrepreneurs and those dreaming to start, his story offers key takeaways:
- Let your story lead your brand. Kapé Lakbay’s Filipino branding—its names, flavors, and identity—aren’t just aesthetic. They are cultural anchors that deepen customer connection.
- Start with what you have. A bike, a kettle, and a dream became the foundation for a business with growing national reach.
- Pursue excellence through learning. From TESDA certifications to social enterprise training programs, the founder continuously invests in himself.
- Infuse your business with advocacy. Sustainability, community work, and inclusivity aren’t afterthoughts—they’re part of his business model.
- Keep the vision expansive. From a street pop-up to a potential franchise, his entrepreneurial journey reminds us that big futures often begin with humble starts.
As the aroma of Itim and Kayumanggi wafts from the windows of Kapé Lakbay–Misericordia, one can’t help but believe in the dream: that someday, this bike-cart café will indeed become the Kapehan ng Bayan—brewing not just coffee, but a new kind of Filipino enterprise.
Because when brewed right, a simple coffee cart can become a national movement.