The San Juan vibe by Kel Zaguirre
I have lived in San Juan City for most of my life, and everyone knows the amazing food scene in this city. It has some of the best restaurants and specialty shops.
Chef Mikel Zaguirre, chief executive officer and founder of Food Records, Inc., is giving the city a different vibe as he opened a coffee shop and a bar that focus on everything Filipino.
FRI has those two concepts plus Binondo Boys; but more on that restaurant next time. FRI not only operates the commissary that supplies all outlets but also ensures that each business unit’s needs are met with consistency and excellence. It functions as the nerve center of their operations, with a dedicated and diverse team of individuals who support the company’s day-to-day activities and are the driving force behind a growing portfolio of innovative food and beverage concepts, pioneering a breakthrough business format that embraces micro dining experiences. It celebrates Filipino culture, pop culture, and nostalgia, crafting concepts that are Filipino at heart while resonating with modern diners.
Kel, as he is fondly called, is a chef and restaurateur who trained in French culinary techniques early in his career and is now being recognized for his bold, creative approach to modern Filipino cuisine. He also lives in San Juan like me.
His coffee shop is Mabuhay Craft Coffee, where Filipino coffee culture comes to life. From classic favorites to modern creations, they serve thoughtfully crafted brews in a welcoming space designed for community, culture, and connection. The store is open 24/7, and I am actually surprised that there are even more people there at night! I can’t take coffee at night because it keeps me up, but I’d go there any time of the day! Their cuisine serves Filipino-rooted kape (coffee) and tinapay (bread). Their bestsellers include their Aerocano, Tablea Mocha, Dirty White Champorado Latte, Ube Latik Latte, and Dirty Skrambol, which reminds me so much of my childhood but in a more adult manner because of the coffee—something I was not allowed to drink as a kid. Two of my favorites there are the tocino croissant, a laminated pastry with pork tocino; and the Kouignsaymada, an ingenious take on the classic Brittany pastry Kouign amann made into an ensaymada.
Mabuhay Craft Coffee is on the street level of Mabini Street, and right above it is Malagihay Cocktail Club, a neighborhood bar that blends craft cocktails with a warm, homey vibe. The bar celebrates Filipino hospitality, offering an intimate, inviting space for conversation and relaxed enjoyment. The place feels like an extension of one’s home. Crowd favorite cocktails include Ovaltine Rice, Banana con Royale, Coastal Waters, Salted Mango, and Magic Gulaman. There are DJs who play their music at the cozy place that is open until 4 a.m.
Kel’s very Filipino coffee shop and bar are very welcome additions to the eclectic and wonderful eating and drinking scene in San Juan City.
Check out both soon. Everyone I have brought there has loved it.
Mabuhay Craft Coffee is located at 191B A. Mabini Street, Barangay Addition Hills, San Juan City. Viber hotline is (0927) 3539971 and is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Malagihay Cocktail Club is on the 2nd floor of Mabuhay Craft Coffee and their Viber hotline is (0927) 8531729. The club is open from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. except on Tuesdays.
