No Juan Is An Island

There is a specific kind of magic that only Baguio can conjure when the fog rolls in. Outside, the sky was a heavy, comforting slate gray, and the vibe kf an impending rain. The highland chill was out in full force, but inside the premises of the beautiful Cafe Kafagway, the atmosphere was the absolute antithesis of the weather. It was pure, unadulterated sunshine.
This weekend marked a massive milestone for the Story Candle team. While this was our eighth workshop of the year, it was the official debut of our Iced Latte Candle-Making Workshop. After months of mastering basic scented soy wax, we were ready to brew something a little different. And honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop than the cozy, welcoming embrace of Cafe Kafagway.

A Brew-tiful Debut: The Iced Latte Workshop
The energy of our workshop space was buzzing from the moment the participants started arriving. We were thrilled to welcome a wonderful mix of familiar workshop returnees—the familiar faces that feel like old friends—and enthusiastic new creators eager to learn the craft.
Despite the overcast skies, the creative energy was palpable. Everyone jumped right into the experience, eagerly sharing insights, asking questions, and pouring their hearts (and wax!) into their creations. The “Iced Latte” concept challenged everyone to think like a barista and a candle maker simultaneously. From perfecting the rich “coffee” base to adding the ice cube gel wax to mimic the aesthetics of a real iced latte drink, the process was a delightful, sensory-filled journey.

The results? Absolutely stunning. By the end of the session, the tables were lined with custom-crafted candles that not only smelled incredibly rich and comforting but looked so realistic you’d almost want to take a sip.

The Main Event: Satiating the Soul at Cafe Kafagway
While our wonderful participants were busy melting, mixing, and pouring, I took it upon myself to explore the true heart of our host venue. Let me tell you, Cafe Kafagway is not just a pretty space—it is a culinary sanctuary. Between guiding steps and cheering on our crafters, I happily satiated myself with Kafagway’s delicious eats.
Here is the mouthwatering rundown of a feast I won’t soon forget:

The Pre-Workshop Fuel
Before the beautiful chaos of the workshop began, I needed a moment of grounding. I fueled up with a hot Spanish Latte paired with a delightful Egg Tart. The latte was perfectly balanced—creamy, sweet, but with a bold espresso backbone that cut through the morning chill. Combined with the flaky – crunchy, custard-rich egg tart, it was truly a match made in heaven.

The Elevation of Comfort Food: Chicken “Kinulob”
When lunch rolled around, I treated myself to their Chicken “Kinulob.” This is Cafe Kafagway’s unique take on Hainanese chicken, but elevated to a whole new level. The chicken itself was incredibly tender, but the true stars of the show were the accompaniments. The ginger and pesto dip was an absolute revelation, adding a vibrant, herbaceous punch to every bite, while the crisp atsara (pickled papaya) complemented the dish perfectly with its bright acidity.

The Ultimate Refreshment
To keep my energy up early-afternoon, I sipped on their Citrus Mint Cooler. It was incredibly refreshing, acting as the perfect palate cleanser between the rich scents of coffee fragrance oils and savory food.

A Nostalgic Sweet Finale
For dessert, I had to revisit an old favorite: the Kafagway Ice Cream. It features a classic vanilla base topped with fresh Baguio strawberries and a generous grating of dark chocolate infused with chilis. I first tried this unique treat four years ago, and let me tell you—it is still an absolute bomb! The slow, subtle heat of the chili against the cold, sweet cream and tart strawberries is pure genius.
Note to self: I desperately wanted to try the shiitake pasta, but by the end of the day, I was simply too full to function. It’s already at the top of my list for my next visit!
Until the Next Pour
A massive, heartfelt thank you to everyone who spent their rainy day creating, laughing, and pouring with us. Your enthusiasm is the reason we love what we do.
And, of course, a huge shoutout to Cafe Kafagway for their top-notch hospitality and for providing the perfect cozy backdrop for our creative community. You didn’t just host us; you fed our souls (and our stomachs!). We can’t wait to come back.

Until the next pour, stay warm and keep creating!
**Cafe Kafagway is a wide open space that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm. Cafe Kafagway is located at 25 Parisas Compund, Lodge Pole Pine Rd, Baguio, 2600 Benguet, The Philippines