These creative cafés in PD4 might serve as your third space
by Rahndal Rico
Photos from the Office of Cong. Christopher De Venecia
We roamed around unique cafés in Pangasinan District 4 (PD4) and discovered they are more than coffees and bagels.
Let’s be honest here: It’s the first month of a new year and it already feels like you’ve juggled every workload assigned by your boss. Your nine-to-five shift starts to overwhelm you and you’re looking for a place to destress. Perhaps a third space can help you to briefly escape from that rabbit hole.
But what exactly is a third space?
Sociologist Ray Oldenberg notes that it’s where you can connect with others over shared hobbies or interests. It’s a place to belong and loosen up a bit — away from your home and office desk. Places like libraries or coffee houses are the best examples of a third space!
PD4 offers a variety of coffee shops to choose from. From advocating zero waste to exhibiting avant-garde, here are list of cafés that can elevate your third space experience:
1. Cafe Gaia
First on our list is an Earth-friendly café located in Manaoag. Cafe Gaia advocates green initiatives by offering local and international sourced, ethical and environment-friendly ingredients. Instead of plastic cups and straws, they make use of bagasse (fibrous residue from sugarcanes) and glass alternatives. They also offer homemade pastries — such as Sanrio-themed carrot cream cheese cupcakes — best paired with their handcrafted drinks. Five minutes away from the Manaoag church and you’ll get to taste their signature Gaia Melt!
Cafe Gaia is inviting you to sip with a purpose.
Brgy. Licsi, Manaoag, Pangasinan
Thu-Sunday:11 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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2. Cups & Berry
Established in 2016, Cups & Berry is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a specialty café that caters the caffeine and non-caffeine needs of the people. Apart from the delicious treats, its courtyard, hosted by DCTY Micro Gallery, offers a communal support for coffee baristas and local artists. Grounded in its vision and coffee beans selection, it ranked seventh in Philippine National Coffee Competition 2023 and emerged as champion in PD4 Barista. Better try their new Midnight Blend Espresso that offers a bold flavor of toasted nuts and cocoa nibs!
Cups & Berry is letting you unleash your inner artist and connect with the arts community.
Ground Floor, Dr. G & M Arellano Street, Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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3. Highlands Cafe In The Sky
Whether you’re a biker or not, you may want to stop by this café built on a hilly land. Located near Biker’s Den (a pet project by Cong. Toff) this al fresco dining gives you a glimpse of San Fabian beach and West Philippines Sea! Their bestseller Smores Iced Latte, made of freshly pulled espresso with a splash of vanilla and marshmallow cream, is definitely a top-tier choice for your sunset gazing. Don’t forget to bring your picnic mat!
Highlands Cafe in the Sky is calling you to take a breather and embrace nature.
Mabilao-Inmalog Sur Rd, Lipit Tomeeng, San Fabian, Pangasinan
Mon-Thu: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri-Sun: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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4. Dane’s Surf and Brew
This café by the seaside lets you sniff Tondaligan’s salt air as you sip their *Horchata (*pronunced as or-chaa-tuh) — a cinnamon-infused and rice milk-based Mexican drink.
Maybe it’s time to grab that surfboard and tick surfing in your hobby bucket list. No need to travel to La Union as they offer beginner surf lessons every weekend.
Dane’s Surf and Brew is telling you to explore PD4 and savor every moment.
Tondaligan Beach, Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Mon-Thu: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri-Sun: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Surfing lessons are for reservations. Send them a request at @danessurfandbrew.
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5. Manna Coffee and Pastries
If you’re craving for Parisian vibes, this is your sign to visit this newly-built cafe in Mangaldan. Their twice-baked Almond Croissant goes well with their signature Cinnamon Oat Cloud coffee. Good news: they are open until 12 a.m. every Friday and Saturday. So if you want a cozy night out, this is definitely a go-to place!
Manna Coffee and Pastries wants you to indulge in their baked goods. National Highway, Guiguilonen, Mangaldan, Pangasinan
Sun-Thu: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
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6. Café Maxima
Located at the heart of Dagupan, this Lilac-themed coffee shop will take your third space experience into the next level. With its soft-Industrial interior, it promises to give you a sensory experience! Their bestselling Lila drink is something you should try, and pair it with their irresistible *Burnt Cheesecake. “Every sip blends creativity and comfort” indeed.
Café Maxima is inviting you to take a sip of heaven.
Perez Boulevard, Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Sun-Mon: 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Follow them at Café Maxima on Facebook
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7. Lei CAFE
This pet-friendly café definitely serves as a pit stop if you have your fur baby with you. Not to mention its calming atmosphere — a perfect place for intimate hangouts and chill dates. From their decadent Custaroons to a well-balanced Strawberry Uji Matcha, they’re proud to say that their goods are “unmatched and unrivaled”.
Lei CAFE is calling you to invite your friends with their fur babies in its cutesy coffee hub.
358 Mangin, Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Sun-Mon: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Follow them at @leicafedagupan on Facebook and Instagram.
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8. Cafe Zero
Last but not the least on our list is another eco-friendly coffee hub that supports and pushes for a zero-waste lifestyle. Apart from its delectable treats, they also offer coffee cart catering services with a variety of packages such as the Coffee Series that includes five coffee choices — Iced Latte, Spanish Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte, and White Chocolate Mocha.
Filled with passion and purpose, it ranked among the top six finalists for 2023 Philippine National Coffee Competition’s Latte Art Championships.
If you want that P10 off, don’t forget to bring your own cups!
Cafe Zero asks you to support local coffee shops.
Arellano Street, Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Sun: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Coffee cart catering services are for reservations. Send them a request at @cafezeroph on Facebook and Instagram.
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EXPLOREPD4 is an initiative spearheaded by Cong. Christopher “Toff” De Venecia that uncovers the hidden gems of Pangasinan’s 4th District. An annual coffee competition, featuring three categories—Latte Art, Brewer’s Cup, and Barista Signature Drink—is held each year to showcase the diverse talents within PD4’s coffee community. #ExplorePD4
