As far as I could recall, there was a big cottage at the back of Shelton Beach Haven in Bacolod City where families usually booked to have huge parties with a Karaoke machine. It was a bit pricey than the rest of the normal cottages but it was often fully booked anyway.
Yet, it was way back... 6 years ago.
Many years have passed before I could enter this place again. This time, it wasn't for a family reunion where we enjoy the foods, swimming in the pool, basking in the sea and singing to our heart's content. We're just enjoying our free time and decided an unplanned visit to this place. Actually, I was surprised to know just then that this resort has a Coffee Shop inside and people could enter there now for free. That big cottage situated at the back portion of this beach resort that I was referring to earlier was turned into a Coffee Shop, so I called it as the Haven's Hidden Pearl. Well, coffee shops are precious places to me —a safe haven.
Arthur's Coffee, a coffee beside the sea, veiled in the public's eye but famous by the word of mouth. It is simple and small shop themed with a Filipino indigenous materials, locally made and hand-woven. The shop showcased the local tradition and culture. Those colorful small pennants hanged on the bamboo-made facade with some ornamental plants displayed below speaks enough of the culture, it represents traditional homes celebrating an annual fiesta. The motif chosen by this shop radiates festive vibes which is welcoming the customers in awe.
Local materials have elegance on its own way and this shop portrayed it in the forms of hand-woven baskets, sea shells and crafts. Personally, I'm a minimalist who loves local crafts which is why this place appealed more captivating to me. Coffee shops should be warm and cozy like home as it makes people more comfortable.
My friends ordered the coffee and snacks while I was occupied capturing good shots. They know all too well that it was meant to be shared here. But anyway, they offer variety of drinks. They also have non-coffee based drinks like tea, chocolates and shakes. Aside from drinks, of course, there should be snacks and they have also rice meals for breakfast. We came here in a late afternoon to unwind for a while from the overwhelming school activities. Usually, in places like this, I often order hot black coffee, then my friends went for Iced Chocolates and Avocado Milkshake with Nacho Fries as our snacks.
We feasted on the snacks right away. I forgot to take photos. 😄
A scenic view and salty breeze from the sea while having coffee with little chats makes this shop's location perfect for simple relaxation. If it's near my place, I'll be here more often probably, like my friend who suggested this place. It's often about the comfortability which makes the experience more worth it and this one checks the boxes.
From what I've heard, they just opened recently but the business is doing well. More luck to this shop, I hope, so they could continue longer and keep this site to customers like us who wanted a peaceful ambiance.
Anyway, it's been a while since I've shared another coffee experience. I'm glad to be back here in this community, but that's it for now. Thanks for reading!