OFTENTIMES, I catch myself pondering about the state of the country. Will it ever become better? What will the next generation be witness to? What it will be like in 50 years? On the other hand, I also find myself daydreaming about how this country is blessed with people who never cease to put on a smile no matter how difficult life gets. True, people rant about the flash floods, the intolerable traffic, the government which often resembles, if not a circus, then a telenovela. Despite all that, there is the sense of nationalism and proud identity of the Filipino people, which can mean we are a nation still filled with hope.
Down the street from where I work, there is a quaint, community-centric artisanal café, whose vision to inspire the community—and the country—has caught my attention. Its space may be small, but it is big on hope and inspiration to create dreams and build visions. Local Edition Coffee & Tea has been tucked inside the quaint neighborhood of Upper Legaspi in Makati City since June 2014, and it has been its mantra to call on others to inspire and create. Upon entering the café, one is greeted by the familiar aroma of coffee, fresh sandwiches and pastries, plus a rustic ambiance that is filled with personality. The walls and ceiling are uniquely decked with structural grids that allow collaborators to decorate the space every other month. At Local Edition, there is always something new to look forward to as they find new ways to engage the community. This is a genius way to encourage everyone to get creative, as the possibilities on the structural grid are endless. The ceiling can even be used as a canvas as lights can be replaced by installations. In here, dreams are limitless.
Founded by two friends, Jackie Arceo and Julia Sevilla, Local Edition is 100-percent Filipino as they strongly believe that one’s identity comes from within. The coffee beans are sourced only from the Philippines, and they make sure that the beans are planted and harvested with love by local farmers. Jackie and Julia say that each sip one takes is a prayer of thanks to the farmers who have dedicated their lives to producing great beans and a great harvest. So cheers to that!
For most people, Local Edition has become an extension of their workplace. Jackie and Julia do not serve only coffee, as they have special signature beverages and comfort food. They are also willing to share and open up their space for workshops and small gatherings. Another distinct trademark of the café is its vision to truly engage the neighborhood and surrounding community by coming up and collaborating with Filipino creatives—designers, art enthusiasts, book worms, dreamers and visionaries—to work on their space. The vision is to engage the community to share in its vision of supporting local by sending out messages of inspiration and hope to those who set foot in the café. These interesting, engaging and ever-evolving installations are based around a theme and an overall message is shared in the local community, Julia says. Recent wall installations include collaborations with Purveyr, and an installation called As I Wandered by Raniel Hernandez and Herschel Supply Co. Their installation sought to inspire visitors toward their own explorations through photographs of journeys and moments.
Another collaborator was Rags2Riches, which honored the women who are members of their social enterprise with their installation titled Paghahabi. Still, another was a message from the students of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts whose timely message was to Be Bold and Begin, represented by an installation of flowers in bloom made from paper art. A section of such installations is usually interactive as patrons are invited to share their thoughts through wall postings and social media. This month, another special installation was launched.
Currently on view, the latest installation is curated by Jason Buensalido, titled Hope+Scape, with the message of hope and optimism highlighted. Jason’s installation of eight contoured and terraced sculptures encourages optimism that the country is destined for greatness, and that there are many things to be hopeful for despite everything that’s in the news.
He invites the neighborhood to share their hopes and dreams, as well as their vision by answering the question “What are you hopeful for?” He not only invites the physical community of Local Edition to share their thoughts but also has tapped netizens to join in through its social-media accounts.
The mechanics are posted on the Facebook page of Local Edition, and I join them in inviting everyone to participate in this hopeful campaign.
I salute Local Edition for engaging the community and sharing its dreams of supporting local enterprise. I salute it for sharing the grids on its walls with those who also have dreams and aspirations.
It’s not just a coffee shop, but a personalized community all working toward the goal of inspiring people. Local Edition has been able to integrate business and a vision into something that is transformative and concrete—one that is able to engage someone’s thoughts, and probably change a life that is destined to change the world.
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For inquiries, you may contact Local Edition Coffee & Tea at psst@localedition.ph, or visit them at 116 Perea Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.
Image credits: Photos: Nikki Boncan-Buensalido, Lo Cal Edition Coffee & Tea