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A Cutesy Cafe In Imus That's Totally Worth The Drive

There's a reason it's gaining more popularity among weekenders!

Article (news)

Danah Gutierrez

<p>The café game in Manila continues to level up its design aesthetic, unique merch items, and overall coffee experience! Today, it’s not just the pastries and caffeinated drinks that entice coffee lovers; the ambiance and general vibes are now a big part of cafe culture.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6865ffb2-f03a-4b93-8c5a-62d4b8f38376_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-11.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Café 10/23 is just a road trip away! <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>“I wanted a space that Caviteños can enjoy and be proud of. I wanted it to be a café where people from Manila can drive up to and hang out, or a place where locals can bring their visitors to,” shared Laurice Anelle “LA” Gonzaga Cantimbuhan, owner of the trendy, young, and modern-retro coffee space, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ten.twentythree/" target="_blank">Cafe 10/23</a>. Needless to say, just last Saturday, they celebrated their first anniversary in the dining industry. October 23 marks the birthdays of two important members of the Gonzaga-Cantimbuhan family: Imus City Board member Ony Cantimbuhan and their late grandmother, Rosalinda Gonzaga.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/66b5b0fa-13bd-43d3-98de-f946e0fc5f4b_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-2.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Cutesy vibes all &#x27;round<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/restaurants/new-restaurant-seva-dining-in-san-juan/39155" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hidden San Juan Spot Reimagines New American Cuisine</a></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/fdcb372f-2cc2-4cf5-a9b8-742378c79aa6_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-9.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> Pastels and a Jeepney—Café 10/23 is a true visual treat<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Having franchised several Gerry’s Grill restaurants around Cavite years ago, LA and her family have quite the experience. “But of course, it’s still different when it’s your own concept,” she shared. She also began her career in public relations and marketing for four years before entering entrepreneurship. At the café’s core is their family and love for community, with a deep commitment to creating a unique space in their hometown. This personal connection makes Café 10/23 more than just a business, but a big part of their family as well. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3805d372-b7f6-4a01-ac1b-272c2c3251e5_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-5.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> Savory and sweet croissants baked fresh daily <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>At the vibrant age of 28, LA has achieved such a feat. Café 10/23 is quite impressive. From starting as a café with a 120-seating capacity to 300 in a year, serving over a thousand guests on weekends, Café 10/23 shows no signs of stopping. Expansion plans are also brewing, including a bigger commissary for the bakehouse and kitchen, their own gelato line, a new indoor dining that also serves as an events hall, and two more branches in Cavite this 2025. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f8b5205c-d6bf-42ae-9bdd-30f5f0c38908_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-263.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Café 10/23 x Trinkets<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>For their first anniversary celebration, they also collaborated with Street Fresh with special Café 10/23 shirts (P999 each), and Trinkets for limited-edition Café 10/23 jewelry, including a croissant necklace (P699), gold coffee cup necklace (P699), and coffee cup bracelet (P499).</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/29a66f71-4a0b-4061-a5b7-a3b9b71f8842_la cantimbuhan and big boy cheng.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Café 10/23’s LA Cantimbuhan with Street Fresh Founder, Big Boy Cheng<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>No wonder it’s buzzing, the space is so charming and picturesque—a true visual treat! As you step into Café 10/23, you will be greeted by treasures holding sentimental value for the family. A vintage seat from Lola Rosalinda&#x27;s house, lovingly restored, makes the dining room an homage to family history.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c54fcb4f-eb6b-468c-879a-b32785502bf5_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-27.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Airy, artsy, and aesthetic–the triple-A that describes Café 10/23 <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/f2c17f4f-399e-4633-a62c-ce91dc346e8a_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-25.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Every corner is a visual treat <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Supporting and promoting local Caviteño artists and artisans is a core principle at Café 10/23. The gallery wall showcases the work of local Imus artist, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christiantamondong/" target="_blank">Christian Tamondong</a>, and the majority of the furniture, including signature tables and chairs, were crafted by local artisans, reinforcing their support to their community. The iconic Jeep, a centerpiece in the café, was crafted by Caviteño artists and carries the legacy of Lola Rosalinda&#x27;s business (Gonzaga Body Builders) of crafting passenger jeeps from the &#x27;60s to the &#x27;80s.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/77dff5ac-f801-4d1b-8b98-16f1b4fbf6c1_cafe 10-23_first anniversary-311.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">There&#x27;s also an al fresco space<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Overall, the thoughtful pieces cohesively tie the café and give a colorful, fun, and inviting atmosphere. Inspired by modern-retro interiors with bits and pieces that scream dopamine decor, it’s such a feast for the senses, so leave some memory on your camera phones because surely, you’ll be snapping the day away.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/5c2aed34-b004-48ff-9032-45e51bfe5ca9_20241019_111010.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The author with her mother<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/36327aea-3081-41d2-8e33-eab4294c120a_20241019_112901.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The perfect weekend brunch destination<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>I took my mom for an easy Saturday morning drive to Imus to Café 10/23. We had brunch and tried their 10/23 sandwich (7/10), nachos (7/10) and their chicken fingers (8/10). </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/6e600f98-3920-4d37-bda8-a31f738b8794_20241019_125933.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Sip and chill with Café 10/23’s signature drinks and sodas<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/4633a08e-6d99-4e76-a823-c4a37dff4c02_20241019_115731.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The lattes come in intriguing flavors<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Danah Gutierrez  </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>As for their beverages, my top picks from their signature drinks were the tiramisu latte (9/10), ube de leche latte (10/10), and caramel kiss (9/10). As for the non-coffee drinks, their strawberry lemon (10/10) and yuzu sodas (9/10) were refreshingly delicious.</p><div><br/></div><p>As first-timers, we had a lovely time. We got some sunshine, fresh air, and enjoyed the lush greenery all around. Our phones were full of captured memories and cute photos! Café 10/23 just has an easy vibe that is perfect for weekenders, fur parents, families and barkadas, and it surely makes the drive down south worth it.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/features/edsa-shangri-la-x-malagos-chocolate-connection/39142" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PSA: This Decadent Friday-Night Chocolate Buffet Awaits</a></div><div><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ten.twentythree/" target="_blank">Café 10/23</a> | Imus Blvd., Malagasang II-C, Imus, Cavite |  Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ten.twentythree/" target="_blank">@ten.twentythree</a>.</em></div><div><br/></div><div><em>Photos by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedanahsoars/" target="_blank"> Danah Gutierrez</a> </em></div><div><br/></div>