Being unemployed and a not so fresh graduate (it's been 3 months since my graduation), my mind tends to wander whenever I have the time to do so. Aside from the constant thought of getting hired soon, I sometimes couldn't help but miss college - and yes, I can't believe I said that either.

If there was one thing I constantly thank my five year stay in college for, that would be for me to explore tons of different cafes and restaurants around Manila.

Cafe Travel located in Taft, especially, holds a special place in my heart since it was where me and my boyfriend had one of our first dates at. Back then, I loved the idea of getting to hang out at a cafe where you can get your own piece of quiet and privacy since this cafe in particular has small cubicles where you can somehow feel as if you're at the privacy of your own home. This is a big deal considering true blue coffee shop campers know that popular cafes can get a little crowded and therefore, lose its essence of being a place where you can read a good book while sipping on your favorite drink.

But just the other day, I forgot why I loved Cafe Travel in the first place. Its once bearable looking walls which was a reminiscent of unique because of its "you-can-write-anything-on-the-walls" is now an eye sore. Really, it hasn't even been a year since I last visited this place and already it looks like a vandal's mecca.



If you're a common millennial who loves owning a crisp, feed goal worthy Instagram, I suggest you opt for other cafes.


Most of us were trained that we shouldn't be picky when it comes to places we dine in or hang out at and always look at the brighter side of things - Cafe Travel's menu is still wonderful, though - but I think things have gotten out of hand for this cafe joint. I remember telling my boyfriend the other day that it would probably be better if the management would paint over their walls every month or a few weeks or so just so they can keep their notorious "freedom of expression" in check without sacrificing the actual look for the interiors.

Aside from the interiors (yes, it's not only the walls that are heavily scribbled in permanent marker), the ambient music has also been a concern for me. I consider their playlist to be inconsistent, something I call out-of-place rap music. I have nothing against this particular genre (truth be told, I think Drake and Fetty Wap are musical geniuses) but for a person who would like to study/hang out/chill - rap music isn't exactly the first thing I'd like to listen to on my playlist.

Cafe Travel, I care for you. I really do. But please make more of an effort with keeping your interiors clean and pleasing to the eye. If your (cleaner) San Fernando, Pampanga branch were only nearer, I'd go there in a heartbeat. You also need to know your identity, ASAP.