Plants and coffee. What better combination can put someone in a good mood and promote good health? Plants, after all, are known to reduce stress levels and even improve the quality of indoor air by reducing volatile organic compounds and the concentration of carbon dioxide.

Coffee, meanwhile, has been associated with reduced risks of several chronic diseases and is a source of, among other plant chemicals, Vitamin B12 and magnesium. Consumed in moderation, it can contribute to alertness, energy and focus.

Around the metro, many cafés have converted into outdoor gardens to keep up with the demands of the times. Café Plantcetera, meanwhile, started out as a gardeners’ wonderland and ended up serving a cuppa.

Plantcetera is the go-to supplier of many plantitos and plantitas in the city. They also supply plant display systems and outdoor wooden furniture. With business booming as many turned to gardening during the lockdowns, the owners felt it was time to stretch their entrepreneurial legs and provide something extra to customers as they decided which plants to take home with them.

Café Plantcetera chose single-origin beans from the mountains of Sagada. The café’s beans are of single-origin, meaning the beans are not a blend from different sources but come from a specific geographical region, and in this case, it’s Sagada.

In keeping with the healthy vibe of the establishment, the owners decided on the dark roast of the beans. This is believed to enhance the coffee’s already-rich supply of antioxidants, which are known to help fight free radicals that cause cellular damage. The dark roasting also brings out a rich taste, making each cup an experience to savor while gazing at the cafés gardens.

At Café Plantcetera, you can choose to take your coffee hot, cold or blended. Take it as Pinoy as can be by choosing Kapeng Barako, or more on the stateside as Café Americano. The beans render themselves well as caramel or hazelnut-flavored lattés, or on the sweet and frothy side as cappuccinos or café mochas. True-blue coffee diehards are covered at Café Plantcetera with the Cold Brew series of these coffee preparations.

Feeling like a blend? Try a tall glass of Sagada coffee in a Mocha, Coffee jelly, Caramel macchiato, Belgian chocolate or Dark chocolate blend.

For those not feeling like a cuppa just yet, there’s Strawberry and Blueberry smoothies, as well as a refreshing Pink lemonade.

But what’s good coffee if you can’t wash down good food? Small bites to give you more reasons to linger among the plants.

Have your coffee with choices from Plantcetera’s Sweet Tooth menu, like a Brownie s’mores, or even a Vigan bibingka. Nibble on cheesy quesadillas and nachos for a light afternoon treat.

Hungry, but not quite? Have a savory Four-cheese sandwich or their special Ham-and-cheese sandwich, a wrap, or maybe a plateful of Spaghetti Bolognese or Spanish sardines aglio olio or Tuna pesto.

So what better way to surround yourself with good vibes and good health than to take your cuppa amidst the lush gardens of Café Plantcetera.

Café Plantcetera is located in #17 Apollo St. Talon II Moonwalk Paranaque Las Pinas. Call them at 09177034804 or check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cafeplantcetera to know more.