In the midst of the global pandemic, as Manila endured one of the world’s longest and strictest lockdowns, Emmanuel "Manu" Reyes found himself, like many Filipinos, suddenly adrift. The fitness and wellness studios he once managed were shuttered, deemed high-risk and last to reopen. But out of this forced stillness, in the quiet hours of lockdown, Manu’s restlessness would spark the beginnings of a neighborhood revolution—one fueled by curiosity, creativity, and, perhaps most importantly, coffee.
From garage to historic landmark
“I just needed to be productive,” Manu recalls. Nights spent scrolling through social media introduced him to the world of tiny, innovative coffee shops across Asia. Inspired, he wondered: “What if I brought this experience to my own neighborhood?” Thus, Papakape was born—first as a humble project in a makeshift glass house in his garage, serving coffee to neighbors also desperate for connection.
The name PAPAKAPE is a Filipino verb meaning “to serve coffee to someone.” It’s a word that inherently connects the giver and receiver—a fitting ethos for a venture born in a time of isolation. What began as a simple act of sharing soon blossomed into something much bigger. Word spread, and soon people from neighboring cities were making the pilgrimage to Manu’s garage-turned-café, seeking not just caffeine, but community.
The turning point came when the Intramuros Administration—guardians of Manila’s storied walled city—took notice of Papakape’s unique approach to Filipino flavors. They offered Manu the opportunity to set up shop inside Fort Santiago, one of the country’s most historic sites. Today, Papakape serves tourists and locals alike from within a 400-year-old water cistern, where every cup tells a story, not just of coffee, but of Filipino heritage.
A café unlike any other
What sets Papakape apart is its refusal to be just another transactional coffee stop. “I don’t see myself as just a place for your caffeine fix,” Manu explains. Instead, Papakape is an experience—a destination that invites adventure, curiosity, and a sense of nostalgia for travel. The menu, crafted from Manu’s background as a research and development chef, is a celebration of Filipino ingredients and narratives. Each drink, each treat, is a journey through Philippine culture.
Papakape’s physical location is deliberately hard to find; tucked away within the fort, it requires effort and intention to visit. Yet this exclusivity has only enhanced its allure. “We’ve had people come straight from the airport, suitcases in tow, because Papakape is on their itinerary,” Manu says with pride.
Going beyond the cup: Building an online presence with GoDaddy
As Papakape’s reputation grew, so too did Manu’s vision. He recognized the need to establish a more “legit” online presence, to reach beyond the limits of social media. “I’m not a tech geek,” he admits, “but my friend showed me how easy it was to build a website on GoDaddy.” Guided by GoDaddy’s intuitive site builder, Manu and his friend were able to quickly launch papakape.com, using only the tools and features already provided.
For Manu, the experience was “not as complex as I thought it would be, and it was affordable.” This accessibility was crucial for a small business, allowing Papakape to present itself professionally to a global audience with minimal cost. “Sometimes people search us on the Internet, not just social media. Having a .com right there in the search results makes us easier to find,” he says.
But the benefits of a website went beyond discoverability. “It keeps me on my toes,” Manu explains. “It challenges me to think beyond my comfort zone, to stretch myself as a businessman.” With GoDaddy, Manu now explores new ways to reach customers, from online sales to media coverage, always with the goal of representing Filipino coffee culture to the world.
Challenges and heartwarming triumphs
The journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Transforming a centuries-old cistern into a modern café presented unique challenges, as did convincing customers to pay a fort entrance fee just to get to the shop. Yet Manu embraced these hurdles, focusing on delivering an experience worth the extra effort.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Papakape's story lies in its impact on people. Manu recounts baristas who started as customers, regulars who celebrated life’s milestones within the café, and guests who found solace in its welcoming embrace during times of personal struggle. “When we were still operating our first cafe from my place, we had a regular who battled cancer and couldn’t come to the cafe anymore, but she and her friends would still have Papakape time at home. That’s what makes this all worth it.”
A legacy in the making
With plans for a second location in another historic Manila site, Manu remains committed to the long game. He’s resisted the lure of rapid franchising, instead choosing to deepen Papakape’s roots, identity, and purpose. “I want to build something that will outlast me,” he says.
For Manu Reyes, Papakape is more than a coffee shop—it’s a testament to Filipino ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring power of shared experience. And thanks to GoDaddy, the story of Papakape—and the flavors of the Philippines—are just a click away for coffee lovers everywhere.
Visit PAPAKAPE at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, or online at papakape.com, and taste the story for yourself.
