Oppa Cafe: Milk Tea and KPop

The Hallyu wave has surely found its way to the hearts of the Cebuanos (or shall I say, Cebuanas :p). But it seems that the Korean invasion in the Philippines transcends far beyond KPop and the likes of Boys Over Flowers. Now, it's also trying to win our taste buds and peepers. Case in point?   

Oppa Cafe!

A cutesy kind of preview of what's inside this beauty!

Oppa Cafe gives us a unique experience of South Korea's homegrown nosheries. We might have seen the likes of Cafe Noriter and Sunday 2PM Cafe studded in the metropolitan, but this one absolutely delivers something new to the table. 

Located just across the University of San Carlos-Downtown Campus, Oppa Cafe is now officially a regular hangout of students from nearby colleges. This trendy milk tea cafe opened last November 2013 and has already gathered a bunch of followers, usually those who fancy the Korean culture.

Flavours and colours... here and there.

For those of you who aren't particular with the Korean language, Oppa is a word referring to an older brother. Oppa is only used by females as a term of endearment for men who are older than them. But if you're a Korean girl who wants to call the attention of a man who's heaps older than you, you'd call him ahjussi instead. *snickers*

I've been here for two times. During my second visit, I actually encountered several oppas serving the customers. I'm not sure if they're the owners, though. Those guys kinda look like the ones you plucked out from Korean boybands--tall, good-looking and fashionable. *I am in no way fangirling as of the moment.* Anyway, those oppas would gladly have their pictures taken by any flailing fangirl. Plus, they're quite dedicated with tidying the place. After the customers leave, they immediately take away used plastic cups and wipe the tables. 

Here's my wintermelon milk tea. Yum.

Mochachino and Wintermelon. Oh, there's my loyalty card, too.

Unlike Starbucks and other well-known cafes in the city, Oppa Cafe's lounging areas consist of double-deckers and playroom-like spaces. You'll see stuffed toys, fluffy pillows, fancy eyeglasses, coloured wigs and lots and lots of post-its. No chairs, indeed.

Teddy Bear wants to snuggle with boyfie. Apparently, boyfie's playing Injustice. Pffft.

I cuddled with Teddy Bear instead. :3

Right on, sheep.

View from the top.

EXO-K! Oh, Chanyeol, you. *Pardon the quality... hihi*

I'd have to warn you, though. Oppa Cafe certainly caters to Kpop fans. The place has 2 huge LCD TVs and they're all playing Korean music videos. If you don't fancy the genre, well... :)

Just a few things I'm NOT a fan of:

• The sound quality is not much of a charmer. The music is too amplified and having stayed there for more than 3 hours, oh boy, it gave me a terrible headache afterwards. But if you're a Kpop-er, then that may not be much of a problem.
• The ambiance lacks that extra "oomph". Oh okay, you might hate me for this. I'm not really a fan of white lights, white walls, white ceilings... especially when it comes to cafes. The ones staying in the 2-deckers are lucky 'cause they get to enjoy those cozy, dimmed, orangey lights. Because of the perceived "whiteness", footprints and other unsightly mess became more obvious. The cafe somehow falls short on the concept of "cluttered but cute". Bummer.

But then again, it's just me. Nevertheless... fix it, oppas! :) 

Overall, hmmm... not bad for a Korean-inspired cafe! I'm pretty sure this place would improve more in due time. Regardless, it has already attracted the attention of Kpop lovers since Day 1. 

OPPA CAFE'S GOOD POINTS:

• Price range of food and beverages are more affordable compared to other Korean cafes in town.
• Free Wi-Fi.
• Gadget-friendly since electrical outlets can be found in every cubicle, even at the second floor of the double-deckers.
• Small cafe but can accommodate to at most 30 people. The owners have maximised the space so well as evidenced by the 2-deckers.
• Definitely a Kpop fan-friendly hangout.

TILLIE RATES:

• Food & Beverage: 4/5
• Ambience: 3/5
• Customer Service: 4/5

SEGUE :p

Awwwwwww <3 How sweet of you, boyfie.