*I wrote this on my cat-filled designed journal at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Gateway just a few hours ago.*



This is one of those days where I TOTALLY MISS those quaint, private coffee shops of Elbi.

Since I am now back in the "Urban Jungle" a.k.a. Manila, my craving for coffee and a "serene" hangout can now only be slightly sufficed by these popular, big-named coffee houses that are scattered around the metro.

What it doesn't suffice though for me compared to those nooks in Elbi are these 2 things:

1. Affordability
2. Privacy

Here in the metropolis, it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to find a coffee house that offers their products for less that a hundred bucks hence for students like myself (who are thriving frugally through a mere allowance from parents) have to "cough out" much more which in my case is not only heartbreaking...

But also "wallet-breaking" as well. HUHUHU. T___T. HAHA.

The main aspect that made me love hanging out in coffee shops is the privacy that it offers. During my +++ years of stay in Elbi, this factor made me feel "oh so comfortable," whether I hang there with my friends to catch on dozens of stories (talkshow mode); or when I just want to be alone, taking a breather from all the academic chaos.

Alas, here in the "Urban Jungle," the mere fact that you enter a shop ALONE (yes, alone & dateless, you get the picture); everyone & I mean EVERYONE will stare at you (sometimes others would even gasp in disbelief) at the sheer sight. This "moment" personally makes me feel that I've done such a horrible, grave thing.

Wait a minute, does being alone at times such a crime?
"Bawal ba magkapeng mag-isa?"

Classic example is my experience as I am writing this blogpost in my cat-filled journal. Sipping my Vanilla-latte while:

a. Polishing my manus
b. Listening to my iPod
and c. Scribbling down my thoughts in a journal

All while having NO COMPANY a midst this purely glass-walled (aquarium-ish) coffee place seemed to get a lot of customers' attention. At random times when I look up to think as I write or type, I kept on catching several individuals stare, which for me is well, kind of uncomfortable. No, SUPER UNCOMFORTABLE.

And since it seems that I have to get used to this since I'm back in Manila for good, I guess I have to find or hunt down a different place that'll make feel "at home," ALONE OR NOT. :/