It's not just about the instagrammable spaces and yummy bites anymore. Let's spice things up with a dash of something special—say hello to inclusivity!
To commemorate Deaf Awareness Week (Nov 10-16), let's dive into seven awesome spots in the Philippines. These places aren't just serving tasty treats; they've got big hearts for our Deaf community! Get ready for a feast that's not just about the food but also about spreading good vibes and love. Let's munch and make a difference together!
Elait
Elait, the sister brand of Overdoughs, is famous for their delectable rolled ice cream with exciting flavors. Aside from this, Elait offers more than a sweet treat, but also a good advocacy. What sets them apart from other restos is that Elait is run by an all-deaf staff. At their counters, they provide a guide to basic sign language for customers, creating an environment where ordering is a sweet experience.
Garden Cafe
Nestled in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Garden Cafe, is know for their interiors inspired by their Vintage American West and Nostalgic Boholano theme. They offer a variety of local, oriental, and foreign dishes such as their famous Beef in Oyster Sauce, Sisig, Sinigang, American Hamburger and their Special Halo-Halo. Most of the employees are deaf, and the restaurant is owned and operated by Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled. Since 1983, their profit has gone to the impoverished deaf children community in Bohol. Truly, not just your ordinary restaurant.
Overdoughs
Known for their delectable donuts, cookies, and more, Overoughs is on a mission to do good through good food. With branches mostly run by Deaf individuals, they provide employment and opportunities for the deaf community. Basic sign language posters are displayed in all branches, creating an avenue of communication for their customers and employees. Also, they advocate for an inclusive learning of the deaf culture by conducting seminars called Deaf Awareness and Basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Seminar scheduled on November 18 and November 25 at the Promenade Mall Greenhills and Alabang Town Center respectively.
You can checkout Overdoughs official website for more details: https://overdoughs.ph/pages/our-story
Six Crew Cafe
Located in the bustling heart of Marikina, Six Crew Cafe is not just a coffee hub but also a spot where there’s inclusivity in every cup. Six Crew Cafe is famous for their signature Iced Honey Mocha Latte and Salted Caramel Coffee and other exciting coffee options. Recently, they added a recent infusion of unique delights such as sweet potato lemonade, ube latte, and rose espresso latte. Beyond their delectable drinks line up, the cafe exudes a warm and inclusive ambiance with Deaf-friendly posters at the counters, displaying essential phrases like "hello," "coffee," "thank you," and "you're welcome,". Adding a layer of heart to their operations, Six Crew Cafe proudly features Deaf baristas, offering not just extraordinary brews but also opportunities for the Deaf community.
InDEAFinitea Cafe
InDEAFinity is the brainchild of a Filipino Deaf entrepreneur in San Rafael, Bulacan, that just launched last October 28. From classic lattes to special lattes, non-coffee options, organic tea drinks, fruit-flavored delights, and frappes, their menu caters to every preference and budget. They offer affordable yet quality drinks ranging from 59 to 95 pesos only. Every sip is truly an embrace for inclusivity!
Distrito Uno Cafe
Distrito Uno Cafe, owned by a young Filipina Deaf entrepreneur from Pasig City. Dive into iced coffees, frappes, and a blast-from-the-past iced scrambled, reminiscent of our childhood sweet treat. But wait, there's more: say hello to the katsu chicken cheese and beef gyudon rice meal—major yum alert! For those seeking quick bites, the cafe offers a range of snacks, from french fries, burgers and flavorful beef shawarma. Adding a touch of inclusivity, Distrito Uno Cafe features basic sign language and the sign language alphabet at their counters, inviting customers to not just taste but communicate in every delightful visit.
The Loop Cafe PH
Located in the picturesque city of Baguio, The Loop Cafe is going to be your go-to spot for chill vibes and tasty sips. Whether you're into hot or iced coffee (or not-so-coffee stuff), they've got you covered. Don't miss their cheesy lasagna - it's the real best-seller. And here's the cool part: they have full-time working deaf baristas that you can order with their sign language guide at their counters. Coffee and chats just got a whole lot cooler in Baguio!
