This locally grown café, located in Imus, Cavite, is more than just a coffee shop serving some of the finest food and drinks; it embodies a deep connection to family, community and the innate pride and hospitality unique to Caviteños.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
Café 10/23 just marked its first anniversary recently, and since it opened in 2023, it has become a favorite go-to place for both nearby residents and visitors, offering a blend of rich history, cozy ambiance and diverse culinary options.
Stepping into Café 10/23 feels like entering a cheery sanctuary where guests are welcomed by a blend of lush greenery, warm interiors and a relaxing atmosphere. The café provides both indoor and outdoor dining options, allowing diners to choose their preferred setting. Shaded by trees and plants, the outdoor area radiates a cool, breezy environment that’s perfect for unwinding while guests sip from a cup containing their preferred beverage.
Inside, the aesthetic is chic yet homey, featuring vintage furniture pieces and accessories that pay homage to the café’s roots, giving the space a unique charm teeming with nostalgia.
Love letter to Cavite
Café 10/23 is a passion project by the Gonzaga-Cantimbuhan family, led by founder Laurice Annelle “LA” Gonzaga Cantimbuhan. The name itself holds sentimental value, marking the shared birthday of two cherished family members: Imus City Board Member Ony Cantimbuhan and their late grandmother, Rosalinda Gonzaga. This connection to family runs deep, and it’s evident in the details found throughout the café, from the vintage seat that once belonged to their grandmother’s home to the iconic Jeep centerpiece, a tribute to the family’s history in crafting passenger jeepneys.
“Our goal at Café 10/23 is for Caviteños to experience high-quality food and service similar to those in Metro Manila without the need for them to get out of Cavite,” says LA. This vision has resonated with the community, making the café a popular spot for gatherings, celebrations and simply a place to enjoy good food and coffee.
One of the café’s main attractions is its diverse menu. Guests can savor a variety of dishes ranging from rice meals like Family Recipe Beef Tapa and Imus Longganisa, to pasta favorites such as Truffle Cream Pasta. For those with sweet tooth, Café 10/23’s in-house bakery serves up mouthwatering pastries, including its signature Ube Leche Flan Danish and Butter Croissant.
The café also takes pride in its coffee, crafted with Deuces Coffee Beans from a well-known roastery in Makati. Each cup, whether it’s the Sea Salt Spanish Latte or a classic Matcha Latte, carries rich, authentic flavors that coffee lovers will appreciate. Non-coffee drinkers need not feel left out, as the café also offers refreshing options like Strawberry Lemon Soda and Butterfly Pea Lemonade.
Feels like Home
What truly sets Café 10/23 apart is its ability to make everyone feel more than welcome. “We want everyone to feel like family here. For everyone to feel at home,” shares LA. From the friendly staff to the inviting setup, every aspect of the café aims to create a welcoming environment. It’s no wonder that guests keep coming back, not just from Imus and other towns and cities in Cavite, but from as far as Batangas, Laguna, Metro Manila and even Pampanga, making Café 10/23 a sought-after destination.
During its anniversary event, LA announced exciting expansion plans, including a new indoor events hall, a larger commissary and the opening of two additional branches within Cavite by 2025.
The celebration also introduced special collaborations, including a unique partnership with street label Secret Fresh. The Café 10/23 x Secret Fresh shirts, along with exclusive jewelry pieces, are now available, reflecting the café’s blend of style and local flair. Guests were also treated to a preview of Gelato 10/23, an indulgent new product line set to launch soon.
Café 10/23 stands as a testament to the family’s love for their hometown, offering a cozy, delightful space where memories are made and shared. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, catch up with friends, or enjoy a hearty meal, Café 10/23 is definitely worth a visit.
Café 10/23 is located at Imus Blvd., Malagasang II-C, Imus Cavite. It’s open every weekday, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
