Makati's Zillennials are redefining slow, intentional living through ethical coffee and fashion choices, blending modern style with local craftsmanship

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Panco and Andante
September 11, 2024

If you're in your 20s or early 30s, a weekend stroll through the sleek streets of Makati is a familiar ritual. The Zillennial Makatizen—a new wave of cultured, coffee-loving individuals—has emerged, with this bustling city serving as their canvas for self-expression. Whether it's over a cup of ethically sourced coffee or a stop at a local artisan shop, this generation knows that intentionality is the new luxury.

Makati's discerning youth are reclaiming their time, sipping their morning brew slowly, and pairing it with a lifestyle that celebrates both individuality and community. These are not just coffee shop pit stops or weekend brunches, but moments to savor life in a city that blends the fast pace of modernity with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.

When in Legazpi

Take a walk around Salcedo or Legazpi on a Sunday morning, and you’ll spot them. Fresh from a run or a spirited game of pickleball, they gather at spots like Panco, a local favorite known for its distinctly Australian coffee culture and Filipino soul food. It’s here, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm plates of breakfast brisket or gambas, that the Zillennial Makatizen finds a moment of peace before the week’s hustle resumes.

Since its debut in 2022, Panco has carved a niche for itself, winning over the hearts (and taste buds) of this crowd. Offering up everything from Australian-inspired fare to nostalgic Filipino treats like kakanin and ube a la mode, it’s the perfect spot to recharge. And with a pedigree that includes Melbourne’s famed coffee culture, thanks to founder Shanel Tan’s years working in the city’s café scene, Panco doesn’t just serve coffee—it delivers an experience. Their ethically sourced beans, roasted by Market Lane in Australia, ensure that each sip is as conscious as it is flavorful.

Take a walk in my shoes

One can argue that the Zillennial lifestyle is about more than just what’s in your cup. It’s also about what you wear and where you choose to buy it. That’s why many Makatizens are gravitating toward Andante Footwear, an ethical yet stylish Filipino-led brand that’s currently flying off the shelves. Andante has perfected the balance between craftsmanship and contemporary style with their chic footwear.

Much like its musical namesake, Andante encourages you to slow down and appreciate the finer details. Whether it’s a pair of leather Oxfords or a breezy weekend dress, this store captures the essence of timeless fashion with a thoughtful, sustainable twist. Their handmade shoes, crafted in Marikina by well-compensated artisans, honor the city’s centuries-old legacy of leather craftsmanship—designed to last as long as your coffee-fueled memories of weekend mornings in Makati.

Americanos while wearing Andante

And what’s better than a slow coffee and a new pair of shoes? How about a Sorbetes Cold Brew on the house? Panco’s latest branch at One Ayala is offering just that—purchase shoes from Andante, and you’ll get to enjoy this refreshing coffee treat for free. It’s a match made in Zillennial heaven. Just imagine your name scrawled on a postcard at Andante, then brought over to Panco for a stamped, Insta-worthy moment. You can almost feel the satisfaction of supporting local craftsmanship and ethically sourced coffee in one perfect transaction.

The Makati Zillennial movement is a lifestyle deeply rooted in community, sustainability, and intentionality. So the next time you find yourself in Makati, stop for a moment, grab your coffee at Panco, slip into a pair of Andante shoes, and join the Zillennial revolution—one slow, intentional morning at a time.

For more information on where to sip and shop, follow @PancoCafe.Ph and @AndanteFootwear on Instagram. And if you need to reach out directly, you can always email pancocafe.ph@gmail.com for all the details on their latest offerings.