Walking into Coffee Plz 2026 on its opening day felt like stepping into a playground for coffee lovers, with rows of coffee roasters, matcha merchants, brewing equipment, machines, beans, and drinks waiting to be discovered throughout Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. We visited the festival on Day 1, September 4, and quickly realized that there was much more to experience than simply getting a cup of coffee. With no entrance fee, visitors can freely explore the different booths, discover coffee from around the world, sample different brews, and take their time finding something that catches their interest.
Co-presented by Maya Black, Coffee Plz 2026 brings together over 60 coffee roasters, including 31 local and 29 international roasters, as well as nine matcha merchants. The variety is immediately noticeable, making the event an interesting destination for anyone who enjoys coffee, wants to explore different beans, or is simply curious about what other roasters have to offer.
A Taste of Coffee From Around the World
One of the highlights of our Day 1 visit was seeing how much international coffee was represented in one place. We came across coffee beans and offerings connected to Japan, Korea, Brazil, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Taiwan, and more, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore different origins without having to settle for their usual coffee order.
Most of the coffee offered at the event is prepared through pour over brewing, which adds to the experience for those who enjoy exploring the characteristics of different beans. Visitors can move from one booth to another, check out the available selections, and try coffees that they may not normally encounter during a regular trip to the mall.
The international selection also makes the experience more engaging because every booth can offer a different discovery. A visitor might arrive with a particular coffee preference and still come across a bean or brew that changes what they want to try next.
Why Sampling First Makes Sense
With so many roasters gathered in one place, trying a full cup at every booth would be difficult. This is where the sampling tokens become useful. One of the people we spoke with at the event suggested trying samples first instead of immediately ordering a full coffee, a practical approach when there are so many options available.
Sampling allows visitors to explore more of Coffee Plz 2026 without committing to a full serving each time. A visitor can try one coffee, move to another booth, compare different offerings, and then decide which one is worth getting in a larger serving.
For us, this makes the festival more enjoyable because the focus shifts from simply ordering coffee to actually exploring it. The sampling setup encourages visitors to be curious, especially when they are faced with beans and brews they may not have tried before.
Coffee Equipment That Usually Stays Out of Sight
The experience also extends beyond the coffee itself. Coffee Plz 2026 features coffee machines and other coffee equipment that visitors do not normally see in malls, giving coffee enthusiasts another reason to explore the event.
We came across equipment and machines that added another dimension to the festival, particularly for people who are interested in how coffee gets prepared. The booths offer visitors an opportunity to look beyond the finished drink and see some of the equipment associated with the coffee making process.
This makes Coffee Plz 2026 appealing to different types of coffee enthusiasts. Some visitors may come primarily for the beans and drinks, while others may spend more time checking out the machines and equipment.
A Rose Blush Hojicha Worth Trying
While coffee dominates the festival, matcha and hojicha lovers should not skip the matcha section. Coffee Plz 2026 features nine matcha merchants, giving visitors several options to explore beyond coffee.
One booth that caught our attention was Yōka Matcha, particularly for its Rose Blush Hojicha. The drink is its signature hojicha latte with a delicate touch of rose, bringing together nutty and toasty hojicha notes with a floral character and subtle sweetness.
The combination sounds unexpected, but it works surprisingly well. The roasted character of the hojicha remains noticeable, while the rose adds a delicate floral layer that gives the drink a different personality. The subtle sweetness brings the flavors together without overpowering the hojicha.
For anyone who already loves hojicha, the Rose Blush Hojicha is an easy recommendation to add to the list. It offers a different take on the familiar roasted tea latte while keeping the hojicha character at the center.
Coffee Plz 2026 Is Made for Exploring
After spending time at the festival on Day 1, what stood out most was the sheer variety packed into the experience. Coffee Plz 2026 brings local and international roasters together with matcha merchants, coffee machines, brewing equipment, beans, and drinks, giving visitors plenty to explore even if they are not looking for a specific coffee.
The sampling tokens make it easier to experience more of the festival, while the no entrance fee setup means visitors can simply walk in and see what catches their attention. For coffee enthusiasts, the combination creates a relaxed way to explore different offerings rather than having to plan the entire visit around one particular booth.
The event also works for people who are still discovering their preferences. Visitors can sample different coffees, explore beans from different origins, and see the equipment used in the coffee experience. For those who already know what they like, it can also be an opportunity to find something outside their usual choices.
Coffee Plz 2026 continues today, September 5, and runs until September 6, 2026, from 10 AM to 10 PM at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. After visiting on Day 1, we would recommend the festival to anyone who enjoys exploring coffee, wants to try beans from different parts of the world, or simply wants to spend time discovering something new.
With over 60 coffee roasters, including 31 local and 29 international roasters, visitors have plenty of choices to explore, while the sampling tokens make it easier to try different coffees along the way. The event also gives coffee enthusiasts a chance to see machines and equipment that are not commonly found in malls.
Matcha and hojicha lovers should also make time for the nine matcha merchants, especially those looking for something different from the usual matcha latte. Yōka Matcha’s Rose Blush Hojicha is one discovery worth seeking out for its combination of nutty and toasty hojicha with a delicate floral touch.
Coffee Plz 2026 is still happening this weekend, so coffee lovers and matcha lovers alike still have time to visit Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, explore the different booths, sample new drinks, discover coffee from around the world, and find a new favorite before the festival ends on September 6.
