What do you get when an idealistic young man becomes interested in the coffee business? “Layers, my friend,” so says Shrek, that infamous ogre in the movie of the same title.
Layers had seemingly played a great role in the life of Wadilkhaery W. Mutia, or simply Glen, in his past life. For one, Wadi has reverted to what every student should aspire for: becoming an entrepreneur.
Blame it on his love for coffee. Rather, Dabawenyos should thank Wadi’s addiction to coffee which led him to establish Zabadane, a layered coffee business cum internet café.
In the same note, I thank my gentle giant wordsmith friend, Mick Basa, for leading me to the narrow stairways leading to Zabadane where Wadi is waiting to predict your mood and offer you coffee to match that mood.
His interest in coffee was further ignited when he visited Singapore and met with a friend working in one of that country’s food and beverage establishments. The visit earned for Wadi a one week crash course in coffee preparation. It was also spent well talking with suppliers of coffee and tea.
“I already knew I would establish a coffee business when I got back to the Philippines, but it actually took me a year to realize that dream,” he said. By then he already had enough money for capital, thanks to an end-of-contract pay he got for his work in the BEAM community development program.
Wadi spent several years working in the poor communities of Cotabato City and neighboring provinces where he helped train educators and other members of the community. Lucky for him, a cousin who works abroad pitched in enough capital to start their partnership.
So, what can Zabadane offer in a city that is already awash with coffee shops, including canopied sidewalks? Now, we’re all back to layers. Zabadane is proud of its unique layered coffee which, Wadi believes, is not available anywhere else in the country.
Starting with a capital of P400 thousand worth of five computer stations (for the internet café), several Irish glasses, a small coffee maker and several gallons of coffee flavorings — and Zabadane opened its small doors to the public in December 2008. The road to heaven is definitely not a well-paved one and you can expect the same before you reach the second floor where Zabadane is located.
The small space occupied by the coffee shop seemed to have blended well with Wadi’s vision of creating an Arabic-inspired, cozy coffee shop which considers a 4×4 carpet as its most in-demand area. Internet use is pretty cheap, too, at only P10 per hour.
“We’re the only one producing layered coffee in this part of the globe, and we are glad that we have developed our own niche,” he said. While an ROI (return on investment) has not yet been achieved, Wadi prays that in due time they will be able to recoup their investment.
Finding Zabadane is already an adventure in itself. Wadi’s self-appointed marketer, Mick, cannot even stand upright without his head touching the low ceiling. The place is exotic, and the intoxicating smell and taste of coffee is heightened by music which Wadi calls Arabic Pop. Amir was over by the stereo when we were there, making my pewter of Teekanee Strawberry-Lemon Grass tea more exciting to the palate of an incurable coffee drinker.
Incidentally, they have a nice selection of teas with suggestive names, like Sweet Temptation or Sweet Kiss.
If you really want to experience layered coffee to the hilt then try Zabadane’s Mochachino which has four layers in all. Their White Chocolate Americano is, however, a delight with white chocolate syrup, espresso and foam, mixed with brown sugar or muscovado.
And when you’re there, better try as many flavors of their Bruschetta Toppings as you can. And if you have an adventurous palate, why not try the Bruschetta Smoked Oyster or the Smoked Scallop? But then, of course, you will.
Zabadane is a miniature melting pot of Christians and Muslims, and even agnostics. The place only serves products with Halal certification and you can rely on the guarantee provided by Wadi who has reverted to Islam.
Wadi said they have expansion plans in mind but before that, they are planning to transfer to a bigger place. When that pushes through, you can expect Zabadane to become a byword among coffee lovers. But first, you have to try really hard to look for this hub which is literally a hole in the wall. [Lovely A. Carillo]
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