Lucban Longganisa: The Garlic-Packed Pride of Quezon
If there’s one local delicacy that defines the town of Lucban, Quezon, it’s the unmistakably bold and garlicky Lucban Longganisa. This native sausage isn’t just
Gumaca, Quezon Province
A&J Cafe
Exploring Gumaca One Sip at a Time
Share
Tweet
Email
- Gumaca, Quezon Province
Sitting in A&J Cafe, “YOUR MINIMALIST CAFE” doesn’t feel like just a tagline—it’s exactly what it is. Every drink is prepared with care, each cup reflecting the love and attention that goes into it, while the menu keeps things simple and comforting with hearty rice meals, snacks, and perfectly balanced coffee. From my seat, I watch tricycles pass by and familiar faces drop in, snapshots of everyday Gumaca life. The local artwork adds warmth without clutter, letting the space breathe and letting you focus on what matters: the flavors, the craft, and a quiet moment to pause. It’s minimal in design but full in heart—a small, personal corner of the town where life slows down just enough to be noticed.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into A&J Cafe with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to A&J Cafe. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
Finding A&J Cafe at J.P. Rizal Street corner E. Caparros Street in Barangay Pipisik, the space immediately communicates calm. Minimalist design, warm lighting, and an uncluttered interior make it feel spacious, while local artworks hang on the walls like a curated gallery, capturing everyday scenes and landscapes from Quezon Province. It’s a space that invites travelers, students, and locals alike to pause, sip, and observe.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
Coffee & Specialty Drinks
The café’s drink selection is thoughtfully crafted for everyday enjoyment. Signature items include the Matcha Latte, Strawberry Matcha, Biscoff Latte, and Salted Caramel Macchiato. I spent time enjoying a Biscoff Latte, noting how the café balances quality with affordability. Every cup feels intentional, making it a perfect companion to a quiet morning before wandering around the town.
Pizza & Meals
Beyond coffee, A&J Cafe surprises with its pizza menu. You can get a whole Ham & Cheese pizza for 109 PHP, not just a slice, which is perfect for sharing or pairing with other meals. Other options include Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Manhattan Meatlovers, and Meaty Shawarma. Rice meals such as Chicken Nuggets, Burger Steak, Pork Tonkatsu, and Chicken Tonkatsu provide a hearty local alternative, keeping the café versatile for both coffee breaks and proper meals.
Snacks & Quick Bites
Snacks complement drinks or pizzas effortlessly. Choices like French Fries in plain, cheese, barbeque, or sour cream variations, along with snack combos of Nuggets & Fries, create simple, satisfying options for any time of day.
Exploring Gumaca
A visit to A&J Cafe pairs perfectly with strolling the town. Just minutes away, Gumaca Cathedral offers a glimpse of colonial architecture and serene church interiors. The nearby San Diego de Alcala Fortress lets you imagine the town’s defensive past, while Gumaca Museum displays artifacts and local history.
RELATED STORIES
Malagonlong Bridge: Exploring Magnificent Heritage of Tayabas, Quezon
The Malagonlong Bridge is among the 11 historical bridges of the city of Tayabas located in Quezon Province. This bridge is one of the oldest
Gunao Lake: A Hidden Gem in Dolores, Quezon
Gunao Lake, located in the charming town of Dolores in Quezon Province, remains a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by adventurers seeking natural wonders.
Atimonan Port: Gateway to Adventure and Island Escapes
Situated along the pristine shores of Quezon Province, Atimonan Port is more than just a transportation hub—it is a doorway to stunning islands and a
Charlie’s Barbeque
Available alongside your café order, Charlie’s Barbeque adds another dimension. Dishes include Pork BBQ on Sticks, Pork Belly BBQ, Chicken Wings BBQ, Quarter Leg BBQ, and Baby Back Ribs, letting visitors enjoy hearty, smoky flavors in a casual, approachable way.
Wandering the streets, you’ll encounter small shops, locals going about their day, and vibrant murals or public artworks that hint at the town’s cultural character. After a café break, it’s easy to step out, walk a few blocks, and let Gumaca reveal its stories.
Visiting A&J Cafe becomes part of a broader exploration: sipping a latte while noticing the gallery-style artwork on the walls, watching people stroll past the windows, and then stepping out into a town rich with history, food, and everyday life. It’s a quiet, yet immersive slice of Quezon you can savor at your own pace.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
BROWSE BY REGION
- metro MANILA
- abra
- albay
- baguio city
- BATAAN
- batangas
- Benguet
- bulacan
- cagayan
- cavite
- cebu
- cotabato
- davao oriental
- Guimaras
- ilocos norte
- ilocos sur
- Iloilo
- Isabela
- laguna
- lanao del norte
- maguindanao
- negros occidental
- nueva vizcaya
- Pampanga
- pangasinan
- QUEZON
- rizal
- Samar
- sarangani
- Tarlac
- zambales
- zamboanga city
EXPLORE MORE about
San Narciso Port: A Small Harbor at the Center of Coastal Life
When people talk about ports in Quezon Province, the bigger and busier ones usually come to mind first. But further south, along the Bondoc Peninsula,
Lucban Church: A Testament to Faith and Resilience
Right in the heart of Lucban, Quezon, you’ll find the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church, more commonly known as Lucban Church. This centuries-old
Candle Festival: Shines with Tradition and Devotion in Candelaria
This celebration of the “Candle Festival” takes place from the 31st of January to the 2nd of February each year and is held in order
Hambujan Festival: A Celebration of Agricultural Bounty and Spiritual Devotion
Located in the heart of Dolores, Quezon, the Hambujan Festival is a vibrant celebration that embodies the town’s rich heritage and deep connection with nature.
Malagonlong Bridge: Exploring Magnificent Heritage of Tayabas, Quezon
The Malagonlong Bridge is among the 11 historical bridges of the city of Tayabas located in Quezon Province. This bridge is one of the oldest
Siain Port: From Copra Trade to Community Pier in Plaridel
Every time I walk toward Siain Port, the first thing that hits me is the line of the pier itself—long, straight, and stretching into Lamon
Sirena ng Atimonan: The Mystical Mermaid of Quezon
Situated along the picturesque coastal highway of Atimonan, Quezon, the Sirena ng Atimonan is more than just a roadside landmark—it is a symbol of the
Quezon Zigzag Road: The Wild Ride Through Bitukang Manok
The Quezon Zigzag Road was built in 1969 during the Marcos administration, designed to link Quezon Province with the Bicol Region. Faced with the rugged
Pabasa ng Pasyon: A Heartfelt Holy Week in General Luna, Quezon with the Living Tradition of Buhay na Kubol
If you’ve ever wondered what faith looks like when it’s woven into the daily life of a town, you might want to head to General
Sariaya Church: Discovering Quezon’s Timeless Jewel of Faith and History
If you’re planning a trip to Quezon province, you absolutely can’t miss the stunning Sariaya Church, officially known as the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
Hondagua: Everyday Life by the Deep Waters of Lopez
Hondagua is a barangay in the Municipality of Lopez, within Quezon Province, part of Region IV-A (CALABARZON) on Luzon island, Philippines. It lies directly along
Gunao Lake: A Hidden Gem in Dolores, Quezon
Gunao Lake, located in the charming town of Dolores in Quezon Province, remains a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by adventurers seeking natural wonders.
Lamon Bay: A Hidden Gem for Eco-Tourism and Marine Adventures
Located along the northeastern coast of Luzon, Philippines, Lamon Bay is a stunning destination that boasts pristine waters, rich marine life, and a vibrant local
Boling-Boling Festival: A Colorful Carnival of Creativity in Catanauan
Among the many festivals that take place in Quezon, one of the most popular is the Boling-Boling Festival, particularly in the town of Catanauan. The
Dolores’ Paskotitap 2025: Quezon’s One-of-a-Kind Christmas Celebration
This Christmas, Dolores shone as the creative heart of Quezon province. Paskotitap 2025 transformed the town into a radiant celebration of lights, movement, and storytelling—where
San Narciso Beach: Unveiling Nature’s Wonders in Quezon’s Bondoc Peninsula
You and your family and friends can experience the beauty of San Narciso Beach in Quezon Province. This stunning beach offers plenty of activities and
Buhay na Kubol’s Senturyons: A Holy Week Journey in General Luna, Quezon
General Luna, Quezon might not be the first place that pops into your head when planning Holy Week travel—but maybe it should be. Every Lenten
Lucban Longganisa: The Garlic-Packed Pride of Quezon
If there’s one local delicacy that defines the town of Lucban, Quezon, it’s the unmistakably bold and garlicky Lucban Longganisa. This native sausage isn’t just
Atimonan Port: Gateway to Adventure and Island Escapes
Situated along the pristine shores of Quezon Province, Atimonan Port is more than just a transportation hub—it is a doorway to stunning islands and a
Pulong Pasig Sandbar: The Hidden Sandbar Paradise of Calauag Quezon
Pulong Pasig Sandbar, situated in the pristine coastal waters of Calauag, Quezon, is a breathtaking sandbar that emerges and disappears with the tides, offering an
Lucban Pahiyas Festival: A Spectacularly Colorful Tradition in Quezon
Every May 15, the charming town of Lucban, Quezon bursts into a dazzling display of colors, artistry, and cultural pride as it celebrates the Pahiyas
The Vibrant Pahiyas Festival Street Dance: A Celebration of Culture and Faith
Every May 15, the charming town of Lucban, Quezon, bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and movement for the Pahiyas Festival, a grand celebration
Moriones Festival: A Living Tradition in the Heart of the Bondoc Peninsula
If you think the Moriones Festival is something you can only witness in Marinduque, think again. Over the years, this dramatic, mask-filled tradition has quietly
