Known as Typica Coffee, this small yet inviting Japanese-inspired coffee shop is located in Taytay, Rizal. IMAGE Courtesy of Andrew Magana 

Can you believe that this chic cafe used to be a sari-sari store? 

Known as Typica Coffee, this small yet inviting Japanese-inspired coffee shop is located in Taytay, Rizal. It's owned by Andrew Magana, a former barista in a well-known cafe who decided to put up his how own business. "Fan kasi ako ng Japanese coffee scene," Andrew tells Summit Media in a video interview. "Natutuwa ako [kung paano sila mag] innovate pag dating sa coffee. And then, [may] mga maliliit na [coffee] shop lang [sila]." 

When he was looking for a new apartment earlier this year, Andrew particularly wanted a place that he can turn into his home and his very own shop. Fortunately, he was able to find an apartment with a sari-sari store! 

BEFORE 

IMAGE Courtesy of Andrew Magana 

Of course, renovating the rental space came with a few challenges. Andrew shares: "Sabi [ng may ari ng apartment], 'hindi ka puwedeng magbutas like sa harapan. Hindi ka puwedeng gumawa ng mismong pintuan.' So, kailangan ko mag-adjust doon sa mga terms ng landlord para magawa ko yung mismong cafe."

AFTER

IMAGE Courtesy of Andrew Magana 

See how this former barista transformed the sari-sari store here: