When it comes to hangout spots in the Metro, there’s no shortage of new places popping up. From coffee shops to comedy bars, there’s always something new to try and check out. The only question left is — what’s the vibe?
We’re back for another addition to our #WhatsTheVibe series, and this time we got to chat with the owner of Mandaluyong’s latest hidden gem: Cafe Siriusdan.
We spent one of our Friday afternoons here at the cafe, and the place was starting to get packed. When we got there, we were welcomed by the staff and the owner Cyrus, who’s also the creative director of Studio Siriusdan.
From the get-go, you can tell that the cafe is pulling a lot of inspiration from different art pieces, which definitely mirrors Cyrus’ creative taste, citing film directorWong Kar Wai to visual artist Pacita Abad as his references. Given his wide range of interests, it’s also fitting that Cyrus has different creative endeavors, from soap opera writing, creating furniture pieces, and to making clothing pieces as well. Obviously, art is very personal and each creative has their own process in developing their taste, as he tells us:
“I would tell people my inspiration are my experiences, my travels in life, all the artists that I look up to. All the coffee shops I’ve tried over the years. It’s very personal, that’s my inspiration.”
Cyrus tells us that initially the place was a family home that he turned into a studio, and after a bit of planning and a little convincing to his parents, it became Cafe Siriusdan. The spot officially opened in February 2024, and Cyrus gives credit to the community for making the cafe the way it is today.
VIBE CURATION
Cyrus recalls that given the place’s creative vibe, it attracted a lot of artists as well as their respective communities. One of the first events they hosted was Lasunan, a community flea market in the Metro. Since then, various people have been in touch with the Cafe Siriusdan’s team to have their gatherings at their spot.
“Yung feedback nila [the community], super encouraging for making a space like this in Mandaluyong. This is a place where you can hang out and drink coffee, so natutuwa din ako when they say they feel inspired creatively when they come here. It evolved into an art space and community.”
Over the course of a year, the cafe hosted a variety of events, from pottery workshops to jazz nights, there’s definitely something for everyone at Cafe Siriusdan. If you’re looking for something creative, they also host expressive art workshops such as journaling and clothes mending. On the other hand, for introverts, Cyrus also has a great selection of books you can choose from while hanging out at the cafe.
In terms of the food and drink selection, Cyrus curated this as well, alongside his sister, who runs the cafe and is their pastry chef.He tells us that “as a writer tambay ako ng coffee shops”, which bleeds into the menu as well, showing a selection of drinks that offers something both familiar and unique. Cyrus’ personal favorite is the Salty Sirius Latte, a twist on the usual sea salt latte, as well as the Premium Hot Chocolate which is made from locally sourced cacao beans.
So, what’s the vibe? Cyrus said it best when he told us:
“It’s a cafe that offers not just coffee and drinks, it offers an atmosphere, a vibe, a certain feeling. A cafe you go to if you wanna slow down, feel inspired, or creative.”
