This 'Mag-Kumpare' Transformed Ancestral Home Into A Hip Cafe

“Itong bahay namin, isa ito sa pinakalumang bahay dito sa Cavite city. Itinayo ang ancestral house noong 1896. Dito ako pinanganak,” shared Ivan Reyes, a dad, former palamig vendor, and now, one of the owners of  Kasa Antigua Café.

Kasa Antigua Café is a 19th-century family home tucked away on peaceful Cajigas Street in Caridad, Cavite City. It sits with a few ancestral houses standing among the rows of contemporary residences, and is near the almost 300-year-old San Roque Parish Church.

The cafe stands out with its quirky brand of hip: little capiz panels, an antique door, and a countertop made from repurposed wood. The cafe is situated on the ground floor of an ancient but charming wooden home.

How an old house became a new business for this mag-kumpare

Ivan's family owns the structure, and he is part of the fifth generation looking after the ancestral home with his family. 

But it was Ivan's kumpare and childhood friend Darlon Castor who saw that the house can be turned into a profitable business.

“One time, nagpunta ako doon sa palamigan ng kaibigan ko na si Ivan. Nakita ko lang na hindi nila ginagamit ‘yung lumang sari-sari store nila dito sa bahay nila. Naisip ko na kausapin siya kung gusto niyang mag negosyo, kasi matagal na akong nag hahanap ng pwesto para magtayo ng [café],” barista and co-owner Darlon Castor told Summit Media’s OG Channel.

The two were elementary classmates, high school friends, dance groupmates, bandmates, and kumpares first before they became business partners. Unfortunately, they were among the many Filipinos who lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic's economic impact.

The renovation: a team effort

The two friends went straight to work for two weeks non-stop to renovate the bottom level of the property, which used to be a sari-sari store to transform it into a chic café now known as Kasa Antigua. They spent around 70,000 pesos on the renovation.

“Casa ay Spanish word na ang ibig sabihin ay bahay, then yung antigua is Chavacano word na ang ibig sabihin ay antique,” explained Ivan.

The café serves hot and cold beverages, as well as coffee made from beans grown by local farmers in Davao, Benguet, and Sultan Kudarat. Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, and Cortado are among the classics available. Along with grilled sandwiches, French toast, and salad as snacks. 

They chose to keep their pricing low, under 100 pesos for each of their beverages and food, to make it more affordable and accessible to customers.

Rising above a challenging past

“To be honest, ngayon ko lang ito babanggitin, nakulong ako for almost seven years,” Ivan revealed in the interview. “Malaki yung tulong sa amin nong shop, lalo na sa akin. Unang una, galing akong kulungan then pagkalabas ko may ganitong opportunity na kaagad.”

The property provided a secure environment, a source of income, and hope for a better future ahead for the two best friends and business partners (as well as their respective families!).

“Natutunan namin na i-handle ‘yung mga situation na hindi mo expected na darating, at nalagpasan namin lahat ng struggle nang tulungan,” said Ivan.

“Dito ko napatunayan na hindi natin kailangan lumayo, na kailangan lang natin ng diskarte, sipag, tiyaga, at tiwala sa Diyos. At wag nating kakalimutan na mayroon tayong mga kaibigan na handang tumulong sa atin,” Darlon added.

Kasa Antigua Café is located at 1013 Cajigas St. Caridad, Cavite City (near 7-Eleven, Gym Republic, Vakante Foodpark, and CNHS). They are open from 8:00 a.m. on Sundays to Fridays.

Learn more about this quaint bistro in the newest episode of  OG Channel below:

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