If you wandered into the central activity area of Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces recently, you were greeted by a striking visual contrast. Earthy vibrant greens seamlessly mingling with rich, royal purples.
The Matcha & Ube Fest brought together two of the country’s most beloved flavor obsessives under one airy, light-filled roof in Northern Quezon City.
While down south pop-ups often highlight these flavors in isolation, Fairview Terraces hosted a celebration where Japanese tea traditions and heritage Filipino ingredients didn’t just share space. They actively complemented each other in clever, unexpected ways.
A Feast for North Manila’s Matcha and Ube Enthusiasts
Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces has long served as a relaxed, outdoor-meets-indoor neighborhood hub for Quezon City and Bulacan locals. For this festival, independent micro-cafés, artisanal pop-ups, and home-grown creators transformed the mall’s atrium into a marketplace of whisking bowls, espresso machines, and freshly baked pastries.
Rather than sticking strictly to conventional lattes, its distinct focus on artisan mashups and hyper-local menu highlights made the event much more special and memorable for the enthusiasts like Arnie and Ayien.
Participating vendors and booths pushed creative boundaries with menu items designed specifically for the event.
With love, Kira
Among all the matcha and ube pop-ups from the event, there was one who stood out.
What started as a simple matcha pop-up along Taft Avenue quickly blossomed into something far greater. Just three months after launching their pop-up, Kira Matcha has set a high standard. Drawing long lines of eager customers eager to sample their authentic, Japanese-sourced ingredients.
Our name was crafted and rooted from the idea of doing everything with love.”
Kira. With love.” said Myka, founder of the brand.
As first-time festival vendors, Myka and co-founder Lai faced the challenge of handling high-volume orders all at once. Yet, true to their principles, they proved that no rush is too overwhelming when the two of them step up to whisk and stir together.
Kira Matcha does not only sell matcha drinks, but they also sell powders through their pop-ups, and their social media.
Beyond the Cup: Lifestyle and Community
True to the vibe of Ayala Malls Terraces, the festival extended well beyond food and drink. Visitors strolled between rows of local lifestyle pop-ups featuring hand-poured candles, stickers, artisanal tote bags, and custom ceramics crafted for home coffee and tea rituals.
The relaxed, community-first setup encouraged guests to sit, chat, and compare notes on their favorite brews.
As someone who does not like matcha at all, trying it here makes me think twice. Lasang damo, but in a good way.” said Arnie, a first-time attendee, and a matcha non-drinker.
It’s growing on me, I think.” she added.
The event offered a refreshing, accessible alternative to the hyper-crowded downtown pop-ups. Allowing North Manila’s tea and coffee community to connect directly with the creators behind their favorite local brands.
As a Caloocan girly, it’s great to actually have this here near our place.” said Ayien, a certified matcha fan.
As a matcha fan, I did enjoy it a lot.” she noted.
The Matcha & Ube Fest at Fairview Terraces reiterated how Manila’s appetite for thoughtful food culture isn’t limited to central business districts.
By bringing together specialty tea craft and cherished local flavors in an open, welcoming setting, the event captured exactly why these two colors continue to define modern Filipino food culture. They bring people together over quality, creativity, and a shared love for great taste.
Ultimately, it wasn’t just about a green or purple drink in hand. It was a celebration of local creativity, shared space, and a community finding its own rhythm and center stage.
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