What if your morning coffee rolled right up to you? At Pico de Loro Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas, that’s no longer a what-if—it’s part of the stay. Guests at the seaside resort can now sip their favorite brew just steps away from the sand, thanks to the new DASH Cart, a mobile café-on-wheels launched by SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) in partnership with Nestlé Philippines.
The cart made its debut at the Pico de Loro Country Club, where it was welcomed not with stiff formality but with something much more fitting—a celebratory coffee toast. Because at its heart, DASH is less about a product launch and more about a simple promise: wherever you are on the property, coffee will find you.
More Than Just a Cup
Coffee has always been part of the Filipino day, from early morning barako to instant sachets shared in offices and homes. But on vacation, especially in a destination as sprawling as Pico de Loro, convenience makes the ritual even sweeter.
“More than serving coffee, it’s about creating experiences and memories,” says Maxi Gavino, General Manager of Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel.
One family lounging by the beach put it simply: “We didn’t have to leave the sandcastle our kids were building. The coffee came to us. It felt like a small luxury, but also made the day easier.”
The DASH Cart’s menu is curated with Nestlé coffee blends, brewed fresh and paired with breads and pastries baked on-site. It’s the grab-and-go idea elevated—easy, mobile, but never rushed.
The Rise of Coffee on Wheels
Tish De Belen, SMHCC Senior Operations Manager for Food & Beverage, shares that DASH began as a small experiment: a grab-and-go corner in hotels. Over time, it grew wheels, mobility, and a character of its own. “With Nestlé on board, it became a stronger collaboration,” she says.
This isn’t just about Batangas. After Pico de Loro, DASH Carts have already rolled out at Park Inn by Radisson Davao, and soon they’ll be serving guests at Park Inn Clark and Park Inn North EDSA. Imagine grabbing a cappuccino on your way to a convention, or sipping an iced latte while waiting for a flight—DASH wants to make those small comforts seamless.
A New Kind of Resort Ritual
Hospitality, at its best, anticipates your needs before you do. For Pico de Loro guests, the DASH Cart is exactly that: a roaming café that saves you a trip back to the lobby or restaurant. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, walking the beach, or tucked into a quiet corner, a hot brew is never far away.
“Wherever you are on the property, the DASH Cart will come to you,” says Agnes Pacis, SMHCC Vice President-Commercial. “It’s about pairing quality coffee with our breads and pastries, delivering comfort and enjoyment—one cup at a time.”
It’s a small shift, but one that changes the rhythm of a resort stay. Instead of interrupting a beach walk to get coffee, coffee simply joins the walk. Instead of hurrying to beat breakfast service, you linger by the shore knowing the cart is nearby.
The Bigger Picture
SMHCC may be a large player in Philippine hospitality, but the DASH Cart shows that innovation isn’t always about scale. Sometimes, it’s a cart, a barista, and a tray of croissants rolling up just when you need it.
As more properties adopt the concept, guests can look forward to seeing DASH across the country—from seaside escapes to city hotels. At Pico de Loro, though, it already feels right at home.
Because what is a vacation, really, without the small comforts? A good view, a warm breeze, and yes—a fresh cup of coffee, delivered right where you are.
