The morning rush to work has made many of us dread early starts. Breakfast often becomes an afterthought as we clamber not to be late—or skip it altogether. Even that first sip of coffee can start to taste like regret. For a while, the idea of sitting down for a slow, satisfying meal felt like a luxury only Instagrammers had figured out.
Good thing Punched Coffee showed up.
Taking a page from Melbourne’s brunch culture, this new spot turns the usual rush into something worth slowing down for. Think of it as breakfast without the alarm clock. Now that it’s brought this energy to Cebu, we’re more than ready to be punched awake.
Owners George and Danielle Padin were inspired by the many trips they’ve taken together across the globe. Frequent travels to Australia made them carry Melbourne’s laid-back energy, something they felt the Cebu market was long overdue to experience.
“On our latest trip, we felt the market in Cebu was ready for this experience, and since our opening, the reception has been nothing short of awesome,” co-founder George shared.
Akin to the feeling of being jabbed by caffeine after a sip or two, Punched Coffee also draws inspiration from the idea of shaking up the ordinary. It aims to offer something so new that it feels like a quiet punch, just enough to keep your senses awake for what’s to come.
The Brew Awakening
At Punched, bland is never an option. Their flavors pack a punch, pulling you from a routine that might’ve had you in a chokehold. “Life’s too short for ‘meh’,” as George puts it. From the very first sip, it’s guaranteed to be bloody brilliant.
Personally, I rely on strong coffee-like air. Office day shifts demand that sharp, sudden kick only a good cup can deliver. For those of us in perpetual need of a wake-up call, their triple-shot espresso does just that. The clean bitterness of a hot long black also stands as a solid option, one of the owners’ personal favorites.
On a side note, if you’re someone in pursuit of the strongest coffee flavor imaginable, we hope you’re doing okay.
But if you really just want a sweet caress on a Saturday afternoon, you can enjoy their classic sweet sips and pastries to make everything feel lighter. To top it off, the laid-back weekend atmosphere and live DJ create a setting where nothing ever really goes wrong.
The Subtle Art of Slow Brunches
Whoever told you it’s okay to skip this crucial meal clearly has never known how a proper brunch is served. Here at Punched, brunches are a big deal. Think of a meal that sets the tone for your day rather than one that briefly brushes past your tongue.
“Brunch here is not just an afterthought. It’s where the boring stops and the bloody brilliant begins,” one of the owners expressed.
If you’re lucky enough to step inside this little space, you’ll catch the lively Melbourne spirit in its interiors. Each table comes alive with every plate stacked with texture as the rich scent of brewed coffee proliferates through the air. It’s the ideal place for slowing down and embracing the quiet ease that comes with it.
Visit Punched Coffee at Mabuhay Tower, Cebu Business Park.
Photography Kyrra Kho
