Have you ever experienced dipping your toes into a world of trendy and unique café?  
 
Unravel your curiosity and dine in a space that personifies the owners’ individuality and their love for Korean culture.
 
The 8.14 Café, which is inspired by Ja-chi-bang or small studio apartment, captures a tranquil atmosphere conducive to learning or simply just idling around.
 
According to Mr. Marvic Dranreb Curilan, the café’s co-owner, the construction of their business started in January 2022 and shall be inaugurated on August 14, this year.
 
“Actually, this café is owned by ​my ​girlfriend, Ianna Michelle Galvez and me. ‘Yong 8.14 na name, nakuha namin sa date ng anniversary namin and is actually designed by Ar. Coleen Lay-at and Engr. Paul Ryan Negranza,” said Curilan.
 
In addition, he said this project aims to build the local K-pop community, expose and appreciate Korean cuisine and music.
 
“In the future, we will be hosting cup sleeve events to celebrate the birthdays of the K-pop groups, comebacks and if there will be upcoming concerts, this is where the community will spazz,” said Curilan.
 
The café appears to have a replica of minimalist cafés in Korea with its neutral palette, white tiled floors, gold and gray furniture, plants, good lighting, and the iconic 8.14 Café signage.
 
Its facade captures a picturesque spot for the gram: a full crescent moon-shaped mirror is in place that somehow makes the café look expansive.
 
Vibrant Korean music plays in the background, turning it into a nostalgic setting for a cozy afternoon and cold drinks with friends.
 
Feast your eyes as you dive into hefty plates of sumptuous comfort food and coffee selection.
 
“Ang specialty namin dito ay ‘yong Korean egg drop sandwiches and folded gimbap (seaweed rice roll) na isa sa nagpapa-unique sa amin. Ang traditional kasi na gimbap is ‘yong bilog parang sushi type,” said Curilan.
 
Furthermore, the coffee shop serves classic Korean snacks, noodle dishes, and dosirak or Korean lunch box meals.
 
To refresh every javaphile’s mind, one should grab staple Americano, cappuccino, macchiato, and several flavors of latte and mocha.
 
For non-espresso-based drinks, several flavors of frappe are a must try.
 
“Meron din po kaming Korean milk drink which comes in three flavors, may mango, blueberry, and strawberry,” said Curilan.
 
On top of that, the café has K-pop collectibles where one could take Instagrammable photos.
 
To get to the café from the city plaza of San Fernando, La Union take a tricycle bound for
1 IGP Building, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus gymnasium in Catbangen village.
 
You don’t have to take a trip to Korea anytime soon, because visiting 8.14 café which operates from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, daily, will somehow give you a picture of their culture. (JCR/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)