This Iconic UP Diliman Café Is Closing & Everyone Is Sharing Their Stories

On 3 August 2020, photos and anecdotes about The Chocolate Kiss Café dominated our social media feeds. It was with deep sadness that we learned that the 23-year-old restaurant, located at UP Diliman’s Ang Bahay ng Alumni Building, announced that they would be permanently closing down on 24 Aug.

Goodbye Kiss: The Chocolate Kiss Café closes its doors

Undoubtedly one of the Diliman campus’ most iconic establishments, The Chocolate Kiss Café’s announcement has greatly affected their regular diners. With their cosy interiors, dishes reminiscent of home-cooked meals, and their famous Devil’s Food Cake, this family restaurant has become something of a home away from home to so many people from different walks of life.

“It always amused us how a couple all tidied-up for a date would be in the same dining room as folks (who just lived around the corner) dressed in their pambahay and tsinelas,” Inah Flores Pahati, owner of The Chocolate Kiss Café, said in their official announcement. “People felt comfortable to come as they were, and we loved how it was that way.”

“We are deeply grateful for all the customers who have shown their support for The Chocolate Kiss Café for many years. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your lives’ special, as well as everyday moments.” She continued, “Thank you for gifting our cakes to your teacher, best friend, or crush. Thank you for inviting your loved ones over, even if they considered a drive to Quezon City a field trip! You brought our dining room to life. What a blessing indeed to be warmly embraced by the UP community.”

What’s your Chocolate Kiss story?

It seems that everyone has their own Chocolate Kiss story to tell — from simple anecdotes to stories of heartwarming memories deeply rooted in moments shared at the café. Even some of us from the TripZilla Philippines team had a few stories to share!

Stories from the TripZilla team

Marcy Miniano, Editorial Associate & Writer

“I used to go there with my then-boyfriend while he spent weekends at a UP photography workshop. While waiting, I’d usually just plop down, read a book, and sip on iced latte. Then once he was done for the day, we’d share a slice or two of Devil’s Food Cake. Coincidentally, this was also the cake I bought when I surprised him for his birthday!”

“And to those wondering: Yes, we are still on good terms.”

Joser Ferreras, Content specialist

“On days I would feel extra sophisticated in college, doon kami kakain for dinner or merienda. It’s a quick walking distance from the UPD College of Mass Communication where I had most of my classes, so I can’t even name specific memories anymore because I would go there often.”

“But the more memorable ones I guess include dining there with my batchmates in between org application activities when I was in sophomore year and the usual group meetings. I especially enjoyed eating there because back then it had a view of UPD’s old football field, on top of having the famous Devil’s Food Cake.”

Gaby Salud, Associate editor

“Back when we were still studying in Ateneo, my boyfriend and I were inseparable. So, when I started working and he started his first year in law school, it really felt like we had gone our separate ways; and it was honestly a little tough to get used to that.”

“But in a really sweet gesture, he decided to take me to the new places he’d come to enjoy around the UP Diliman campus. The Chocolate Kiss Café was one of them, and he made sure I got to enjoy a slice of their delicious Devil’s Food Cake. (I loved it — and a few months later, he gave me one for Valentine’s Day!) Because of this, Chocolate Kiss will always hold a simple yet sweet memory, reminding me of the time he made sure to still make me a part of the new and somewhat separate world he was exploring.”

Danielle Uy, Creative Lead

“When I was a kid, I had performances in UP Cine Adarna. (For context, I think I started performing in UP at Grade 1. That was a semi-annual thing, if I remember correctly.) I hated having to perform in front of a crowd, but my parents would always reward me with iced tea from Choc Kiss. Ewan ko ba, iced tea talaga gusto ko dun!”

“Parang it’s the first restaurant I went to where I was the one to pour honey sa iced tea. I was so amazed, Nestea lang kasi kami sa bahay! So, whenever anyone asked me what my favorite food was, (take note, food), I’d always say, ‘Chocolate Kiss Iced Tea’. I also used to fantasise about having my first date in Choc Kiss.”

“And I remember one time, I think I was graduating from elementary school, my family treated me there and my dad ordered iced tea and chocolate cake for me. He also gave me a pendant with our fam pic, I remember, uso pa yun nun. I may not have photos to look back on, but that pendant will always remind me of Chocolate Kiss.”

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Fortunately, we don’t only have sad news to share with you all — on the bright side, you’ll still be able to order The Chocolate Kiss’ cakes and pastries, which will remain available at their commissary in Fairview, Quezon City.

Meanwhile, we’d love to hear all your Chocolate Kiss stories. Feel free to share them with us in the comments section!

Featured image credit: The Chocolate Kiss Café | Official Facebook Page