Moai in Makati: A Café and Lifestyle Space Built Around Coffee, Craft, and Community
Moai in Legazpi Village, Makati is more than just a café—it is a thoughtfully designed gathering space rooted in community, creativity, and everyday rituals.
IMAGE from Moai
Moai blends a café with a multi-brand retail experience, offering comfort food, specialty drinks, art, clothing, jewelry, and homeware in one layered, inspiring environment.
IMAGE from Moai
Founded by Camille and Theo Sandico, Moai draws inspiration from the Okinawan concept of moai, a lifelong circle of people who meet regularly with a shared purpose. Okinawa, known as one of the world’s “Blue Zones” is celebrated for its strong social bonds and long-living communities, and this philosophy became the heart of Moai’s vision.
The founders imagined Moai as a modern neighborhood space where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy things that are well-made—whether it’s a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, handcrafted ceramics, curated books, or unique lifestyle pieces.
IMAGE from Moai
Built with intention, the space was personally designed by the founders, who hand-selected each piece of wood and marble used in the interior. A large paper lantern anchors the café, filling the room with warmth and creating a calm, inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering.
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Moai’s food offerings is developed in collaboration with Sunday Street Co., a local culinary team led by chefs Iyay Ignacio, Jovy Acuzar, and Tara Alvarez. Together, they focus on approachable, comfort-driven dishes made with care and quality ingredients—everyday food meant to support conversation and connection.
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Among the must-try dishes is the Tuna Potato Croquettes (Php 390) offering a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center made with flaky tuna and seasoned potatoes.
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Another customer favorite is the Pickled Pork Toastie (Php 595), featuring tender pork paired with bright, acidic pickles that balance richness with freshness.
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Drinks are just as thoughtfully crafted, especially Moai’s well-loved matcha selections starting at Php 140.
IMAGE from Moai’s Instagram account
The café exclusively serves Moonbug Matcha, sourced from partner farms in Shizuoka, Kagoshima, Uji, and Yame. Known for its creamy, naturally sweet profile, it’s available in classic matcha, matcha latte, strawberry matcha, and other crowd favorites.
Beyond food and drink, Moai’s shelves showcase a curated mix of lifestyle pieces—from Monocle publications and art prints by Musée Joli to clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted homeware designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
Moai stands as a new destination for design, coffee, and community. Rooted in the philosophy of togetherness and everyday rituals, it offers a space where people can gather, slow down, and appreciate things made with intention—one cup, one bite, and one meaningful moment at a time.
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