Carlo Miguel Balili turns to grit, heart in putting up fledgling mobile cafe 

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MANILA, Philippines — Some of the most heartwarming success stories don’t start with capital or a storefront — but with heart, intuition and impeccable timing. 

Such is the case with CM Café, the brainchild of Carlo Miguel Balili, whose journey from selling bottled coffee during lockdown to running a full-fledged food truck is a testament to resilience and Filipino hospitality.

Back in 2020, as the pandemic shuttered cafés and forced people indoors, coffee cravings didn’t disappear — they simply found new ways to be satisfied. Spotting the opportunity, Balili began offering bottled coffee online, bringing café vibes to Filipino homes during uncertain times.

It was a humble start, but one that came with a strong sense of purpose: to offer comfort in every cup. 

“People missed their coffee rituals. We wanted to bring that feeling back,” Balili shared.

When cities reopened and the world regained movement in 2022, CM Café knew it was time to level up. Armed with a modest coffee cart, they took their brews to bazaars, weddings, festivals — anywhere people gathered. Rain or shine, the team was there, serving each cup with a smile.

Two years of hard work on the road led to a major milestone: CM Café’s first official food truck. With more space came more possibilities — and the opportunity to truly anchor their brand as more than just a coffee spot.

Filipinos rarely drink coffee alone — it’s usually paired with heartfelt conversations and, more often than not, a plate of something warm. Recognizing this, CM Café expanded its offerings beyond drinks. Their menu now includes comforting Filipino breakfast staples like longganisa and tapa, alongside crowd-pleasers like bubble waffles, Belgian waffles, and crispy crepes.

“We wanted to serve something unique yet familiar,” Balili explained. “Food that feels like home but still surprises you.”

This thoughtful fusion of novelty and nostalgia is what keeps people coming back — and what makes CM Café more than just another food truck.

While the café-on-wheels concept looks effortlessly cool, the daily grind is anything but. From managing staff to braving bad weather, running a food truck requires tenacity. 

“Personnel is one of the biggest challenges,” Balili shared. “And rain can really hit sales hard.”

Despite this, the team remains committed. Their approach is simple: lead by example, serve with warmth, and keep things grounded in Filipino values.

CM Café stands out not just for its food or drinks, but for the feeling it creates — a cozy, come-as-you-are space where strangers become suki and coffee breaks turn into memorable moments.

With requests pouring in to book the truck for private events, it’s clear CM Café has made an impact. Though logistically challenging to cater to all, Balili makes it a point to keep the experience authentic and community-focused.

CM Café continues to look ahead, with plans to expand into new locations and roll out more menu innovations. 

“We’re always testing new ideas. The goal is to keep evolving without losing what made us special in the first place,” Balili noted.

At its core, CM Café remains rooted in one powerful Filipino trait: hospitality. It may not label itself as a “Filipino café,” but its essence — from the flavors served to the warmth extended — is unmistakably Pinoy.

From bottled coffee born out of necessity to a mobile tambayan beloved by many, Carlo Miguel Balili’s CM Café is proof that meaningful success doesn’t need to start big. It just needs to start with heart.