The Woods Cafe Siquijor: More Than Just a Good Cup of Coffee

Jihan Kuzminski

I'm going to start with a confession. I'm not a coffee lover.

But after visiting The Woods Cafe in Siquijor, I might just be reconsidering that.

Surrounded by greenery, this charming little cafe has everything you'd expect from a cozy island hideaway - wooden furnishings, woven bamboo walls, warm lighting, and even a collection of books for anyone who wants to linger over a drink.

But beyond its inviting atmosphere, what makes The Woods Cafe worth discovering is the passion behind every cup.

And as someone who doesn't know much about coffee, I found myself surprisingly fascinated.

IslaMove Favorites: What to Order at The Woods Cafe

Mango Matcha - Like Drinking Mango Sticky Rice!

Believe it or not, this was my very first time trying matcha.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but one sip of The Woods Cafe's Mango Matcha and I immediately thought of something familiar.

Mango sticky rice!

The sweet mango, creamy milk, and slightly earthy matcha reminded me of that delicious Asian dessert, except this time I was drinking it.

For a first-time matcha experience, it certainly made an impression. This one's going straight onto my favorites list.

Aerocano - An Americano With a Twist

Now here's something I had never heard of before.

Aerocano.

It's a cold coffee drink similar to an iced Americano, but with a fascinating preparation method. The espresso is aerated using a steam wand, creating a smooth, velvety texture without adding milk.

Who knew black coffee could be this interesting?

If you enjoy iced Americanos but want to try something different, the Aerocano is worth a shot.

Iced Banana Latte - Dessert in a Glass

If the Mango Matcha reminded me of mango sticky rice, the Iced Banana Latte felt like another dessert that found its way into a glass.

Served cold, it's creamy, refreshing, and has that lovely banana sweetness that makes it different from your usual latte.

I'm beginning to think I have a weakness for drinks that taste like liquefied desserts.

And I'm perfectly fine with that.

Meet Troy and Lyra: The Couple Behind The Woods Cafe

The Woods Cafe is owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Troy and Lyra, who share a genuine passion for coffee.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of chatting with Troy, and what started as a casual conversation quickly turned into an unexpected lesson about coffee.

We talked about where and how coffee grows, which varieties can thrive in the Philippines, and how roasting brings out different flavors.

I had no idea there was so much to learn!

And here's the funny part - I'm not even a coffee drinker, yet Troy made the whole subject so interesting that I found myself wanting to know more.

That's when you know someone truly loves what they do.

More Than Just a Coffee Enthusiast

As it turns out, Troy doesn't just know a lot about coffee. He's also pretty good at making it.

In fact, he's a two-time latte art champion, with two more first runner-up finishes under his belt.

His achievements include:

  • Champion - Kava's First Latte Art Throwdown (April 23, 2024)
  • Champion - The Cabin Blend 4th Anniversary Latte Art Throwdown (December 18, 2024)
  • 1st Runner-Up - Negros Occidental Latte Art Throwdown (August 8, 2025)
  • 1st Runner-Up - The Bamboo Pavilion 2nd Year Latte Art Throwdown (March 21, 2026)

Not bad for someone who simply loves making coffee, right?

Beyond the competitions, Troy also works in Quality Assurance (QA) for Mountain Origins coffee beans, where his knowledge of coffee goes beyond what happens behind the espresso machine.

Suddenly, our conversation about coffee cultivation, roasting, and different varieties grown in the Philippines made even more sense.

Together, Troy and Lyra have created a place where their passion for coffee becomes something they can share with the island.

And you don't need to be a coffee expert to appreciate it.

Something to Look Forward to This December!

If Troy's enthusiasm for coffee has sparked your curiosity, here's something worth looking forward to!

Mountain Origins will be hosting a FREE Coffee Cupping (Coffee Tasting) Event and Sensory Class this December!

It's an opportunity to explore different coffee flavors, discover how aroma and taste influence your experience, and learn to recognize the subtle differences that make each coffee unique.

Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or simply curious about what goes into a good cup, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity to learn something new.

Keep an eye out for the official event date, venue, and details!

A Little Cafe With Plenty of Character

There's something about The Woods Cafe that fits perfectly into Siquijor's laid-back lifestyle.

The rustic interiors, surrounding greenery, simple seating, and little collection of books make it an inviting place to slow down.

But what stayed with me most wasn't just the drinks or the atmosphere. It was the conversation.

I walked in knowing very little about coffee and left having learned about growing, roasting, and preparing it, all while discovering that I actually enjoy matcha.

Not bad for someone who doesn't particularly like coffee, right?

Discover The Woods Cafe on IslaMove Siquijor

Whether you're a serious coffee enthusiast, a curious matcha beginner, or someone who simply enjoys a good drink, The Woods Cafe has something worth trying.

Go for the Mango Matcha if you love fruity, creamy flavors. Try the cold Aerocano for a different coffee experience, or indulge in the Iced Banana Latte if you enjoy something a little sweeter.

And if you visit in person, have a chat with Troy and Lyra. You might just walk away with a newfound appreciation for coffee.

As for me, will I finally become a coffee lover?

I'm not making any promises.

But if all my coffee discoveries come with drinks as delicious as that Mango Matcha, I'm happy to continue my research!

Craving something from The Woods Cafe? Order your favorites through IslaMove Siquijor and have them delivered straight to your doorstep.

Your cravings have a ride. IslaMove.