[Place] Meido in the Philippines

The maid café phenomenon has indeed finally reached the Philippines. MeiDolls Café started to serve its pastries, pastas, coffee and tea (and moe?) last 15 January 2011. PAO was among the firsts to visit the café and watch the Meidolls perform to the tune of “STRAWBERRY PIE” (yes! they’ll sometimes do a dance no. when the café is full. It’s a must-see!). XD

Its distance from Metro Manila does seem to be a set-back for patrons and otakus alike from the metro. We strongly suggest first-time goers to study the location well and familiarize themselves of the landmarks and routes. (TIP: Once you get past Junction, if you’re coming from Cubao. Be alert. You gotta alight the jeepney at Sea Oil Gas Station. The Saunterfield Bldg. where the café is situated is beside it.) However, one would realize that its location is rather accessible.

The overall feel of the café is light and quite relaxing. It may seem a bit small from the outside but it’s surprisingly roomy inside. One won’t feel cramped. The low tables and chairs make that possible. Those who are not accustomed to Japanese-style sitting (that is on the floor) would however definitely find difficulty in getting comfy. The trick is to extend your legs underneath the table. Feel free to make yourself comfortable. =)

I had a taste of their cappuccino, café latte, cream puff and curry rice. The constant thing I noticed is the “safe” flavor of the meals and drinks. They are all mild. The curry rice for instance is spicy but not fiery. It has a “kick”. The tang of curry is there but the spice is tolerable. Their coffee isn’t strong nor bland. Just right. People certainly have different tastes when it comes to this but one will appreciate the café’s effort to make their menu palatable to a wide spectrum of customers – from the young otakus and the daily walk-ins up to the professionals and coffee enthusiasts. What’s also interesting is the inclusion of the ingredient “Ganoderama” (go Google ^_^) in their coffee and beverages that is supposed to be a very healthful herb.

The PAOtakus I was with truly enjoyed their visit but as customers we do have our expectations and observations. The prices would seem plush to student-otakus who would visit to experience the maid café but they would understand that the prices are relatively affordable and reasonable. The café does seem to be a luxury for the budget-conscious otaku but this is where the unique services come in to make patrons feel they’re getting their money’s worth and  that it’s justifiable to be a regular customer. An LCD screen that plays animé keeps otaku patrons entertained. I think though that its position is rather troublesome. It should be displayed somewhere where everyone across the room can have a good view of what’s playing. Otakus watch. And when we watch, we’re hooked. Be it for someone alone, or for a group, the café would offer an experience without a moment of boredom. Books and mangas that can be read inside the café will provide another way of enjoying one’s visit. Hopefully, wi-fi gets to be installed for use of customers. ^_^

The staff cosplaying as maids are of course, only one of its kind. The sight of them is naturally notable in itself. Their secret ingredient that goes “MOE~ MOE~ KYUUN~!” is all the more amusing. ^_____^ The maids may add a little bit more of role-playing. When otakus talk about cosplay, it means beyond appearances… and more about character. Otakus might find themselves searching for that a little bit more of “moe factor”. The maids are all charming and adorable so a little more warmth and extra-extra hospitality would further boost their brand. Customers are masters whom fantasy maids are supposed to take extra good care. That is the concept of a maid café, it is what that sets it apart from any other café establishments. It is a sanctuary for the “extra-care-seeking” otaku and a haven for other “relaxation-wanting” customers.

The MeiDolls Café could be considered as a pride for otakus. It is truly the example of turning one’s hobbies and interests into bread and butter. The proprietor and the staff capitalize on their being animé enthusiasts to provide a whole new experience to others. They represent otakus who passionately pursue their interests in a society where the enthusiasm for animé, cosplay and gaming is looked down as immaturity and childishness. The café, even though it’s just starting, vows to donate up to 7.5% of revenue to local charities based upon customer choices. Such entrepreneurship with social responsibility is moving and is all the more reason to support it – a business that is not only interested for profit but is likewise committed for the well-being of the local otaku community and for social involvement.

So if you’re an otaku who intends to enjoy some leisure with your fancy maids who would provide good meals and drinks as well as fantasy service, you might want to consider paying MeiDolls Café a visit. Here are some house rules for your guidance:

1.       No body contact with the maids;

2.       No playing of bells;

3.       No intrusion of privacy of the maids, i.e. asking for shifts, stalking;

4.       Avoid unnecessary noise that may inconvenience other customers;

5.       No bringing of outside food;

6.       No smoking inside the café; and,

7.       Ask for consent when taking photos of the maids.

Enjoy! J

NB:

PAO is not directly connected nor affiliated with the management of MeiDolls Café. PAO did not receive any compensation in whatever form for this blog entry. The PLOGsite (PAO Blogsite) aims to share otaku experiences, information and opinions relating to the Philippine otaku scene.

Acknowledgement:

Inputs from PAOtakus DarkAngel, Pitpot Beam, Soran, Shinichi & El