All language subtitles for Recipe.For.Romance.2025.1080p.AAC51.LAMA.eng

Kapeng Barako,
Philippine coffee.

It's more than just a drink.

It's my culture.

The aroma, smells like

rich soil mystery
in comfort and home...

and love.

I can't even imagine life
without it.

Sometimes, I think it's running
right through my veins.

Who are you talking to?

Always dreaming
and scheming, this one.

For your drive to the airport.

- Oh, sweet girl. Muah!
- Muah!

She can make coffee okay,

but can we trust her
to run the cafe

for such a long time?

You're not going to Mars,

papa, it isn't even two weeks.

Plus, she has her Bachelor's
in business administration.

You know what they don't teach
in business school?

- Hm.
- Common sense.

Relationships built on goodwill.

That reminds me.

Remember to stamp

the customer's loyalty cards.

Hmm. How many rules
are we up to now?

Seventy-two.

The book is called

"25 Rules for Running
the Tomas Family Cafe."

Go have a vacation.

Promise to follow rule one.

Don't change a thing.

Written specifically for you.

Miss wants to do everything
her own way.

Like father, like daughter.

I learned from the best.

Hey, sis.

Mama, papa,
you have to get going.

- Have the best time.
- Muah!

- Okay. Okay.
- Bye! Muah!

Okay, pretty queen
for your daddy...

Go.

- All right.
- Call us.

Every day.

If you run into any problems,

call Tito Hari...

Got this.

And then, o-okay.

- Do we, in fact, got this?
- Of course.

It's totally got.

Sorry.

You realize you have
already changed

too much for papa's liking.

No, no, no. No, no, no, no.

Oh, no.

I can't believe you actually got
your parents out of town.

Right, I thought
we might have to box them up

and ship them by courier.

FYI, guys,
Melina grew this charm.

We get it.
Your girlfriend's talented.

Hm, Christo got promoted
to junior partner at his firm.

- Hmm...
- Oh...

And I'm terminally single.

Yay.

Hm. They really
figured it out, huh?

Look at them
in their wedding photo.

Working together,
raising a family,

staying madly in love
for decades.

You know you have to go out

once in a while if you want
to meet someone.

- I'm going out tomorrow.
- Where?

- Hotel Bellison.
- Oh.

Do they have
a club there now, or...

Okay, strictly speaking,

it's a business
meet-up networking thing.

Okay.

That does not count
as going out.

The meet-up's being hosted
by one of my idols,

Charles Costales.

First Asian businesswoman

to make the top 30 under 30.

Now she runs the hotel.

She doesn't know it yet,
but she's gonna be my mentor

and help me figure out
what to do next.

I thought you liked working
at the cafe.

Except papa won't let me
change a thing.

I'm not even using my degree,
not for anything real.

So what are you gonna do?

I have to go out in the world
and figure it out.

To Sari, chasing her dreams.

Hmm.

Don't come on
too strong at this thing.

Things always get out
of hand every time

- you try and impress people.
- Ate.

Raise your glass.

You know I'm right.

To me, cool, casual, calm.

And keeping it cute.

Okay.

But you can eat for free at
this, uh, networking event

for entrepreneurs.
I signed you up.

What am I supposed to do
at this networking event?

- We haven't even opened yet.
- Just meet people.

Smile. Be charming.

Just don't give out
any details yet.

Our launch is supposed
to be a surprise.

- You're the brains.
- And you're the show.

I've got a good feeling about
where we're going with this.

- Keep that attitude, all right?
- All right.

Let me know if
you need anything.

- Got it.
- Talk to you soon.

I was told you declined the
university's admissions offer.

Hello, Tatay.
Yeah, I'm safe and sound.

I won't let my only son
waste his life

when he could be so much more.

Don't be greedy.

We've already got eight doctors
in the family.

I'll let you have
your flaky fun.

Flitting all over the world.

Flaky, because I'm
a pastry chef. That's good.

If you're gonna be
away from home,

it has to be for a good reason.

- Just give me a chance.
- Punyeta.

You have one month.

If you're not
clearly successful,

you come home to med school,
and to find a wife.

Look, I'm not a kid.
You can't...

Well, that went well.

I hope they open a custom
t-shirt shop next door.

Mm-hmm. It's gonna be
something big-ticket.

Tita Jaslene heard
from Tito Mario,

heard from Tito Jomari,

that you-know-who
made a lot of money

when he sold off
that storefront.

Who's you-know-who?

That boy who took advantage
of Tito Hari

when he had to close the shop.

Oh.

The boy who broke
Sarita's heart.

We're not talking about that.

Whoever moves in, I hope
they drink a lot of coffee.

Accountants, or...

cops, or air traffic
controllers.

I'm praying for a barber shop.
I need a new one.

What's going on?

Can I talk to you for a second?

Are mama and papa okay?

Yeah, yeah, I just
need to talk to Sari

for a moment, in private.

What?

Did papa tell you
that rent is overdue?

What? No.

I just got off the phone
with Mr. Lyons, the landlord.

He said that papa owes rent,
several months'.

It must be a mistake.

It's not.

I found this at the back
of papa's desk.

Oh, my God.

I knew papa was having
trouble making a profit,

but I didn't know we were
in a... massive sinkhole.

Mr. Lyons loves papa
and loves Little Manila,

but gentrifiers
are banging on his door,

and if he can't make
steady money on this cafe...

All the goodwill in the world
isn't gonna save papa.

I have to figure out a way
to keep the cafe going.

What happened to getting out
in the world?

It has to wait.

This is mama and papa's legacy.

They built it from nothing.

So what do we do?

I have an idea.

Hi, Ms. Costales.
I'm your number one fan.

Something really awful
happened today.

Hm... Hi, Ms. Costales.

I've been following
your career forever.

And boy, do I need advice.

Ugh! Hi! Yeah,
my name is Sari.

And do you have any advice
for saving my dad's business?

Because, you know,
the sky is falling.

- The sky is falling
- Uh, can you...

Um, I meant...
"Hey," is what I meant.

- Um... Um...
- Hi.

Are you here for the meet-up?

No, I just love pacing awkwardly
in hotel lobbies.

Is that North American custom?

Sorry, I'm not used
to these things.

Fresh in from Paris.

I'm fresh in from... uptown.

Parlez-vous Français?

Oh. Uh, mais oui, mademoiselle.

Yeah, I don't actually speak
French myself.

- I'm Gabe Capras.
- Sari Tomas.

It's Rosario, isn't it?

- Jaro?
- And it's Gabriel, I'm betting.

- Mm-hmm.
- Gavo?

Not bad.

Uh, would you
like a taste of home?

Uh, do you always bring your own
coffee with you everywhere?

Not just coffee.

Kapeng Barako.

My father has a cafe
in Little Manila.

I'm hoping to impress
our host tonight

because I, uh, need her advice

- on how to handle a little...
- Mm.

That is incredible.
Do you sell it?

In the cafe?

Mm. No, no, no.

The beans, they're,
they're exceptional.

Can I have some more?

Yeah. Yeah. Uh...

So, um... the beans,

uh, we grow them at
our farm back home.

And then I roast them here.

I've been toying with the idea
of selling them, but, uh...

- Oh!
- Ouch! Oh, wow, wow.

- Okay.
- Oh, your suit!

It's okay. It's okay.

Uh... No, no, no,
don't do that. Don't do that.

- No, no, no. Um...
- Oh, wow, okay. Wow!

- Wow. Wow.
- Uh... Okay, take it off.

I can get it cleaned.
I'll get it cleaned.

- No, no, listen.
- Just wanna...

- Please.
- You don't have to.

- No, I can fix it. I'll have to.
- You don't.

- I'll get it done for tomorrow.
- You should just let me...

No, please, let go.

- You, you let go. You...
- Let go.

No, uh, please.
I-I will do it myself.

- It's fine. Let me...
- Let, let go, let me.

Let, let me, okay.

Don't be so stubborn.

Okay, you win.

I'm gonna go to the bathroom.

Oh, Charles Costales.

Do I know you?

Uh... Uh, s-s-sorry,
I'm Costales.

Um, the sky is falling. I...

I followed your career.

I'm sorry, is there something
I could do for you?

I was wondering if you would
like to try some coffee.

But, uh...

Maybe another time.

Can we send someone
to clean up that mess

in the foyer, please?

(Sic)

Uh, it's so early.

It's all hands on deck
until papa's cafe

is profitable again.

Can I just make a donation
and go back to bed?

How much do you have?

A job at a clinic and almost
six figures in student loans.

Hmm, right. So you can stir
in the oil and vanilla.

Okay.

Mama and papa never wanted us
to make pastries.

I think we have to try,
traditional Filipino pastries

to go with our traditional
Filipino coffee.

Papa won't like it.

He'll understand when he sees
that I'm trying

to keep his business running.

Kababayan.

- Uh...
- My favorite Filipino muffins.

Oh, they smell delicious.

- They look delicious.
- Taste test?

Mm-hmm...

- Hm.
- Yeah.

Phew!

All right, so far
this bakery-cafe idea

is going much better than
my disastrous networking night.

You have to tell us
what happened.

Yeah, we'll only keep working

after our kabayan break

if you spill the tea.

I spilled the coffee...

all over the very fancy
Hotel Bellison lobby...

and some hot Filipino dude
from France.

No!

Well, that's one way
to make a splash.

And of course, the
Charles Costales witnessed it.

My chance to make
a good impression

on a legend deterring losses
in a profit, poof!

What did you do?

Ripped off a cute
stranger's clothes,

stood in a puddle of coffee,

and forgot how words work.

Please tell me you at least

got a date out of this.

Only a dripping wet jacket,
I left it with Tita Carmelita

for a white glove
cleaning service.

And a hot French Filipino dude?

Disappeared like Cinderella
after the ball.

I left a message with the hotel
front desk with my info.

So it could still lead
to a date.

- Hm. Hm.
- Hm.

No, this is no time for
romantic fiction, Daniel Steele.

Muffins over men.

Oh,
thanks, sisa. Yeah.

Those were good.
I'll take a box.

One kababayan to go
with your coffee.

And have a Kapeng Barako
kind of day.

- Yes.
- Oh, I think the plan's working.

They love the new muffins.

Even Tito Reyes likes them.

Free! It's my favorite flavor.

Maybe if he paid once in a while

papa could make the bills.

Shh.

Did I lie?

- Hmm.
- Shh.

She's sleeping.

You're gonna have to sell
a lot of those muffins

to cover the rent backlog.

Then that's what I'll do.

Maybe I can raise the price.

Mama and Papa can't expect you

to solve
their financial problems

while they're on vacation.

Especially since they decided

to keep it to themselves.

You saw how hard they worked
to make life easier for us.

We never missed out
on a school trip

or a pizza day
or a new pair of shoes.

- Yeah, you're right.
- They deserve our help back.

Please don't tell me we
owe money to somebody else.

Is it the mafia this time?

Little Manila Street Festival.
Yeah, they hold that every year.

They're promising
thousands of guests this year.

That's way bigger than
last year. Potential customers.

And look, the best booth prize
has been increased to $25,000.

- Sari! Let's do it then!
- We need to compete.

- Papa won't like that.
- Ugh!

How do you do that?

It's like an older sister
alarm clock that goes off

whenever her middle sister's
getting somewhere.

You know I'm right.

Papa says that kind of thing is

brash, flashy, kind of thrashy.

Good thing he won't have
to see it.

He can see the giant check
after we win.

- And he'll like that part.
- Mm-hmm.

They're not just gonna
give you first place.

I took classes in this stuff.

We analyze what
past winners did,

look up who the judges are
and what they like,

do market research
and survey our customers.

At least we'll give ourselves
a fighting chance.

Do you guys mind locking up?
I'll do the laundry room.

Out of the goodness
of your heart,

or because the laundry goes
to Tita Carmelita's?

Where hot French-Filipino
dude's jacket is,

where you might run into him.

Stop it.

Speaking of fighting chances,

you need to stop by home first.

Definitely.
Put something cute on.

- Mm-hmm.
- What?

Seriously, you two, stop it.

Ugh!

A couple of pounds of coffee
for each load.

And free Kapeng Barako
for the week.

No, you need to be paid.
You have bills too.

Don't argue with your elders.

This is what we do
in Little Manila.

The OG way, as you could say.

Mm-hmm.

- Do you have a stalker?
- Hm?

- No, that's not...
- Hi. Thanks for that note.

Honestly, I felt like
it was the least I could do.

It's a good excuse to see
the Little Manila you mentioned.

A taste of home.

Tita Carmelita, Tita Reyna,
Tita Jaslene,

- this is Gabe.
- It's nice to meet you.

And it's so good
to see you again, Sari.

You too.

Even without the hot drink
all over you.

Is this your new boyfriend?

I'm so glad you're getting back
on the horse.

Ride it. Ride it.

Boyfriend? Girlfriend?

Dirty laundry never lies.

We met yesterday.

Actually, um, new in town.

Then you need to show him
our neighborhood, Rosario.

- Be a good hostess.
- Oh.

I have work to do.

You work too hard, Sari. Go.

This is what
your mother would say.

- He's probably busy.
- I'd love a tour.

And we should respect the wishes
of our elders.

Honestly, if you
don't go out with him, I will.

Don't be responsible
for breaking up

Carmelita's marriage, Sari.

And a one-night fling can turn
into something more.

If you do it right.

Just ask Carmelita.

Go for a walk,

show him the real neighborhood

and the real Sari.

I like the sound of that.

One tour, coming right up.

Bring him to karaoke later.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Oh, I love the architecture
of this building.

It has a great history too,
and the ivy is so pretty.

- Hey, Sari.
- Hey.

Hey, Sari.

That's Tito Seblaya.
He's running for counselor.

His wife has a martial arts
studio around the corner,

and their son just got into
the Hudson School of the Arts.

- Hmm.
- Dancer.

You're like the TMZ
for the neighborhood.

The good thing
about Little Manila,

or the Laneways, as we call it,

is that everyone knows everyone.

The bad thing is that everyone
knows everyone...

and their business.

Yeah.

Well, I'm glad that
Titas had your number,

because that is a push
nobody can resist.

Like a gale force wind. Whoosh.

Well, they're
your superpower, I think.

They remind me of back home.

All the Titas
from my teeny tiny village.

Do you miss it?

I didn't think I did.

I've kind of been going
wherever the wind tipped me.

School, travel.

I went to the
Ruff Culinary School of Paris.

Wow.

Oh, this is, um,
my favorite patio.

- Hmm, I love it.
- Right?

So charming with the flowers.

And I love outdoor seating.

Maybe it's a good thing that
the wind dropped you here,

to remember
what you missed about home.

Where else have you been?

Uh, Hong Kong, Japan,

Singapore, Argentina, France.

Uh, none of it felt like
somewhere I wanted to stay.

Not yet.

I wish I could travel
to even half those places.

Mostly, I just try to keep
our little corner

- of the world going these days.
- What's the problem?

All the little Filipino
businesses are being gobbled up.

Tito Hari lost his small
printing business next door

after a heartbreaking deal
with my ex-boyfriend, actually.

- Oh, is that why he's your ex?
- Oh, bingo!

I can't let what happened to
Tito Hari happen to my parents.

Yeah, well, curse your ex
wherever he is.

Oh. Do you mind if I...?

- No.
- It's my parents' first time

away from the shop, so they're
a little bit OTT.

You didn't check in
with us today.

Ugh, it's barely been a day.

Tito Theo told Tito Margo

that Tita Carmelita
said you have a boyfriend.

He's just a friend.

Hey.

Bad, krrr... connection.

Love!

- Love, love you.
- Bye.

Remember, don't change anything.

Sorry about that.

- Tita power.
- Mm-hmm.

Your parents are very cute.

Did they run the cafe together?

While somehow remaining
happily married.

It's a magical balance.

Or some kind of witchcraft.

And it's like that with me
and my business partner.

I do the fun creative stuff,

he does the serious stuff.

Money, paperwork.

- I dream, he plans.
- Hm.

The perfect business marriage.

Hm. What about your family?

I have eight sisters.
All doctors.

My mother is a saint.

My dad is, uh...

He's demanding.

Believe me, I get that. Deeply.

He thinks my dreams
are childish.

My dad thinks
I'm a literal child.

You have such a good head
on your shoulders.

And vision.
I saw that immediately.

It seems like it's about time
we show our dads

who we've grown up to be.

- Yeah, you're totally right.
- Mm-hmm.

- They need to know.
- Mm-hmm.

Wanna make it a pact?

We will both
prove to our fathers

that we are worthy adults.

- Deal.
- Yeah?

Yeah, deal.

So, up for something else?

We're gonna take a quick
break, but we'll be back

with more karaoke!

Ooh!

All right, Tita, my favorite.

Everyone is so welcoming.

More like
they smell fresh blood.

- And we're back...
- I love them. All of them.

So, listen, I have a confession.

Our next singer is Sari Tomas.

I signed you up.

Go, go, have fun.
Make it your own, you know?

You'll have a good time.

Go, Sari. Whoo!

Ha!

Ooh! Go.

Sari, let's go, Sari.

Ooh!

All right, brought to you
by "Tomas Family Cafe,"

home of the famous
Kapeng Barako.

Ooh! Come in for a free sample!

All right, I'd like to
introduce Gabriel Capras.

- Huh? No. No.
- He's new. He's single.

And he's ready to mingle.

Let's give it up for Gabe!

Oh, no, no, I can't.

Don't let him off the hook!

- Oh, no, no.
- Come on, Gabe.

Ooh! Don't start a beef, we're
gonna have a part to finish it.

Oh, it's good. It's totally...
You're gonna go first, right?

- No, I'm not going first.
- I... Please, leave me...

- No, I'm not going first. No.
- Hey! Oh, it's starting.

- Ooh, yeah. I go.
- I hoping they press play. Okay.

♪ Take my hand
I'm an honest man ♪

♪ I would never let you down ♪

♪ I would break my heart ♪

♪ Just to give you half ♪

♪ If you only hear me out ♪

♪ I'm not a rich man ♪

♪ I won't be buying
any diamond rings just yet ♪

♪ But if you let me ♪

♪ I will show you I have
so much more to share ♪

Where are the back-up singers?
Let's get you singer on here!

Come, finish!

♪ A-a-are you gonna be ♪

♪ Are you gonna be mine? ♪

♪ Are you gonna ♪

♪ A-a-are you gonna be ♪

♪ Are you gonna be mine? ♪

♪ Oh-oh Oh-oh ♪

♪ I wonder oh why not ♪

♪ Let your heart decide? ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh ♪

♪ Oh oh oh oh ♪

♪ Whoo-ooh-ooh ♪

♪ Will you be mine? ♪

Is that balancing
performance too?

No time for hangovers.

It's opening day, bro.

I thought you supported party.

Well, play hard, work harder.

Look, I pulled some
major influencers for today,

so we gotta stay
at the top of our game,

you know what I'm saying?

Yeah, yeah, no, I'm good.

I'm good. I'm ready
for the new staff.

And this is gonna be great.

Look, when you're
rich and famous,

you're gonna look back on today
and you're gonna thank me.

Already do. This is the dream.

- Hm.
- All right, let's do it.

We got this.

No time for hangovers.

We're saving papa's cafe
from ruin, remember?

What is that delicious smell?

Ah, cassava bibingka.

That's what I smell.
It's heaven.

Toasted coconut and sugar.

You're getting really good
at this.

Would it be enough?

Ugh, we shouldn't be running
around on dates right now.

Don't think I didn't hear you
come in so late last night.

Must have been good.

Ate, he was so sweet and so nice

and honestly, we had
so much fun together.

So why are you making it
sound like a problem?

You should be happy that...

Guys, look!

What's she yelling about?

There's a lineup outside!

A lineup for our coffee!

My karaoke show worked?

Something did.

Okay, here's how we're
gonna handle the crowd.

Sam will take orders,
Selene will pull the espressos,

I'll do the fancy drinks,
we divide and conquer

on the baked goods.

And don't forget
to take pictures

for the socials
when the cafe is full.

We'll be able to pay off
mama and papa's debt in no time.

- Oh!
- Sister power!

Ah! So many new customers.

Wait, this isn't for us.

- Continental Bakery?
- Continental Bakery?

You just started
selling baked goods.

Hey, yeah, but
we don't have that.

He's the Beyoncé of bakers.

- He's...
- Ah!

Gabe?

This.

It won't be any good.

We're obviously
gonna try it, right?

If you're this flashy,
you must be hiding something.

You sound just like papa.
Come on!

No, I'm going to head back
to our place.

Okay, hm, I'll just eat
your share too.

Oh! Look at the pastries.
They're too beautiful to eat.

- I still would.
- Oh, 100 percent.

I would eat it all,
it's so gorgeous.

Why wouldn't Sari
want to see this?

We should take her something.

It's like a portal
to a magical baking world.

Imagine if we could
afford all of this.

Hm. Gorgeous, tasteful.

And what the what is that
fancy coffee machine?

Honestly, it is like
Continental Bakery

is gonna set a whole
new standard for Little Manila.

Would you like to try?

- Hey.
- Hi.

Um, I'm, I'm Selene.

Your bakery is stunning, chef.

Oh, Gabe is fine. Thanks for
coming to the opening, Selene.

- And...
- Sam.

Honestly, I could live here.

Well, would you
settle for some free samples?

That's very neighborly of you.

We're neighbors.

Yeah, our parents own
the cafe next door.

Oh, uh, I haven't been
able to explore.

I've just been
to the kitchen and hotel

and back, you understand.

Oh, well, stop by
if you ever need anything.

Cup of sugar, coffee beans.

Our sister makes
her very own special roast.

Hm.

Did you mention
your sister's name?

Did you mention free pastries?

No outside food allowed.

It's for you. Lighten up.

You should see what they have
over there, especially the chef.

Yeah, how could
you not tell us that he was

hot coffee spill guy
before we went in?

Ate's just embarrassed because
she was flirting with him.

I was not.

And it is pretty great
that he's now literally

your boy next door.

It's not great.

Just when I meet a guy
who actually seems genuine

and who I actually connect with,

he turns out to be
the competition.

He's not actually competition.

We're Filipino-based.
They're a patisserie.

Everyone loves French and fancy.

We're already losing customers.

Even Tito Reyes is over there

and he never leaves his post.

Have some faith, Sari.

It's their first day.

It's just because
everything is new and shiny.

It'll all work out.

Maybe you'll feel better
if you have

one of your
boyfriend's macarons.

No! I refuse to try them.

He's going to put us
out of business with these.

You need a mental health
afternoon.

- Close up early.
- No time.

I have to figure out
how to get our customers back.

Fine.

Do your pouty, stubborn thing

about lover boy then.

Sammy and I are going home.

And he's not my lover boy.

Oh.

Oh, your Titas told me

you wouldn't mind if I came by.

Did you know Gabriel trained
in Switzerland?

And Michelin stars
all around the world.

Oh, interesting.

You didn't mention
anything about this

when I asked you what you did,

you evaded every question.

I just promised
my business partner

that I wouldn't tell anyone
until we opened.

And I told you he does all
the logistics, so...

- Yeah.
- Right. Your perfect marriage.

Perfect.

- Ooh. Free cassava bibingka?
- Oh.

Yes, it's something new
I'm trying to increase sales.

Oh.

Your mama and papa
would be proud.

- Hmm.
- Mm!

Sorry, that is so good.
Oh, my God.

Would you like to buy
some for home?

- Oh, baby. We are so full.
- Oh.

- And broke.
- Another day, baby.

Well, goodnight.

I'll be spending my evening
thinking through

how to rearrange my new plans
for the cafe

into new, new plans,
given the competition.

I mean, we don't have to be
in competition, right?

Just got rejected by the Titas

who I've known my whole life
for something I made

using my own
mama's traditional recipe.

- I see your point.
- Mm.

So, may the best bakery win.

Ai, please do not let
the beautiful baker boy

get caught in the crossfire.

I'm standing right here.

Great sign.

I made it myself.

I'm sure you would have had
one made at great expense,

but we do things differently.

Why, good morning to you, too.

Looks like you're also
an early riser.

The dough is.

Dough? Bread? It, it's
a baker's jo... Uh...

Free bibingka? What, are you
trying to steal customers?

Uh, no, I'm trying
to get back my patrons

after you stole them.

Oh, I'm not afraid
of a little competition.

I told you I have
eight older sisters.

Bunso.

Well, I'm the middle child,

so I'm not afraid
to lay patiently

and wait until it's time
to make the kill.

Well, so much for
"May the best baker win."

All's fair in something and war.

Ouch!

First point to
the Tomas family cafe.

What if we make
mama's favorite recipes

our boothing for
the street market competition?

So you compete by copying.

I call it a level playing field.

Mm.

Okay, then.

- Oh. Hmm.
- Hm?

Okay. Listen, I couldn't get

one of your of your
Kapeng Barakos, could I?

'Cause I've been thinking
about it since

you gave me that cup.

- Not a chance.
- Mm.

In such a case, I...

brought a bribe.

Fifty-five layers
of laminated butter

and homemade frangipane.

As good as any...

in the sixth arrondissement.

How do I know it's not poisoned?

Hmm.

Mm.

Gabe?

Gabe? Are you okay?

Do you need water?
Do you need water?

Water! Can I get
some water please?

Please!

I'll stop if you get me
a Kapeng Barako, okay?

He's okay, guys. He's okay.
False alarm, guys. He's okay.

- Suffering, oh.
- False alarm. It's okay, guys.

Everything's good. False alarm.

False alarm.

She saved me.
She saved me.

Oh, what a hero. Oh, you
saved me. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

If you think you could beat me,

why don't we have a friendly...

wager?

Like if I win, you'd do
orders for this week?

Mmm... Like if I win
I get a real date with you.

Free coffee made by a hero.

Follow me to the
Tomas Family Cafe, everyone.

- Okay, I was like...
- Yes!

What the...

Sari.

Whoo. Yep, it's on.

"Bring me Kapeng Barako

if you ever want
to see your flower again."

Mm.

Mm... Mm?

Sari!

Gabe!

You put salt in my sugar.

You put sugar in my salt.

How do I know
you didn't poison it?

Don't you trust me?

It's hot. Water!

Point.

- Hello, Tatay.
- Hi!

Your sisters showed me
your social media.

Goofing off.

You're embarrassing yourself.

Ah, it's all in good fun.

Ah. How does fun make money?

People like me here.

People like the village idiot.

I spoke to the dean,
pulled in some favors.

They opened up a spot for you.

Don't embarrass me again.

I don't wanna...

Huh...

So, uh...

how much of that did you see?

I'm guessing that was your dad.

Unfortunately.

You need a break.

Want to step into my office?

It's just the alley,

but sometimes it's good
to get outside, you know?

Yeah.

You're lucky you could
talk to your parents.

Hmm. Sometimes they just
pretend to hear me.

But I always know they love me.

And the community loves you too.

Papa always says if you're
there for the community,

the community will
be there for you.

- You can't buy that.
- Well...

You've bought a lot of stuff
I would love to have.

Building a business
at your level is unbelievable.

Well, tell that to Tatay.
He thinks it's frivolous.

And I guess
somewhere deep inside,

I guess I believe him.

You can't.

I'm sure he just wants
the best for you.

He's got a weird way
of showing it.

Mine too.

He wrote a 72-rule manual

for running the cafe
while he's away.

- That's how little he trusts me.
- Oh, that's crazy.

Yeah.

I'm designing this booth for

the Little Manila
Street Festival,

and I'm terrified he's
gonna be furious at me

for it because...

it's not in his rules.

Why do it then?

There's a big competition
for the best booth,

and winners always see
a boom in business.

Mm.

Actually, it'd be
a great idea for you.

What a way to impress your dad.

- That's a brilliant idea. Okay.
- One problem.

Um, you might miss
the deadline for entry.

My business partner
can convince anyone

to change their mind. It's fine.

My ex was like that,

only happy if he was winning.

Preferably at someone
else's expense.

Well, I promise that I'll never
back stab you or Little Manila.

So, you gonna do
a big splashy booth?

It's a secret.

Okay.

You should tell a story.

The process of...

farming, roasting...

and making the perfect
cup of coffee.

People love origin stories.

It's a great idea.

Do you wanna...

wave the white flag on this
little rivalry of ours and...

focus on this?

Are you saying I beat you then?

No, I'm saying it's a tie.

I think you're conceding,

which means I won.

Mm-mmm.
No, I think we both win.

- I win.
- You set me up.

What you doing?

That was fun.

- Very.
- Mmm, we're good together.

Mm, very.

Even when we're not at war.

Somebody's gotta win.

Mm.

I have an idea that's gonna win.

Hmm.

We collab for the Street Fest,

combine our assets
to one big booth.

- Tempting.
- Hmm.

But confusing.

How will people distinguish
between us?

All the greats do collabs.

- Nicki Minaj and Eminem.
- Oh!

Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg.

I swear they secretly dating.

Oh, for sure. Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

See, let's follow their lead.

Hm.

Wait, do you...
Do you hear that buzzing?

- What time is it?
- Well... Oh!

Sari, we've been calling
and calling.

Is that,
is that a chef's jacket?

Did you buy uniforms?

Oh.

Sarita, we don't want
you working on Sunday.

All the teachers are asking
why my girls aren't in church.

No, we were,
we were just looking...

- Uh...
- We're working.

I'm on my way.
How's the honeymoon/pilgrimage?

It's gorgeous here.
Rain through days, though.

I heard from Tita Rosa,
who heard from Tita Reyna

who heard from Tita Reyna that
Sari and that boy next door

are courting with pranks.

We're so excited to meet him.

Is he a good boy?

They said he's talented.

Bad connection.

Oh, Sarita's in trouble.

Oh, that was close.

I have to go.

You know what I think would
be the ultimate collab?

Hm.

Upscale Filipino desserts.

Hmm...

Let's workshop it...

after church.

Oh.

Okay, what about
Kapeng Barako eclairs?

Mmm.

- Ube Meringue.
- Mmm...

Gabriel, we're blowing
our projections

out of the water, and what...

Sari, what are you doing here?

Alex?

Do you like what I did
with the place?

I heard you sold it after you
cheated Tito Hari out of it.

Yeah, we're gonna trust
her to read my mail.

I decided to keep it.
And my deal with Hari was good.

- Good for you, maybe.
- Okay. What is happening?

You're business married
to my ex.

Out of all the people
on the planet.

- Dude, did you sleep with her?
- Dude, I didn't know.

Dudes.

I'm out of here.

Sari!

- Sari.
- Sari!

I can't believe you
have the nerve

to show up here, let alone
open a competing business

next to my parents.

I can invest in
Thomas Family Cafe.

I know your parents
are struggling.

- All OG businesses are.
- This was a ploy all along.

Well, I wanna be clear.
I was not made aware

- of any of this, Sari.
- I'd rather die

than give a scumbag like you
any stake in our business.

Nobody wants you here, Alex.

I'm not a scumbag.
I love this neighborhood.

The only thing you love
is money.

No. No, I'm trying to save
Little Manila.

You're trying
to push us all out.

You wouldn't open a business

right next to my parents
unless you were...

trying to be a jerk.
And you are a jerk.

- S-Sari. I didn't know.
- You're a jerk by association.

Yikes.

I knew you'd sleep with him.

Even across enemy lines.

Well, jokes on me.
He's not just the enemy.

He's the business partner
of the real enemy.

Alex?

Look.

I'm so excited you're going
to be at the Street Fest.

Will you do something elaborate
with the pastry?

My cousin wants
her daughter to meet you.

And my cousin's
a Street Fest judge, you know.

No more fun and games.

Winning Street Fest is now
a matter of life and death

as in my life depends
on killing my competition.

Sari. Sari.

- Can we talk?
- W-wait, no, no, no, no, no.

- Step back, lover boy.
- Yeah, step back.

Just five minutes, please.

I-I didn't know
Alex was your ex.

Oh, but now you do.

So what are you gonna
do about it?

Hm?

Can we...

So hard to...

apologize to...

to really conjoined triplets?

It's okay, guys.

Thank you.

I had no idea about Alex.

But that does not change
how I feel about you.

What we have going between us...

It's a distraction.

I need to focus on

finding my new purpose
and helping my dad.

- What are you doing about yours?
- I don't know.

His expectations
seem impossible.

But do you understand
why he has them?

When my parents immigrated here,

nobody would hire them except
as nannies or cleaners.

They had bigger dreams.

But your dad thinks
he has the right ones for you.

Your family...

may see you as a kid.

But I see
a powerful businesswoman...

with real vision.

Backhanded compliments aren't
gonna get you anywhere.

Sari.

Sari, I'm sorry.

If I can...

try again.
I didn't mean to hurt you.

Let's just make
the Alexy not a thing.

No, we can't.

Why does this feel
like a breakup?

It's not.

'Cause you and I never
really got started.

What's that?

Gabe said we should feature
the coffee making process.

I can still do that even after
kicking his traitorous butt

to the curb, right?

As your ate,

I will reassure you that
this is actually your idea.

You've been blabbing about
farm to cup forever.

He just reflected it
back to you in a way

that you could hear.

Right.

I think I figured out
what I wanna do.

I wanna expand the coffee part
of the business.

- But Papa...
- Papa will have to learn

that change is necessary.

Because the world keeps
changing, even if you don't.

And there are people like Alex
who take advantage of that.

I can help Papa succeed
at what we do best.

You do make incredible coffee.

What would Charles Costales do?

Selene!

You're a genius.

I am?

I-I...

I know I am,
but why exactly this time?

Muah!

Thank you for visiting
Continental Bakery, where...

friendly pretend wars
turn into real...

real tragic wars of the heart.

Nice.

Where are you anyway?

Via de la Plata.

Today we met a physiotherapist,

a philosopher and a nurse.

And it rained again today.

Only for an hour or two.

Where are you?

In a parking lot,
about to go into a meeting.

What meeting?

I need to talk to you about

the coffee farm part
of the business.

I want to brand our beans
with the family cafe name

and secure a distribution deal.

It will be an additional
stream of revenue

- that aligns with...
- My baby's talking BBA.

I told you we shouldn't go away.

As per rule 43,

I already checked my figures.

I did a conservative
projection of Bluesky one

and an aggregate average.

I'm not sure
I use those terms, Sari.

The words might be
business school, but...

you inspired me
to go there, Papa.

I thought I wanted to do
my own thing.

But what I actually want is

to protect
what you and mama built.

We can grow this together.

Don't make me cry
while I'm on vacation.

Put that rule in the book.

We believe in you.

And that's how my family went
from owning a coffee farm

in the Philippines
to selling Kapeng Barako here.

That's a great story.

I read yours...

about how you and your mom
started selling dolls

when you were just a kid,
and you grew that business.

It was so compelling.

You've done your homework.

We're ready to take our
next steps. Just like you did.

I want to supply our coffee
to other businesses,

starting with your hotel.

Well, obviously, I can't commit

based off a story
and some samples.

No pressure.

I appreciate
you squeezing me in.

I had no choice.

Your Tita Carmelita
called my Tita Maganda.

This was a command performance.

- Tita power.
- Yes.

Oh, please.

Come by our booth at the
Little Manila Street Festival.

See how much the community
loves the product.

I appreciate your time.

Thank you for yours
and the coffee.

And I didn't even spill it
all over your lobby today.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

Stop moping.
There's lots of work.

What is your problem?

My problem is that
my star chef is too busy

making sad faces to make the
happy pastries that we need.

She's just a girl, man.

I think she's way more than
what you give her credit for.

Really? Well, I think we should
keep our eyes on the ball.

The street festival
starts tomorrow.

And you're the
one that talked me

into buying a booth for us

and pulling some strings
to get us in.

- I know I did.
- Yeah, well, so look lively.

We need product we can sell

so we can take down
the competition.

Do you ever feel bad
about being so ruthless?

I'm just doing
business here, man.

Are they here?
Great. Thank you.

Why did you let me choose

such a labor-intensive
baked good to feature.

- Rampant ambition.
- Don't worry, ate Sar-Sar.

Tomorrow's gonna be great.

- Oh.
- Yeah.

Even if your hopias are
a little inconsistent.

Ate, be a good ate.

What? I...
I said inconsistent.

I didn't say sloppy
or disastrous...

- or tragic.
- It's a lot of pressure.

I'm trying to
secure the cafe's future

and impress potential clients
and win a contest.

And not think about
the cute pastry chef next door.

Oh, she's gonna need
a miracle for that one.

What I need is a secret weapon.

But I have nothing.

Uh... what are we?

I'm pretty tired if I'm nothing.

You're right.

- I have family.
- Yes.

- And community. And the Titas.
- Yes.

They always say
they're there for us.

We're running out of time,

but they know how to get
stuff done fast.

Sounds like it's time
to call on...

Tita power!

Thanks to you,
we are going to sell

the tastiest hopia
at the festival.

And the most of them.

We'll have plenty

of our branded beans to sell.

Our booth is going to be full
and luscious and inviting.

Like us.

Competition is fierce, though.

Thank you so much
for coming. All right.

We'll see you at the store?
All right.

I think I'm in a Little Manila.

I wouldn't push it.

Bro, we're totally overshooting
our projected sales.

I think we should start
talking second location.

Oh, there won't be
a second location.

- At least not with me.
- What are you talking about?

We make a great team.

That was before I saw

what you're really about.

Is this about Sari?

'Cause that's pretty
short-sighted.

Alex.

What I see here is
a really special community.

And what you see here is
something to take advantage of.

Competition.

I told you, man,
that's just business.

Not the way I want to do it.

I've thought it through.

After we break even,
we break up.

Start looking for a new chef.

We humored you. Now it's time
to stop playing the fool.

- Make peace.
- It's a Little Manila value.

Look.

How can you stay angry at that?

I accept your apology.

We can keep it professional.

You have a right
to try to be successful.

So do you.

And I can do professional.

Nice booth.

- It was your idea.
- Mm.

- Yours looks fantastic.
- Oh.

It was your idea.

Look, I miss you. But if you
want me to leave, I will.

- Now?
- No.

I mean Little Manila.

The Laneways.

Just as the Continental Bakery
is taking off.

Yes. Because I don't wanna
make things hard for you.

I can handle my own business.

You don't have
to worry about me.

What did your dad think?

I haven't exactly
called him yet.

- We made a pact.
- I know.

I told mine that he inspired me
to go to business school.

And that I want to...

build on his legacy.

I'm proud of you.

I don't know
what to say to mine.

Just speak from your heart.

I can't.
I've already let him down.

He wasn't allowed to go
to school, you know.

He was working on a farm
from when he was little.

Just to help feed his family.

He can't bankroll me
like Alex's dad.

Which is why he insists
I become a doctor.

He wants you to have
the stability he never did

because he loves you.
That's his way of loving you.

Sari, I...

And the winner of Best booth

at Little Manila
Street Festival is...

Drum roll, please.

The new kid on the block,
Continental Bakery.

Congratulations.

I don't know what to say.

Gabriel Capras.
Come get your trophy.

Go. They're expecting you.

- Congratulations.
- Thanks.

Wow! This
is really unexpected

and such an honor. What
a welcome to the Laneways.

There are lots of things

that are more important
than this festival.

Things that you have done
incredibly well.

You're rebranding Tomas Coffee.

You brought the Titas joy.

And the community, look at them.

All lined up for us.

You found your path.

It was Gabe that reminded me
that I have something special.

- Family.
- Mm-hmm.

And community.

Yeah, he was right.

But you were the reason
why they came through.

Do you think a...

a Tita can talk to a Tita
who can talk to a Tita

who can plead my case to dad?

Tita power.

Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Hey, just tell your dad.

Just tell him how
you feel, okay?

Tell him how you feel.

You always said you wanted
what mama and papa have.

Love and work.
What if you found it?

He's some new guy who's
interested me for 20 minutes.

He was nothing.

Well, he made you up your game

showed you what you really have.

- True.
- More sales.

The inspiration for the booth.

Validation you needed
to follow through

on your coffee idea.

Do you think Filipino coffee
goes with French pastries?

Sounds worth a try to me.

- We won best booth.
- What does that mean?

A cash prize first off. And,
uh, well, trophy.

- That's good.
- Yeah.

Tatay...

I know...

you wanted to give me
a chance at a better life.

You gave me that.

What I wanted was...

to show you what it meant.

Don't be ridiculous.

Listen.

Every time you would come home
from working in the fields,

I thought...

I want to work
with my hands too.

Just like my dad.

He always looks so content...

fulfilled.

Just an honest kind of tired.

- I was.
- And uh...

That's how working
with pastry makes me feel.

Do you get that?

Yeah. Yeah. Um...

Just want you to be happy.

And well-fed.

Well, uh,
pastry chefs never go hungry.

Sales are better than expected.
And the community loves us.

Though my business partner

turned out to be
a bit of a donkey.

Yeah. Well,
sometimes...

you need the donkey
to help you with the harvest.

- It's a good one.
- Oh.

Yeah.

I'm proud of you, son.

(Mus)

After the beans leave our farm,

we roast them right here
at the Tomas Family Cafe

and make Philippine coffee
the traditional way.

It's more than just a drink.
It's my culture.

And the aroma smells of...

rich soil and mystery...

and comfort and home...

and love.

That's the smell
of a perfect Kapeng Barako.

I can't imagine life without it.

Enjoy. And have
a Kapeng Barako kind of day.

- Ms. Costales, you came.
- Oh, please, call me Charles.

That was an excellent
sales pitch, Sari.

I love to see a woman
take control of her destiny.

That's the highest compliment.

The story of your family's
coffee is impressive.

It's very marketable and unique.

That means so much
coming from you.

How about we start with
500 bags of your beans?

We can do that?

- Uh, we can do that.
- All right. Excellent.

- Thank you.
- Hey, everyone!

It's Gabe again.
I just want to tell you

about someone
really special to me.

Sari Tomas.

Sari showed me how amazing...

your community is.

And she showed me...

just how much
I want to be a part of it.

She represents...

so many wonderful things.

Family,

community.

This community.

Our community.

Sari is the heart and soul
of the Laneways.

She knows a recipe for success.

Business plus love.

Who wants to see
Sari Tomas on stage?

Let me hear you get her up here.

Sari! Sari! Sari! Sari!

I think you need to go.

Oh, sorry.

Go.

Tomas Family Cafe
supports the community,

which is why I'm giving
the prize money to them.

Their booth is right over there.

The Tomas Family Kapeng Barako

is heaven on earth.
If you haven't tried it yet

- then what are you waiting for?
- Bit much those...

Looks like we got back
just in time.

Go see the sisters
and the Titas.

It's happening.

I called it.

Please, God,

don't let me die
before they kiss.

Just a pastry boy
in love with a coffee girl.

I'm just a coffee girl
in love with a pastry boy.

You are all over
Sari's vision board.

You must be so proud of her.

I am.

- She's a smart entrepreneur.
- Yeah.

Learned from the best.

- That's me.
- Oh.

She did it on her own.

Well, she made a great deal,
I can tell you that.

I hope this kiss is one
of the first of many collabs

between me
and the Tomas Family Cafe.

French pastries
with Filipino coffee.

Oh, my definition of success.

- Really?
- Oh, and...

To finally win
this little prank war of ours.

Oh!

Point.

I knew she'd find true love.

Fine.

You win.

She's riding that horse again.

- Tita!
- Tita!

Oh.

Tita, as I told you,

you don't have
to bring anything.

- We told you.
- We do what we want.

Oh, thank you Tita Carmelita,
Tita Reyna,

Tita Jaslene.
These are great.

Sari, Why can't you be
like this sweet boy?

He's the sweet to my sour.

And she's the cream
in my coffee.

Kapeng Barako, of course.

Aw...

Sari. We're waiting.

Don't rush her.
She knows what she's doing.

I think he's rushing
because he wants to

start packing
for your trip tomorrow.

I can't keep up.
Where are you off to now?

Zip-lining at the Eiffel Tower
with some new friends

from the Camino.

And then a two-month tour
of Asia

and meeting Gabe's dad,
of course.

Well, you better put me
on speed dial.

- I'm gonna go sit down.
- I'm the doctor in charge.

I think you'll have to fight
my sister doctors for that one.

Oh?

Oh, wow. This looks amazing.

Wow, this looks awesome.

Mama. Papa.

Oh, oh, coming.

Your daughter wants you.

Gabe and I have
something to tell you.

- You're pregnant?
- Mama, no.

We want you to do the honors.

Oh.

I'm very proud of you, Sari.

And you thought
I couldn't trust you

our middle child.

Actually, I think it was you

who thought
you couldn't trust me.

I do trust you.

You've grown
into a powerful force.

We'd be happy
to pull the string.

Ready?

- One.
- Two.

- Three!
- Three!

French pastries
and Filipino coffee.

Mm. A perfect match.

Going into business
with my romantic partner.

A recipe for success.

We did it.

Everybody, it's singing time.

Okay!

♪ Are you gonna be mine? ♪

♪ Will you be mine? ♪

♪ Will you be mine? ♪

♪ Will you be mine? ♪