27/08/2026
Honestly, reading our story like this feels a little surreal. 🥹
What started as a small dream has taken us through so many challenges, lessons, and beautiful moments. Thank you so much for taking the time to share our journey and for seeing the heart behind TimeOut Coffee.
And to everyone who has supported us… from our Tara Kape days until now… thank you for being part of our journey. We truly wouldn’t be here without you. 🫶🏼
DANGCAGAN, Bukidnon — A husband-and-wife team of former overseas workers has established a premium coffee shop in this agricultural municipality, creating a local hub that supports regional farmers and community programs.
Brian Marc La Omoc and Loradel Lazarito-La Omoc opened TimeOut Coffee after spending eight years in Dubai’s food and beverage industry.
Returning to Bukidnon province in 2019, the couple aimed to bring urban dining standards to southern Bukidnon so residents would not need to travel to major cities for high-quality café experiences.
The business began in 2020 as "Tara Kape," a small street-side pop-up in their town. The founders initially used French presses and dark-roasted beans to introduce local premium coffee to a market accustomed to instant coffee.
By 2023, the couple upgraded to commercial espresso equipment and rebranded the operation as TimeOut Coffee.
"Through showing them our process and explaining why our prices were different, they started to appreciate it," Loradel said.
The café sources its coffee beans directly from agricultural cooperatives, including the Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pangantucan. Food ingredients for its menu are purchased from local farmers and markets.
Additionally, the owners allocate a portion of revenue to support regular students, fund youth athletics, and showcase local artists.
Despite its growth, the enterprise faces operational challenges typical for rural small businesses. The café operates out of its fourth location along the central highway, a site targeted for relocation due to Department of Public Works and Highways road-widening projects.
TimeOut Coffee now draws customers from surrounding municipalities and recently represented Dangcagan at the provincial Kaamulan Festival and the national round of Southeast Asia (SEA) Green Competition.
"The café has become a standard and a go-to place if you have visitors," Brian said. "It isn't just about earning. It is about giving a great experience."
