The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the basketball court where I sat nursing my third cup of coffee, watching local players run drills that reminded me of professional athletes. That's when my friend Miguel slid into the seat opposite me, his phone displaying the latest Gilas Pilipinas roster news. "Look at this," he said, pushing his device across the table. "Abando, Lucero, Abarrientos, and Rosario made the Asia Cup long-list, and Kouame's there as one of our naturalized players." We spent the next twenty minutes debating lineup possibilities while the scent of freshly ground coffee beans wrapped around us like a warm blanket. It was during this conversation that Miguel first mentioned we should discover the best menu items and ambiance at PBA Cafe Metrowalk, claiming it had become the unofficial gathering spot for basketball enthusiasts.
Two days later, I found myself walking through the cafe's doors, immediately struck by how the space masterfully blended modern industrial design with basketball nostalgia. The walls featured framed jerseys of PBA legends alongside current Gilas stars, including photos of some players Miguel had mentioned - I spotted Abando driving to the basket in one action shot near the espresso machine. The place was about 60% full at 3 PM on a Tuesday, with groups of friends clustered around tablets showing game highlights and solo visitors typing away on laptops while occasionally glancing up at the wall-mounted screens broadcasting sports channels. I settled into a comfortable leather booth that gave me a panoramic view of the entire space, noticing how the strategic lighting created intimate pockets of space despite the open layout.
A server named Marco approached with a menu that felt more like a basketball program than a food list, with sections cleverly named "Starting Five" for bestsellers and "Bench Players" for other offerings. When I asked for recommendations, his eyes lit up. "The Triple-Double Burger is our MVP - two 4-ounce beef patties, three types of cheese, and it comes with our signature sweet potato fries," he said with genuine enthusiasm. "But if you want what the regulars order, try the Fast Break Chicken Adobo - it's slow-cooked for six hours then flash-fried to crisp the skin." I went with both his suggestions, plus their best-selling Ube Latte that he claimed sold 287 cups just the previous weekend.
While waiting for my order, I overheard a fascinating conversation at the next table where four guys in their late twenties were passionately discussing whether Kouame's naturalization would significantly strengthen the national team's frontcourt. One argued that his shot-blocking ability would add exactly what Gilas needed, while another countered that integration with local players like Abarrientos would take more time than people expected. Their debate flowed as smoothly as the coffee being poured around them, and I found myself smiling at how this space naturally facilitated these basketball conversations that usually happened in arenas or living rooms.
The food arrived beautifully presented on custom PBA-themed plates. The Triple-Double Burger lived up to its reputation - messy, juicy, and substantial enough to fuel anyone through double overtime. But the real revelation was the Chicken Adobo, which managed to taste both comfortingly familiar and excitingly new with its perfect balance of vinegar and garlic notes. As I ate, I watched different groups interact with the space - young couples taking selfies with the vintage jerseys, businessmen having meetings while occasionally glancing at the score updates, and what appeared to be an actual basketball coach sketching plays on a napkin while drinking what Marco later told me was their signature Full-Court Press Cold Brew.
What struck me most wasn't just the quality of the food or the clever basketball theme, but how authentically the place captured the community aspect of sports fandom. When the highlight of Abando's recent dunk played on the screens, a collective "Wow!" rippled through the cafe, followed by spontaneous conversations between strangers about his chances of making the final Asia Cup roster. The energy reminded me of watching games in a packed arena, just with better coffee and more comfortable seating. By the time I left, I understood why Miguel had been so insistent about my visit. PBA Cafe Metrowalk isn't just another themed restaurant - it's where basketball culture comes to life through every detail, from the strategic menu planning to the carefully curated ambiance that makes every visitor feel part of the same team. I've already planned my next visit for Thursday, when they're featuring a viewing party for the PBA draft - and I definitely need to try their reported bestseller, the Slam Dunk Sans Rival that Marco claims has converted at least dozen non-basketball fans into regulars.