Around a 20 or 30-minute drive from downtown Davao City is a quaint coffee shop in Indangan that promises a different experience from your regular coffee shops.
I discovered Lot38 on Instagram over a year ago; you can find them at the far end of Deca Indangan Phase 1.
I arrived at Lot38 at around 1:30 pm; a barista with a big smile greeted me as I entered the coffee shop. He was very welcoming and introduced himself as Dot.
As Dot explained the menu to me, I quickly scanned the coffee shop.
Lot 38’s interior had so much personality. After a quick look around, I had the impression that the owner was an artist with their uniquely designed mugs and cups and the artwork placed on the walls or the shelves.
I then checked the menu. The menu was interesting. It had the classics, but at the same time, it had its set of uniquely concocted coffee and non-coffee drinks. Dot began to talk about the drinks, but what caught my interest was the Gentleman’s Americano. He described it as their take on the classic Americano, but it had a smokiness to it. I ordered that drink.
I continued to look around the shop while Dot prepared my drink. This time, he asked that one question I am not usually comfortable with, “Ikaw si Kape Diaries, sir?” (I’m just not used to getting identified, hahaha). I answered with a hesitant “Yes.” Then, it was here that I first appreciated that question. Dot began to share the story of Lot38 and his passion for coffee. What was supposed to be a quick visit became a 2-hour visit as we shared about coffee and the budding coffee scene in the city.
Dot is not new to coffee. When he was growing up, Dot would describe an ideal breakfast that consisted of a rice meal paired “with a rich blend of hot coffee and brown sugar.”
“To me, this wasn’t just sustenance; it was my ‘breakfast of champions,'” Dot said.
It was in adulthood when Dot’s appreciation for coffee became more nuanced.
“Post-college, my interest took a turn towards the exploratory. I began curating a collection of diverse instant coffees, both local and international,” Dot said.
And just like many of us who got into coffee, it was also a friend with a shared passion who helped Dot to understand and appreciate coffee more.
For Dot, the baristas in Davao City are the most significant influence on his love for coffee.
“This encounter was a pivotal ‘Rubicon’ moment, propelling me into the intricate world of coffee that I immerse myself in today,” Dot said.
Dot shared that his love for coffee intertwines with his passion for art, knowledge, and human connections.
“Coffee, to me, is like a vast, uncharted universe – its complexities seem boundless, from the minute dance of volatile compounds to the abstract and expansive, communal spirit it evokes in human gatherings,” he said.
Dot also sees coffee as a “canvas” on which one can create “otherworldly beverages.” This reminds me of how good that Gentleman’s Americano was. An interesting umami flavor followed the coffee’s clean and smooth texture.
“Coffee, to me, is like a vast, uncharted universe – its complexities seem boundless, from the minute dance of volatile compounds to the abstract and expansive, communal spirit it evokes in human gatherings.”
Dot Mediano, Lot38 owner
Birth of Lot38
Lot38 started not simply because there was a growing love for coffee in Davao. There is a much deeper reason why Dot opened his coffee shop.
“I realized that beyond just serving exceptional coffee, I believe that one of the coffee shop’s most beautiful roles is to be a nexus of ideas and stories, a place where thoughts blossom, and personal and societal growth is fostered. This potential for intellectual and emotional convergence in an occupied space inspired us to establish Lot 38,” Dot said.
Hence, talking to people and learning about their stories and experiences is Dot’s favorite aspect of having a coffee shop, aside from the constant flow of coffee.
“Every day, I have the privilege of not only accommodating the many narratives and experiences of our beloved customers but also actively participating in and learning from each unique and deeply personal story. Coffee, with its vast and varied appeal, acts as the thread weaving these tales together,” Dot said.
Conceptualizing Lot38
Dot designed Lot38 as a safe space in Indangan “where people could momentarily detach from the outside world and savor a delightful escapism.” Regarding its overall design, Dot said it is an “eclectic mix of objects, décor, and the stories they represent.”
“It is, in every sense, the embodiment of our team’s collective ethos, passions, and idiosyncrasies. So, when you step into our café, you’re not merely entering a venue; you’re diving deep into the essence of a family, immersing in the heart and soul of the individuals that give it life,” Dot said.
I love how this statement from Dot made me appreciate more the guitar stationed at one corner of the shop, the uniquely designed mugs and cups, and the artwork that draws you in.
Meanwhile, the “Zen Garden,” the expansive window at the end of the shop that immediately caught my attention when I first visited, was placed there as a “portal to introspection and serenity.”
“Meditation and contemplation hold special places in our hearts. Thus, we aimed to create a serene spot, a visual anchor within the cafe, where individuals could anchor their thoughts, gaze out, and embark on a journey inward – while sipping beautiful, delicious drinks,” Dot said.
As to its name, “Lot38” is named after the shop’s address: Lot 38, Phase 1, Deca Homes Indangan.
“We wanted it to be a portal, a nexus of sorts, where people rendezvous, where time stands still and conversations flow. So, when naming it, what could be more genuine than its very address?” Dot said.
The drinks created by the “Coffee Wizard”
Dot is fondly nicknamed the “coffee wizard” by some individuals in the local community—a nickname I see fit after seeing his fresh take on concocting beverages.
A lot of thought goes into the development of drinks in Lot38. Their drinks play with your senses, giving you a different experience each time.
“Our drinks, inspired by my deep passion for Western philosophy and particularly Aristotelian thought, are more than just beverages. They reflect a multi-dimensional definitional of beauty and quality,” Dot said.
Once your drink is served, you will be intrigued by how it looks—whether it is the Van Gogh-inspired Europa, Lot38’s take on the sea salt latte, or their colorful Unicorn.
“Beyond their appearance, our drinks offer a unique and delightful neuro-gastronomic experience- combining floral, spice, salt, sweet, bitterness, umami,” Dot said.
He added that their drinks also urge customers to interact with them.
“‘Europa,’ for instance; its sea salt foam will have you instinctively licking your lips,” Dot said.
The eccentric mugs, crafted by local potters, also enhance the drinking experience.
“Beyond aligning with our philosophical commitment to quality, there’s a deeper narrative we wish to share through these vessels,” Dot said.
He said the mugs celebrate every individual hand that crafts your coffee experience.
“Every drink is purposeful. While ‘Europa’ strikes a balance between sweet and salty cravings, ‘Vincent’ is an invitation to tranquility since it’s composed of relaxing compounds from different flowers,” Dot said.
Lot38 also uses the “Java Synesthesia” method, which they developed.
“With ‘Java Synesthesia,’ we aim to convert one sensory modality to another. It’s like crafting a drink inspired by a song or a masterpiece like ‘Starry Starry Night .’ Every sip offers an immersive experience, a journey through different sensory landscapes,” Dot said.
The Lot38 experience
Lot38 offers a refreshing and unique experience in the coffee scene in Davao City.
I just love how the drinks they offer play around with your senses. They have drinks that, when you hear them, do not seem to work, but when you have a drink of them, they are quite good.
But beyond their drinks, the community makes for a worthwhile experience here.
Dot being Dot engages customers with one another, allowing for a constant flow of conversations.
“At Lot 38, guests don’t just sip coffee; they dive into an expansive world of ideas. We aspire for Lot 38 to be a beacon, attracting not just diverse individuals but the myriad thoughts they carry,” Dot said.
What is beautiful about Lot38 is how everything was purposeful. Dot did not simply design the coffee shop because he liked that aesthetic; he did not develop the drinks merely because he thought they would taste good. He thought about almost every aspect of his coffee shop. He thought about how each element of his coffee shop would enhance the experience of customers visiting them.
“This coffee shop isn’t just about serving coffee; it’s a cascade of human touchpoints, a beautiful and poetic sequence of events, from earth to cup. So, when our customers sip their coffee, they’re not just consuming a drink; they’re imbibing a tale of community, craft, and commitment,” he said.
Lot 38 details and what to order
Location: Deca Indangan Phase 1 | Google Maps Link
Business hours: 12 noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Friday | 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday | Closed on Sunday and Monday
What to order: Gentleman’s Americano, Europa, Unicorn, Pan-Q, any of their pour overs
How to get there:
- Ride the Indangan-route jeep from Victoria Plaza, Abreeza, or GMall. You will have to go down at the entrance of Deca Indangan Phase 1. Landmark is a water tank and Rose Bakeshop Estimated fare is P20
- Ride a taxi going there. Estimated fare is P250 to P300
- You can also book GrabCar. Estimated fare is P400 to P500