The Modern Market brings tea drinks, pastries, flowers, scents, accessories, and café finds to Eastwood Central Plaza.
Eastwood Central Plaza transformed into a haven for tea lovers as Matcha & Hojicha Collective made its stop from June 19 to 21, 2026. Presented by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in collaboration with The Modern Market, the weekend event brought together matcha and hojicha merchants from across Metro Manila for curated drinks, savory bites, pastries, and charming lifestyle finds all in one place.
It was more than just another matcha pop-up. Visitors got to experience playful and inventive tea creations. Each booth put its own spin on familiar flavors; there were drinks inspired by biko, mango, banana pudding, and other café favorites. For those looking for something warmer and more mellow, hojicha offered a roasted, earthy alternative with a smooth, comforting finish. Among the participating brands were Block 6 Cafe, Cali Matcha, Days Off Space, Do Güd Cafe, Jamie’s Matcha, Klub Kame, No Doze, and Nuki Nuki.
Beyond the food and drinks, visitors could also browse a curated selection of accessories, scents, flowers, and lifestyle finds that made the experience even more enjoyable.
The Matcha & Hojicha Collective reflects how Japanese tea is being reimagined for today’s consumers. Matcha continues to evolve beyond traditional preparation into lattes and desserts, while hojicha is gaining traction in specialty drinks for its comforting, roasted character. Together, they show how heritage teas are finding new relevance in contemporary café culture.
As someone who’s only starting to appreciate matcha more, it was a fun opportunity to explore different takes on the drink and be a little more adventurous with my picks. I ended up getting two drinks: a classic Matcha Spanish Latte and another topped with sweet extras that matched my sweet tooth. If Matcha & Hojicha Collective makes another stop up north, I’d definitely be coming back for more.
