Rocketing snapshot experience

CEBU, Philippines - Photography - the trending hobby of this generation.

However, did you know that your fetish with photography may also jive for American style bistro food?

With affordable rates for digital cameras and SLRs, one could just wander in the open and click the day away. Pair that up with affordable food and a cozy picturesque café.

In a small place on Apitong, Escario St., Sprockets Café brings the hobby closer to you alongside with food.

Sprockets Café is owned by Fine Arts graduate Rachele Arandilla who also is a photographer herself. The goal is to make a "destination café" for art enthusiasts, business people, on-the-go students and those who wish to unwind.

In line with the milk tea craze, Sprockets houses them with a wide array of flavors.

You could choose from the usual oolong or wintermelon milk tea, to a variety of coffee milk teas which cost only php90. Additional sinkers are also available for php20 a spoonful. The choices range from pearls, pudding, coffee jelly and a lot more.

A feature of Sprockets' milk tea is its personalized sugar level. If you want it just right, they can pour in 50% of the usual measurement. You could also be a sweetheart and go for 75% percent. All out sweet-toothed individuals can have 100% or the full measurement of sugar in their milk teas.

Aside from milk teas, they also have a food menu which they name after known camera models. There's the Holga Appetizers, Polaroid Pasta and Pizzas and Diana Desserts.

Their nachos are a must-try. Only pegged at php90 yet filled with a lot of chips and overflowing dressing topped with ground beef and cheese.

Sprockets' interior is centered on the theme of photography with camera decorations everywhere. All sorts of cameras from different eras are seen inside the café.

The pillows and menus of Sprockets are shaped after a conventional camera. Going in and not having a photo with these unusual objects would make your rocketing experience wanting.

One of Sprockets' trademarks is the “lomo” photo wall. “Lomo” is short for lomography which is  casual snapshot photography with over-saturated colors and blurring. The wall’s colors transcend that of the rainbow; a hard art piece to do.

There is also a freedom wall which they call “Sprock-outs”. People may post announcements about their events which may interest others.

There are also cameras, camera accessories, and films on display. If you happen to fall in love with the old way of producing photos, then Sprockets may introduce this to you.

Overall, this place is definitely worth a visit. It is budget-friendly and just within the metropolitan. A 14D, 06H or 04L jeepney ride would take you there.

Its unique interior and food choices would make you want to bring your camera along. Or better yet, just indulge in their sweet milk tea and observe the passersby. To make it more “rocketing”, take a few snapshots too.

Sprockets café is open from Friday to Sunday at 11:00am - 1:00am. (FREEMAN)