THE Bene Café has now reopened, serving beverages, snacks, and treats to students, staff, and visitors. A business from San Beda College Alabang (SBCA) alumni, this café is available to everyone who sets foot on the school campus. From family-orientedness to persistence, these qualities built the café that will resonate with each Bedan. 

It All Began with Family

     The Ravago family started the idea of the business.  Jao Ravago is the current owner of the Bene Café. He has a background in culinary arts.  His elder brother, Justin Ravago, was the café’s original owner.  As Justin is currently focusing on his law practice, his younger brother took place in running the businesses. They are SBCA high school alumni who want to give back love and service to their alma mater. Their parents are Jonas and Evangeline Ravago.  They help with the cafe’s operations.  Their mother, Evangeline, owns the Whoopee canteen at the Bedan campus. 

     In 2017, the business was called “Café Bene,” then later changed to “Bene Café ”. The inspiration behind the name “Bene” was from the previous name of SBCA, “St. Benedict College.”  They wanted the business to have a similar title to the institution. 

     Unfortunately, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the café had to stop operating. It was closed from 2020 to 2023. This was a big hit for the Ravag family.However, this did not stop them from being headstrong. In August 2024, the Bene Café was renovated and reopened, gathering customers from different departments, such as students, educators, and even parents. 

Treats for Everyone!

     The Bene Café serves an abundant variety of snacks and beverages.  There are plenty of flavors of coffee, milk tea, and frappes.  Coffee is served either hot or iced.  Two cup sizes are available when ordering drinks.  “The Cub” is referred to as the smaller size, while the larger one is “The Lion.”   For snacks, the café offers blueberry cheesecake, muffins, chocolate cakes, and more.  There are also savory options such as burger steak, spaghetti, and carbonara.   

     According to the cafe’s personnel, the bestsellers are the coffee drinks when served iced. The Iced Spanish Latte, White mocha, and Americano drinks are considered to be the favorites of students and parents. Milk tea drinks are also well-relieved by students, especially in the flavors Winter Melon, Okinawa, and Brown Sugar.  

When and Where?

     The Bene Café is located at the forest park, in front of the St. Benedict Chapel, close to the exit of the school campus.  The café is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays.  If SBCA were to host events on Sundays, the café may open.  

     According to some students, they love that the café has close contact with nature, surrounded by trees.  Another student stated that the menu items are good quality and that the café has become their favorite study place.  A business built by family, persistence, plus a menu, the Bene Café has made a huge comeback for our service.  Hungry? Thirsty? Craving for coffee? We now know where to go.