The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) is the most famous work of the French writer and poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Many people have been touched by this beloved classic, which while written as a children’s book, speaks volumes about life and relationships.
So stumbling into a Little Prince-themed cafe was an unexpected surprise during a trip to Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
Chapters Book Cafe, located along Sunset Boulevard, has the same childlike dreamy quality of the book.
Bright cheerful interiors and lots of whimsical details decorate the space. Hardbound books hang next to lamps from the ceiling, while artwork and famous lines from the book are scrawled on the walls and tables.
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
“What makes the desert beautiful,” says the Little Prince, “is that somewhere it hides a well.”
“You become responsible forever for what you have tamed.”
Towards the back of the space is a small nook where they sell craft supplies including wrapping paper books, washi tape, notebooks and various other items. I loved how they customized the doors leading to the bathroom and kitchen area with colorful panels.
The cafe also seems to have a recurring theme of tea time. I really liked the graphic mismatched prints of the sofa cushions and pillows and the quirky seats and shelves resembling overturned teacups. There are also a few other inspirational quotes and vintage details around.
They serve a selection of pastries and coffee, all beautifully presented. On the menu are Belgian waffles, pizza, authentic Taiwanese milktea, pastries, cupcakes and other refreshments.
We ordered coffee, which was served in mason jars, and really beautiful-looking cupcakes. Really, everything is just so pretty you can’t help but gush.
We heard that the cafe was expanding so we took a peek next door and saw some of the artists in action painting murals on the walls.
The theme in the extension combines another children’s classic – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll, with murals of different streets around the world. On one spot was an upside-down table on the ceiling and a bunch of painted frames featuring characters and iconic items from Wonderland. Another spot had shelves full of hand-painted plates in pretty patterns.
We were told that the owners put up the place because they wanted to promote reading especially to children, who are no longer familiar with the classics.
Everything was still in the works, but most of the other walls resembled pages out of someone’s travel scrapbook. I can imagine when the place is finished that guests will feel like they can literally step into the pages of a book or feel like they’re traveling the world. Really such a beautiful and unique idea. If you’re ever in Dipolog, do check Chapters out.
- Chapters Book Cafe, Sunset Boulevard, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
- Restaurant hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Facebook: Chapters A Book Cafe
NOTE: This is how Chapter 2 looks like now. So pretty! I can’t wait to go back. Photo taken from their official Facebook page.
