Café Scientifique tiptoed into Metro Manila in November 2006 as the setting for a book launch of "Science Solitaire: Essays on Science, Nature and Becoming Human " by Maria Isabel Garcia, published by the Ateneo University Press. It was the author's idea to introduce Café Scientifique to the Philippines, and her book illustrator was happy to help the publishers organize it for the book launch. 

This unique event gathered a distinguished panel of scientists and artists (including the author) to discuss the book's theme of bridging the sciences and arts. The audience was encouraged to interact by offering comments or asking questions. The event took place in a shopping mall, sponsored by a local café called Figaro.

The book launch was well attended, and the Café Scientifique format was a great success. We were pleased to discover that there's actually a lot of interest in Manila for this kind of forum that encourages an intelligent exchange of ideas rather than being passive observers of showbiz entertainment. Since then, two other Café Scientifique sessions have been held. We are exploring ways to hold them more regularly in Manila.

The book's summary perfectly captures the spirit of Café Scientifique in the Philippines:

"Science Solitaire by Maria Isabel Garcia is a mind dance with nature's cards, in a style and lens that could help us see that science is alive -- as it inhabits not just classrooms and textbooks but also our everyday lives. It consists of pieces of discovery that try to reveal the possible connections between the snippets of understanding we gain from science and our journey toward becoming human. What happens to our brains when we are happy, when we delight in music or food or other pleasurable pursuits? What lurks behind the awesome powers of some creatures with whom we inhabit this planet? What is  e=mc2 and why is it the most popular icon for scientific ideas?

The spirit behind Science Solitaire aims to help us rediscover science in gaining new eyes of knowing, of understanding, of exploring new ways of being alive. The book is an invitation to your own journey of rediscovery!"

Mitzi Borromeo (16 April 2008)
Manila Café Scientifique