Tea para sa amin, Tea for us.

A Filipino owned small business that specializes in specialty teas with a modern twist. We hope to present tea in a modern and beautiful way towards their guests, hoping to build a community through tea and tea culture.

AKO is an asian-owned small business that wants to present a different perspective on tea. Lee Calabia, the owner of AKO, dedicates himself to learning and educating others about tea and invites others to join them to conversation. AKO does not represent any traditional tea houses but instead wants to showcase Lee's personal experiences with the beauties of tea and tea culture.

Tea has always been a great way to be able to connect with friends. AKO seeks to be able to share these experiences amongst others and hopes it brings for a community that cultivates a positive space.

Lee Calabia, founder of AKO by Lee

Our Craft in Motion

Tea, community, and the details that bind us.

Our Journey

APRIL 1, 2023

AKO's Conception

We started with a simple house party. No announcement, no flyer. We asked the host if it was cool for us to make drinks as a test run for our operations.

APRIL 24, 2023

Our First Official Tea Tasting

After a couple of tastings with friends, we were ready to create an educational experience with people that wanted to learn more about tea and tea culture.

JULY 8, 2023

First Event; Hyphen Showcase

Our first official event in which we showcased the first 6 signature drinks. A first of many before we started making this full time.

JAN 27, 2024

First Major Event; RSG Jrs

FEB 2, 2024

LMNL Pop Up Store

A weekly spot in which we served tea to our dance community. We took over a space to call our own and build a community for people to lounge and relax. Our first home.

MARCH 25, 2024

Private Dinner AKO x OTA

A curated menu to a private party. In collaboration with Thomas Ota, we create a curated menu that was Japanese inspired using tea as a vital ingredient

SEPT 3, 2024

AKO's First Merch Release

A limited drop off our collection of garments that are inspired by tea and tea culture.

SEPT 21, 2024

Mateo Market

DEC 1, 2024

AKO Tea Party

AKO’s first major hosted event accompanied by other small businesses celebrating AKO’s first leap into our tea journey together.

FEB 15, 2025

February 15th AKO x MMI Valentines Day Pop up

Collaboration event with florist “Maleah Made it” selling personalized bouquets along with a valentines day themed tea menu.

APR 19, 2025

AKO Documentary

A small documentary and summary into the life of Lee Calabia and AKO’s journey

APR 27, 2025

Going Nowhere

Collaboration event with Do Not Disturb, combining tea and other vendors to connect to our community. Our first time we tried a more cocktail inspired approach to our drinks. Dropping our first mocktail menu.

AUG 24, 2025

IKEBANA NIGHT AKO x MMI

Our first steps into the realm of cocktails that are inspired by tea paired with Japanese flower arrangements. A playful mix of beloved tea drinks with an alcoholic twist.

Our Collaborations

We’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing partners and creators.