New York City is a place of endless discoveries. To show it all off, we’re excited to announce #StreetEasyFinds. Share your NYC finds with us on Instagram: Photos of homes, views, neighborhoods, or anything you’d like, and we’ll share our favorites. Each month, we highlight the work of one of our favorite NYC photographers as they share their #StreetEasyFinds with us.

Today, we’re pleased to introduce Keen Malasarte, a coffee lover who originally hails from the Philippines and moved to NYC when she was 12.

NAME: KEEN MALASARTE // ACCOUNT: @ACUPOFKEEN
FROM: CEBU, PHILIPPINES // ACCOUNT EST: 2012

ACCOUNT BEGINNINGS:

I used to visit every coffee shop in New York City you could think of, hence the name “acupofkeen”. I would drink my coffee, lounge for hours, write poetry, read, take photos of the space and my latte art. But as I developed into my career, so did my desire to travel. Time became limited, but it also taught me the value of being able to record moments that I will look back on and cherish forever. What once was just photos of coffee shops around NYC became a travel diary of who I am, the places I visit, the things I enjoy doing, the food I love to eat, and the people I encounter on a day-to-day basis.

FAVORITE SPOTS TO PHOTOGRAPH IN NYC:

I absolutely love SoHo and the West Village. There’s just something about downtown New York that every creative wants to be a part of.  The hustle, the noise, the “I’m going to make something out of myself one day” vibe.

KEEN LOVES NYC BECAUSE:

I love everything about it. The energy, the “I can be whoever I want to be” attitude. New York makes you feel like you can be unapologetically yourself. And as an individual who grew up in a traditional immigrant household, it feels amazing to know this city accepts you regardless of your background. Plus, you never get bored.

DREAM CITY OUTSIDE OF NEW YORK:

There’s nothing sweeter than home, so i think I’d probably live in the Philippines. Although I’d still find reasons to travel all around the world, what better place to live than the most beautiful island in the world? I’d sit by the beach sipping my mango smoothie and probably write that book I keep telling myself I’ll finish. 

—
Inspired to find your next place in New York? Whether you’re looking to rent or to buy, search NYC apartments on StreetEasy.