When in Starbucks...

I love Starbucks. It's a coffee shop that I go to every Sunday with family and sometimes on weekdays when I feel like it. There's something about Starbucks that's really unique (and maybe when you're a regular of your favorite coffee shop) whenever you talk to the people working there. Here's my history with Starbucks since my long standing companionship with expensive coffee has been with them.

When I was still in high school, my uncle had an issue with the coffee shop he always went to. He had problems with their service, so he switched to going to Starbucks. Ever since then, he would always go to Starbucks every Sunday (initially in the first branch in SM before moving to the one in The Northwing) along with his family. Since our family always meets with his, we go to Starbucks almost as much as they do. Because of that, it became an ordinary thing to go to everytime we're in SM on Sunday.

The first drink I got from Starbucks was a Chocolate Cream Chip Frappuccino. I really loved that drink simply because it had chocolate on it. (I really had simpler likes back then.) As time passed by, I wanted to try a new drink to see if I would like it. Then my love affair with the Signature Hot Chocolate started. It was a hot drink, so it takes me longer to finish it. That alone made it taste very very good. It remains my favorite hot drink in Starbucks today. As for my favorite Frappuccino, that goes to the Mocha Frappe. It's like their "vanilla" (plain) Frappuccino. If I get confused as to what to drink, I'd go with that. There are also times when I go with their new drinks, especially when they have a promo.

The important thing with being a regular at Starbucks is the baristas that you meet there. At first, it may seem like an ordinary conversation between a customer and a cashier. The more you keep going there, the more that they get to know you a bit. It took longer for me though since they really couldn't get the name down easily. Up to this day, I see baristas that worked at SM before at other Starbucks and they still know me (even the guard does too!).

I'm sure you guys have your own moments in your favorite coffee shops. Sometimes all you need to do is talk.

The Starbucks Card..

The Starbucks Card isn't actually new, it's a thing that's been going on in the US for a very long time. It's a card in which can act as another way for you to pay for your coffee and food in Starbucks. I was so happy to find out that it's finally coming to the Philippines! If you've checked my Instagram feed (follow me if you haven't! @iamlianixx), then you know my great love for Starbucks. That's why I'm happy that it came!

Here, the card serves as a stored value card (works like prepaid where you buy load) and a rewards card (where you get rewards when you earn enough Stars). A minimum of P300 load is required for you to get a Starbucks Card and activate it. The stored value on the card? You can use it to buy ANYTHING in Starbucks! (Seriously, ANYTHING in their menu.) You only earn Stars when you buy any handcrafted beverage, VIA Ready Brew packets, or Whole Bean packs though. It's still good for Starbucks loyalists everywhere.

Since it's my birth month, and I wanna share my passion for Starbucks, I'll be giving away 3 Starbucks Cards with P300 load each to 3 lucky people!

Yes I know what you're gonna say. "I don't believe you because you did something like this and nothing happened!" You want proof? Check the pic below:

Believe me now? Good. Now, how to win? Simple!

All you need to do is like the pic (http://instagram.com/p/c1fN3im_dB/) on Instagram AND Retweet this (https://twitter.com/iamlianixx/status/366870405010583552) on Twitter in order to enter!

The contest is open for anyone who lives in Cebu (sorry to the rest, I have no budget to deliver outside of Cebu) and lasts until August 16. I will announce the winners in another post..

Good luck everyone!

Disclaimer: I was NOT paid by Starbucks Coffee Corporation or the licensee in the Philippines to do this contest. I used my own resources to acquire the cards. I'm doing this just for you, the readers.

5: Dedication and Accomplishment

(Sorry if this text above gets annoying but I do this to guide you in case you need a reason why I post these in a way that may have no path. Read the back story of the "Final Days of Summer" HERE.)

Hungry? Thirsty? If you are, then I don't blame you. Haha. There's a cake slice and a drink in the picture, how can you not feel some kind of hunger? Never mind about that, I'm posting about something important right now. This is more about what I missed and tried hard to make up for, and at the same time, accomplishing something I have never expected myself to do.


Yesterday was actually my parents' wedding anniversary and I completely forgot that it was until I arrived at home from work and wondered where they were. I really felt guilty that time and didn't know how to make up for it. I had to put it on the back of my mind during the day so as not to be really disturbed by it.


When the day ended, I was listening to a conversation that the boss started and said that you need something that should differentiate you from the others, especially in our field. I realized a bit of that when I felt the feeling of finishing something that not anyone can do. It feels really fulfilling, if you ask me. Even though what I did was a departure from what I really wanna do, I still appreciate it because now I know how it works and I can apply that skill in future endeavors.


When I arrived in Ayala with my office-classmates, (because I'm lazy in saying officemate and classmate and they're essentially both so I made a word up) I thought of something to get for them. Even though it was acquired in simple ways, it's really the thought that counts, right? Apparently when I called Dad, it is. It could be worse though, but I just feel that getting cake for them is the right thing to do to make up for them. I really appreciate what they've done for me and giving them cake or something greater can't possibly compare to the love, kindness, and support that they gave. I will always be grateful and I will do my best to make them proud.


Whew! It really got serious there, didn't it? 5 days left. A long day awaits tomorrow. See you then.