Past Present

The Philippines is a country rich in history.  Colonization through the decades has built the unique appeal of our multi-cultural identity and the richness of what the Filipino is today.  One of the greatest contribution of this mark of distinction is evidently seen is both in design and architecture.  Old world charm still exists in modern times as new movements significantly rebuild the past.
Starbucks Philippines recently opened a Heritage Concept Store at J.P. Laurel Bldg. last August 18, 2011 located at Roxas Boulevard, Manila.  Loving how great wonders can be done is preserving and restoring something of great value.The building echoes the distinct look of 70’s architecture and inside the establishment's interiors are tribute photo momorabilia to the great works of Jose P. Laurel, President of the Republic of the Philippines from 1943 to 1945. Starbucks' idea of restoration is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for others.  The establishment maximized the use of space by exposing the high ceiling, restoring the original wood moulding wrapping the soffit and keeping the wood sun breakers behind the store’s perimeter glass wall. Complementing the look and feel of this heritage concept store, elements such as high wainscot wrapped around columns, high backed banquette and large framed photographs of Manila during the '70s were added. The new haven gives one an impression of the past as it attempts to take you back in time. Customers get to experience coffee with history at this store as early as 6:30am during weekdays and 7:30am during weekends. The store closes at 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 am during the rest of the week. 

Starbucks in the Philippines is operated by Rustan Coffee Corporation (RCOC), the sole authorized licensee of Starbucks Coffee International. Starbucks Philippines opened its first retail store on December 4, 1997 at 6750 Ayala Avenue, MakatiCity. To date, there are 182 Starbucks stores located across the country.

A cup of Coffee

The art of coffee drinking in the Philippines has become a phenomenon.  The mushrooming of Starbucks in the country should be recorded as a milestone and success story in the industry.  I fondly remember we used to hang out more than a decade ago for hours in their flagship store in 6750 Ayala. Now on its 13th year, the prestigious name recently opened their  First Drive Thru Store in the middle of Fort Bonifacio Global City and the name of the branch is called 32nd and 7th St.  

Designed by a Fil-American Designer who works in the Seattle Support Center, the latest habitue for coffee lovers showcases design innovation and an appealing kind of seating as part of continuing to offer more options in servicing the needs and demands of the modern Filipino.  The chic interiors showcases a fusion of global contemporary style and the distinctly Filipino traditional to promote the significance of local relevancy.  The prominent use of Capiz from an old house in Laguna for the walls, the live edge wood from Pampanga and other design highlights define the unique modern aesthetics to compliment their impeccable servicing.  The LEED( Leadership in Environment and Energy Design) certified haven makes Starbucks the first retail establishment of its kind in the country.  Furthermore, the branch uses LED lights and has a Co2 Monitor that checks the air levels inside the store, once it reaches a high level of carbon monoxide the ACU introduces fresh air inside.  Talk about being super hi-tech right?  The stealth place is perfect for people who want a quiet place where they can catch up with friends, do their work or even just lounge around.  Unpretentious and not intimidating, the spacious haven is greatly complimented by easy listening music and the stillness that speaks.

First class customer service is the driving force behind the forward step towards developing more offerings for the Filipino and the contemporary lifestyle.  The customer is always right and convenience is presented with top priority.  More importantly,it's the smile of satisfaction that makes the mark plus the pride and dignity that comes with every cup of coffee.

The Promise

Wedding Belle.

Late last year two of my daughters got married, one was in Boracay and the other in Tagaytay.  The Boracay wedding came first while the Tagaytay came the day after.  A day before the beach wedding we were informed that my flight back to Manila was canceled and this would mean I won't be able to attend the wedding in the highlands.  The thought was quite upsetting so I tried my best to find an earlier flight and scrambled for numbers to make the necessary changes.  Luckily, there was an early flight that day (leaving the beach was quite saddening) so we were initially wait listed.  By early evening I received a confirmation call from SEAIR and everything just fell into place.  After all, I wouldn't want to miss my daughter's wedding.  Besides, I made a promise.

All made up.  Makeup and hairstyling by Lourd Ramos.

Arriving in Manila on the day of the wedding made me, frantic.  After traveling an hour and a half from the airport to Tagaytay I felt relieved.  We finally made it(with me were Reg and Rudolph--two of my other kids).  We realized we didn't have a place to dress up so Reg and Rudolph went to Starbucks while I changed inside the ever dependable van.  Time flew quickly and we rushed to Taal Vista Hotel (prepping up venue) to get a glimpse of the bride before she walks down the aisle.  The sight of my little girl in her beautiful vintage inspired gown holding a bouquet of blush pink peonies almost brought tears to my eyes.  I was overjoyed to see her and witness her one moment in time about to happen.  All the stress we went through just to get to this wedding vanished into the cold mountain breeze.  I was more than grateful to the universe and couldn't even ask for more.  There was an unforgettable glorious sunset at Caleruega (church) that day.  Wonderful hues filled the skies and unconditional love was all around us to celebrate the union of both Donna and Carlito.  As the church doors opened and the wedding march was about to start, a realization came to mind.  This is a day when two become one and promises are made not for the moment but to last a lifetime.

Picture Perfect. Wedding gown by Francis Libiran.  Photos by Pat Dy.

Family Ties(From left to right):  The author wearing an ivory dinner jacket, black bow, white long sleeved polo and tuxedo pants all by Joey Samson and sunglasses by Balmain; the bride in Francis Libiran; Reg in a white pleated dress by Blanc et Noir from SM, black shrug from Willow and sunglasses by Ray Ban; Rudolph in dark long sleeve polo and  trousers by Topman, checkered blazer by Mondo and sunglasses by Ray Ban.

Check out Donna's wedding at missdonata.blogspot.com