Starbucks

Nothing beats a Starbucks customer experience. Sure, it's not perfect. But the nice thing about Starbucks is, it always bounces back as soon as it discovers its error and to some extent when it becomes aware that a customer's expectations are not met. 

I've been a customer for a long, long time. I have my fair share of experiences with my office neighborhood barista. Let's start with my name. I didn't know that it can have so many spelling variations... only at Starbucks. 

But when you're a regular, your friendly barista greets you by name and remembers your usual -- and your personal quirks like upside down caramel, non-fat, absolutely no-foam with extra caramel drizzle macchiato.  
 

Dawn's treat. And my usual order.

You feel that your coffee doesn't taste as it should be? You can return it. And your barista will replace it pronto. 

When the Starbucks card was finally launched in Manila last August 7, we obviously made a beeline for it. It works as a debit as well as a loyalty card. After 12 beverages, your 13th cup is on them. Get one grande cup on your birthday, too. Awesome, eh? 

Since then, I've been using my Starbucks card for all my java fix. Last night, I went to its Alfaro branch after my bikram yoga practice. The transaction took a little while longer than it should. Until finally, the barista informed me that she will just have to return it to me at my table. 
 

My favorite sandwich: Chicken pesto in shitake mushroom

About ten minutes later she explained there was some glitch in the processing of my order. I got double-billed but not to worry, it will be credited back, asap. And to appease me from my troubles, I was given a coupon for a free tall cup -- of my choice. 

How can you not stay loyal? I have tried other cafes but always, always I find myself back inside a Starbucks when I need my caffeine fix. And this is almost everyday. 

I say, good job Starbucks. You truly know your coffee and the best coffee experience. Onward!

XX

Sheng

House Hunting

House hunting in the big city is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Yeah, that hard. 

This barrio girl joins the millions of transient residents in cosmopolitan Manila. And this lass is now happily married. When you enter this variable into the equation, the search expands and becomes a bit more complicated. 

For many years, I had been content living in a tiny studio. In fact, I had viewed a 34 square meter flat, a generous space. When I made my big move here in the big city, I rented a studio that has enough space to hold my bookshelf, several pairs of shoes, clothes and a few kitchen appliance. It was small but back then it already cost me an arm and a leg. 

But I had a living subsidy back then from my company. It was called an out-of-base allowance. So, paying the rent didn't pinch as hard knowing that I wasn't throwing away much. However, that program sunseted after five years. Gone is the allowance. Gone is the nice neighborhood and the nice studio. 

Which brings me to my initial statement: it is hard to look for a decent place to stay in Manila particularly, in Makati. Two years ago saw me moving in the residential section of Manila that is just a little beyond the boundary of Makati. I wasn't thrilled but I needed to be practical. I learned to love though my neighborhood. It's safe and secure. And those were what matters. 

Nevertheless, some good things never last. Now, am back to surfing the net looking for a new place. I realized that some people have complete disregard in the condition of a house, a condo or a flat when advertising. It's very rare to find a previously-tenanted unit in a mint condition. 

If money were no object, I'd totally build a house like this. (Photo credit: Pinterest)

Or this gorgeous house. (Photo credit: Pinterest)

But reality can be really stark. So, I'd settle for this. 

Hahaha am still dreaming.

If the world was perfect, I may be able to afford a house in the suburbs. But cosmopolitan living this side of the planet means steep tolls and horrible traffic. 

Right now, I'd be happy if I find a place that's decently priced, moderately-sized (2 bedroom) in a respectable neighborhood, in an area that traffic is not an issue. 

Where that would be? Am still looking. Know of a great place? Or are you in the same boat with me? Share your secret to a successful search. 

 

XX

Manila Sunset

It's fascinating when an opportunity like a long weekend rolls by and you haven't made plans to go out of town. 

Well, we had great plans of spending a night in the cooler side of Manila with a nice vista of the Taal lake in Tagaytay. But some plans aren't meant to be. 

The past two weeks I've been having bouts with hives. I know not the kind that needs to be shared. But I just wanted to point out that I've been having trouble getting my share of forty winks. It's so darn itchy at night. The sad news is there's really no medicine for it. Only some antihastamines that may or may not really prevent itching and a lotion that at least soothes the skin. 

Because of that and among other things, we decided to just sleep away our Friday. You'd think we'd wasted an opportunity to be outside -- shop, dine and enjoy the mall's idea of what the Christmas season is all about. 

But when the afternoon sun sets west, I happen to glimpse its incredible beauty. 

Lovely Manila sunset. (Unfiltered; iPhone shot only)

I think we were meant to stay home and just enjoy the natural wonder of what we have. Without spending so much, we have this as a backdrop while we enjoy the afternoon breeze in our tiny balcony. 

Staycation wasn't that bad at all. I got to enjoy my three great loves in one day: hang out with my hubby in my crappy house clothes, enjoy many sips of my favorite java and read to my heart's content. Thank God for iPads. But it's another story. 

Happy long weekend, everyone! Here's to hoping that you were able to spend it with your great loves doing what your heart desired.

XX

Manila, Manila!

Back in the province, when we were just little children, Manila is synonymous to Luneta Park for us. That is before the gigantic malls have taken over the landscape of metropolitan Manila. So, you can just imagine the fantasies that we conjure in our minds as we daydream of that day when we can finally set foot in the country's capital. 

Many years later, I grew up and got side tracked by life and other events. I've forgotten about it. Then, in a twist of fate, I now consider myself a resident of the Philippine capital. Yet, it took me many years to finally take a leisurely time to get to know this landmark. 

The National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park.

When I found the time, it was just perfect. We chose to visit it on the commemoration of the Philippine Independence, June 12. Very symbolic, eh? Here lies the man who showed us Filipinos that indeed, the pen is mightier than the sword. 

The martyred hero.

He taught us the concept of nationalism and instill the virtue of knowing your identity as a people. And loving your skin color and language. Walking around park is sort of a wake up call. Inasmuch as you have to embrace the new world, you have to always go back to your roots. You don't turn back from it in order to move forward. 

Zarah and I.

 

 

 

This wall could speak.

While we roam around Luneta, one has to realize that this is not the figurative walk in the park! It covers such a big area that you feel as if you've walked an entire city. Zarah was our impromptu history guide. She took us back to the events that led to Rizal's martyrdom and what did it mean then and now. Analysis thrown in, opinion tossed by our small group as we enjoyed the view. Quite a respite from the usual gossip in everyday life. ha ha ha. 

Luneta Park plays a significant role in the country's identity; it marks Km. 0.

Adjacent to the park are art installations that dot the stretch of Roxas Boulevard. 

Dancing Rings by Olympic Sculptor Jose Datuin.

Beautiful mural.

In my bucket list, Luneta Park has been crossed out already along with Intramuros, the historied fortress of Manila. But I intend to do another Manila Walk again. This time with the Walking Man of Manila himself, Carlos Celdran. 


Until my next tour of my own city. 

Hello from Manila.