Starbucks

I was hoping to get some work done on a holiday at 6:30 am. One hour later, the cafe is nearly full. I know that Starbucks branches do get crowded, but I was hoping it would be a little different here since it is located in a residential neighborhood and today is a holiday sandwiched between a weekend and a workday (shouldn't people have gone out of town?)

But there are a lot of pluses to this branch. The staff are welcoming (more so than the staff in Starbucks Dona Soledad), the place is clean, the table arrangement provides ample space, there are plenty of outlets.

Clarification has to be made to the Zomato entry, though --- Wifi is technically available, but for a fee. There is free wifi for one hour courtesy of go wi-fi (works even for Smart subscribers) but after that, you supposedly can subscribe to one of the plans.

For most people, Starbucks is the place to go if you want to chill or get coffee. Even though the prices are expensive, a lot of people would still buy from Starbucks. It's a good place to eat and chill despite the price.

Strawberries n Cream (Tall):
Strawberry flavor tasted sweet and the cream was fine and had no problems. The Sakura cup design makes the drink look more instagramable. Sadly I took a picture after it was kinda melted in the heat.

Belgian Wafles:
The Belgian waffles with strawberry syrup tasted sweet and delicious. The amount of cream and strawberry was fine. The Belgian waffle has some crunchy sugary things in waffles which gives the waffles more sweetness to it. Sadly the Belgian waffles has been moved around so the pictures shown below don't look too appetizing. Of course the ads would make it look more appetizing and making others think that's how it's gonna be served when really you're gonna get a Belgian waffle looking like mine.

Service:
The workers seem to know what they're doing. They're work quick enough to not hold the line for too long. They didn't forget to serve me with tissues, straw, plastic fork, and plastic knife. Sadly the packaging for Belgian waffle is could be improved if the edges of the were sealed so no cream or syrup leaks out of the box.

As usual, Starbucks offers a lot of new things to for customers to get like new drinks or a Starbucks planner.

Place:
The place is air conditioned and cold. The designs have a general coffee shop look with wooden tables and chairs where people can relax, study, or do whatever.

The area is right across the church and very near Puregold JR. and the location seems to be a good spot to gain customers.

This is one of my favorite Starbucks branches for a number of reasons 💖

1. The vibe is so relaxing! It's like a home-y cabin.
2. This branch is superbly clean. Props to their staff for keeping it tidy all the time!
3. They have an ample amount of seats and tables.
4. Lighting is just right: not too bright and not too dark either!
5. Ventilation is great. It's always cold!
6. They have warm and welcoming staff. Their guard is also very friendly and hands-on (he was so helpful for assisting my family since my grandmother is a PWD ❤️).
7. I love how this branch is located in the latter area of Aguirre; a bit farther away from the main crowded areas of BF.
8. *for students: this branch is conducive for studying!!!
9. PS: this branch has plentiful electrical outlets!!!!

When budget permits, heck I actually save up for these Anniversary tumblers Starbucks manufactures every year for die hard SB collectors - it is only at this branch that i saw their 19th anniversary tumbler. I saw it being advertised at their Cheer Party launch last October 2016 and after a couple of delays and no announcement on social media, was caught by surprise when they released this. With only three left on display, grabbed one and asked to carefully wrap it up in their holiday gift box (free of charge).

I love how they market these things along with all the holiday vibe, red cups and Christmas merchandise. Apart from the tumblers I've been collecting the SB Christmas Tree ornaments since 2007. They started selling the ornaments in 2007 at a slightly pocket friendly 150pesos, which steadily increased as the years went by. Currently, a logo ornament retails for 350pesos and the special edition 'sweater design with a gold top' retails for 695pesos. They have a sale which offered their Holiday merchandise at a 20% discount. So fortunate for me since i still have a couple of gift certificates on hand. I finally bought another ornament for my collection. I knew they would have an end of season sale, they always do every year before or after Christmas day.

I was quite fortunate that night, after a heavy buffet/ grill dinner at a nearby Korean/ Japanese restaurant to grab a tumbler. Also wouldn't pass up the chance to get a holiday drink - one tall Toffee Nut Frappuccino please? A friend took the liberty of paying for my drink. Her Christmas gift. Over good conversation with friends, Starbucks remains a third home for many caffeine loving Filipinos. Service is consistent. Look feels dated since this branch has not renovated since it opened. Closes late at night due to the Holiday season. Senior discounts honored. Official receipt issued. Limited parking space, ask politely if you want to park at the nearby church. Recommended.

Tried Chai Tea Latter over ice. It's nice. I can feel a chamomile-like taste. The service is good and the place is nice. They have different pastries and desserts available to pair up with coffee and non-coffee drinks.

This branch is okay i guess. Very close to Ruins and Robinsons (where you can use both their parking spaces). Staffs and service is fine and the restroom is clean. One major consideration tho (for me and my friends and all smokers alike) is the outdoor area. This branch's outdoor area can be accessed by streetkids and the security person doesnt even mind.