Iced Tall Mocha for Marife (taken from "My Genuine Starbucks Experience" essay for the Rustan's Coffee Corporation, Philippines)
I first heard the name “Starbucks” in 1995 when my mother told me that she went to one in California, USA. She kept raving how wonderful their coffee tasted, that I became very intrigued (take note – I don’t even drink coffee). When the first Starbucks outlet opened in the Philippines at 6750 Ayala in September 1997, I was there in an instant! That opening day marked my love affair, not just with Starbucks coffee, but with their merchandise, as well.

I became an instant fan, buying iced tall mocha (iced tall latte, when I try to diet) whenever I could (again, let me stress that to this day, I am not a coffee drinker). My home is filled with everything Starbucks -- mugs, tumblers, a black rubber coaster, a shot glass, the white coffee jar, the blue floral pitcher, finger puppets, refrigerator magnets, almost all the CDs, tin Christmas boxes, hard-paper Christmas boxes, 2004 and 2005 planners, and even a remembrance of the old paper napkins (the one with the logo, and the one with the coffee swirl). I imbibed everything Starbucks, down to the lingo (see, “iced tall mocha”, not “cold mocha, tall”).

My Starbucks experience starts the moment I walk to the store –the round green signage invites me, shouting “welcome, friend!”. As I approach the counter, the friendly barista warmly greets me by name. My order is taken, and he/she suggests which food to go with it. He/She thanks me, as he/she swiftly hands me my change. I take my drink, I spy my favorite spot, the comfy couch at the corner, and happily but quickly make a beeline for it lest somebody gets there before me! After doing my ceremonies (stirrer, one packet of Equal, straw, napkins), I sit down, relax, eat and drink, and enjoy my reading material while listening to great Starbucks music (I was once told that I could not buy their “Bella Luna” CD, as it was a special disc and not the regular one that you can just pop in any disc player. I checked the internet and found nothing. Dang!). I feel at home, I forget nerve-wracking work requirements, and for an hour or so, I am in my own peaceful paradise.

Every now and then, a barista approaches me, engaging me in a taste test of food and drink, providing me with free education on the ways and history of coffee. Starbucks partners are accommodating, friendly, helpful, and give that personal touch – they provide you with great service, and even go the extra mile to have that interesting magazine article photocopied just for you (thanks, Nan!). No wonder I call these partners FRIENDS!

Alas, my stay has to end. As I leave, I linger a bit to look at the merchandise (I’ve bought them all! What’s new for the eager beaver?) greet the baristas goodbye, and walk away. I smile as I smell its rich coffee aroma that sticks to my clothes. I think it serves as a reminder for me to go back later! No reminders needed – I go back again … and again … and again. After all, Starbucks is my second home.

Later, I am transported back to Starbucks as I lay on our sofa at home and listen to music playing on our stereo. With soft bulb lights, I blissfully read, happy to relive my own genuine Starbucks experience. You see, Starbucks for me does not end when I step out of the store. It stays with me the rest of the day, wherever I am.