SELFIE EXPERT OPPO PHONES ARE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS

Now that Christmas is fast approaching, we are sure you’re definitely making your way through the holiday rush. And while everyone’s squeezing in as many gatherings and Christmas shopping as possible, Selfie Expert OPPO has got you covered on finding the perfect gift for you this season as it has officially announced its holiday promo with price drops you won’t be able to resist.

Feeling a little extra this Christmas? Go get the OPPO F3 Plus for only PhP19,990!

The 6-inch full HD design of the OPPO F3 Plus will definitely give you extra plus points on your gatherings. Taking groufies has never been more fun with its dual selfie camera, as the wide-angle lens can surely fit a lot of people in one shot. If you’re feeling a little more traditional, feel free to use its rear 16MP camera that is equipped with a Sony IMX398 sensor for crisp and clear photos.

You won’t even have to worry about storage anymore because the OPPO F3 Plus has a built-in 64GB storage, so you’ll be able to stock as many selfies and groufies as you can. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner which allows you to access your phone the fastest way possible. Not to mention, it packs a 4,000mAH battery with VOOC rapid charging technology to keep you online all the time.

You want an all-around phone? Grab the F3 for only PhP13,990!

Make everyone fit in your groufies with the dual selfie camera of the OPPO F3! Everyday tasks will never be a problem with its octa-core processor and ample 64GB storage. Not to mention its two sim-card capacity and even a dedicated microSD slot for all of your selfies, groufies and videos.

A little budget-conscious? Get the OPPO A57 for only PhP10,990! 

And if you’re looking for a smartphone that won’t stretch your budget, the OPPO A57 is the perfect smartphone for you!  It comes with a fingerprint scanner, a 13MP front camera, a 16MP rear camera with Beautify 4.0, and a 32GB internal storage – definitely a Selfie Expert standout at a much affordable price.

Getting an OPPO phone can’t be more fulfilling than ever, you can even get freebies such as Bluetooth speakers, selfie sticks and more for every purchase. Whatever your smartphone preference is, OPPO has you covered for that ideal Christmas selfie.

Here’s to fulfilling your Christmas wish list this year! For more exciting updates about the OPPO F5 Youth, make sure to tune in to OPPO Philippines’ Official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/

STARBUCKS RED HOLIDAY CUPS RETURNS WITH A NEW LOOK

This holiday season, Starbucks, through its red cups, encourages everyone to express their affection and take simple gestures to make this Christmas an extra special one.

Say ‘thanks’ or ‘you’re great’ with a little encouragement from the red cup. This year, the Starbucks red holiday cups returns with a new look. The ‘Hearts of the Season’ red cups feature hands that form a heart. In the middle of the shape, customers can make it personal by writing the names of their loved ones or even fill it with scribbled messages.

Build the courage to show people just how special they are. Part of the challenge of the red cup is putting your ‘heart’ in your cup for other people to see. Celebrate the spirit of the season by recognizing the people who have shown generosity and kindness and enlivened these values all year-round.

Join in graciously welcoming the goodness in others. Starbucks encourages people to create a stream of positivity online, sharing stories of kindness and tagging people who have exhibited this action using the hashtag #GiveGood. With a simple gesture of acknowledging one individual, we can inspire others to follow suit and pass on the habit of doing good.

Take on the habit of giving by starting early and trying often. It takes practice to adopt the habit of giving, and the red cups are only one great way to start. Explore ways on how to give good this season. Lend your ear to a friend or a loved one. Surprise yourself with what you can do to show others the best reasons for the season.

Allow yourself to be moved this Christmas. There is something about the holidays that unspool the heartstrings and lends the courage to be loving to others. Embrace this time to support organizations that turn compassion into action. The names topping the Starbucks list this year are: Teach for the Philippines (TFP) and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Who else is in your list?

The Hearts of the Season Red Cups are available in Starbucks branches nationwide this season. Catch its festive new look and the ‘good and merry’ things it collects this Christmas.

The red cups continue the tradition of meaningful cups from Starbucks, after the “Give Good” color-in cup that celebrated the diverse ways people celebrate Christmas. Get a cup of your favorite handcrafted beverage today, and pick up the habit of ‘giving good’ from Starbucks.

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAYS AT BAYVIEW PARK HOTEL MANILA

Holiday season is here and people are busy planning for the right gift, food or travel for significant ones. Reunions and gatherings are about to happen here and there also, and looking for the right place for this important occasions are important, well Bayview Park Hotel in Manila got you covered.

Bayview Park Hotel Manila is a budget-friendly, yet first-class accommodations, facilities and amenities. Steeped in historic significance, now elevated to modern, international boutique hotel standards; Romantic, but sensibly pragmatic and practical; A discreet sanctuary, at the hub of world-renowned entertainment, artistic and cultural venues; Serene and venerable, still hospitable and comfortable.

In its over 75 years of existence, Bayview Park Hotel Manila has held sway as one of the longest-enduring, sought after destinations for both business and leisure travelers in Manila, offering very affordable and friendly rates, while providing unparalleled service and exclusive privileges for the most discriminating guests. 

Bayview Park Hotel Manila offers all the modern functions and conveniences of freshly-renovated, “personalized” boutique hotel. Stylish and welcoming accommodations, function-driven facilities and amenities, guest-friendly rates, and a level of service that can only be described as Filipino hospitality at its best.Bayview Park Hotel Manila is best known for its value wedding packages that leave newlyweds with all the best lasting memories. It has become the preferred hotel of soon-to-be-married’s who want their special day to be celebrated with elegance and grandeur, yet with the right balance of practicality, and now for Holiday season functions like Christmas and New Year.

Recently they also had a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony to welcome the guests with Christmas spirit. The whole place was decorated with lovely Christmas ornaments and amazing lights. Upon entering the hotel a big Christmas Tree will welcome you with beautiful colors perfect for selfies and photo opportunities.

You can also enjoy their holiday menu, that is exclusively prepared during holiday season only, with of course holiday package promos and discounts.

So what are you waiting for? Contact Bayview Park Hotel Manila now, for corporate needs such as business events, launches, sales rallies, seminars and conferences. The hotel offers functionally-designed rooms with complete audio-visual and other technical facilities. There are 15 function rooms to accommodate every particular requirement, with the Manila Bay Ballroom having a maximum seating capacity of 300. All your needs will be attended to promptly by the hotel’s courteous staff, with our friendly and experienced Banquet Sales Team working with you at every stage to help make your corporate functions as productive and output-driven as possible.

COOK MAGAZINE CELEBRATES 7TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY BASH

The country's longest running monthly food publication, COOK Magazine, celebrated 17 yearswith“Cook-chella” at their7thannualHoliday Bash. 

What was once conceived as a thanksgiving party in honor of the magazine’s sponsors and advertisers has become a big holiday party to include subscribers, contributors, chefs and friends --everyone who has made Cook what it is today--have all come to partake in an evening of merriment, entertainment and prizes.

The highlight of the evening is the awarding of all the top advertisers, sponsors and agencies for their continued support of the magazine. This also marks the first year anniversary of the Business Mirror COOK, Saturday Edition, which was put to print in November 2016. This insert comes out every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.T. Anthony Cabangon, Publisher of The Business Mirror and COOK Magazine, talked about the magazine’s enduring presence for 17-years and its successful inclusion in the Business Mirror’s fold.

Chef Dino Datu, COOK’s Editor-in-Chief, announced that starting next year, there will be an addition to Cook’s chef contributors, specifically in the pastry section. Analiza Badilles, better known as “Motherbee” to her countless followers, will be sharing her recipes and advocacies with Cook’s readers. An influential figure on social media, “Motherbee” will be Cook’s gateway into the social media baking groups. 

One of the best things about the holiday bash is that COOK Magazine’s columnists and featured guests have a chance to showcase their food, making it a truly foodie affair. Dessert and Baking columnists Chef Jojo Cuesta Javier and Chef Edward Mateo made their signature cakes and pastries under their labels Sweetielicious Homemade Goodies and Royal Patisserie, respectively. Chef Winston Luna, who runs Chefwix Catering and 8 Tables Restaurant, served Buffalo Chicken in Ranch Dipping Sauce, Corn and Carrot Supreme, Indonesian Pork BBQ Spareribs Fish Fillet in Ranch Dipping Sauce. Aging’s Food Delight delighted us once more with a visual feast at their table as well as the best quality kakanin. Apag Marangleshowcased the kind of home-style Kapampangan cooking everyone craves with Nasing Marangle, Kare-kare, Pansit, Chicharon and atchara, Bai’s Boneless Lechonserved up scrumptious lechon belly, and of course, a bash wouldn’t be complete without Lydia’s Lechon.Resorts World Manila provided Mini Reuben Sandwich, Char Kway Teo, Buffalo wings, Red Velvet Cake and Mini-Peanut Butter Cup cake​while House Manila dished out cocktails and drinks at their open bar.



The 7th Holiday Bash gave away loads of prizes such as home appliances, kitchen gadgets, Hotel and Restaurant Buffet GCs. Prizes were also awarded to those who came in their best Coachella inspired outfits and creative social media posts relating to the event.

The festivities were held at House Manila in Remington Hotel, Resorts World for the 3rd straight year. Singers Mayda Doryn Chua, soprano Bettina Dadap, and Josh de la Crus provided entertainment. The event was hosted by Advertising Manager Marlon Aldenese with Choi Soriano from Harvest Hotel.

COOK Magazine on its 17th year continues to bring people together through food.

Our event sponsors: AG New World Manila Bay Hotel, Anya Resort Tagaytay, Athena, Boracay Tropics, Bosch, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Café In The Park, Century Park Hotel, Chek Hup, Dermablend, Diana Stalder, Duru, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, El Real, Enchanted Kingdom, Excellence Appliance Technologies (EXATECH), F1 Hotel Manila, Fitbar, Fujidenzo, Gangnam Wings, Granite Gear, Grayns, Gree, Gullon, Hafele Philippines, Harvest Hotel, Hotel Celeste, Hurom Slow Juicer, Jolly, King Sue,Kitsho, Kraftheinz, La Jeunesse, Luxent Hotel, Makati Diamond Residences, Mama Sita, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Mega Prime, Mondelez International, Nissin’s Ramen, Novotel, Hotels, Suites & Resorts, Osaka Takoyaki, Party Shots Photobooth, Petron Gasul, Petron Gasul-Lista, Ph Deli, Photoman, PRC, Jack ‘n Jill Puff Corn, Punta Fuego Hotel, Quaker Oats, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Ryoaki Gas Station, San Miguel Corporation, Simple Touch, Tecnogas, The Bellevue Manila, Thousand Miles Travel, Toblerone, Whirlpool Appliances, and Yellow Tail.

Our media partners: BUSINESSMIRROR, PHILIPPINES GRAPHIC, LOCALE, HEALTH & FITNESS, WNOT What’s New Out There, DWIZHOME RADIO.

SIKAT PINOY NATIONAL TRADE FAIR HOLIDAY SEASON SALE

The Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair has become a much-awaited shopping event for the holiday season. Year after year, products of MSMEs from all over the country are eagerly anticipated by Metro Manila shoppers looking for unique and affordable items perfect as gifts or for holiday meals. According to Sikat Pinoy regulars, this is a shopper’s paradise as you have a wide selection of the best products from the regions, and you can indulge in a guilt-free shopping splurge since every peso you spend is actually helping Filipino entrepreneurs expand their business. 

The 2017 Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair is happening on December 6 to 10, at the Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Here are some of the event highlights:

“Balanghai” theme to symbolize One Town One Product (OTOP)
The “balanghai” is the centerpiece setting to symbolize the renewed focus on One-Town, One Product (OTOP). Beyond its function as a watercraft used for inter-island travel and trade by our ancestors, the balanghai also represented the early Filipino society’s most basic socio-political unit, which has now evolved into our present-day barangays.

Aboard these wood-pegged boats, early Filipinos ferried communities through the archipelago and to our neighbors in an effort to maintain trade relations. In keeping with the OTOP concept, the balanghai is definitely the fitting symbol to draw in the distinctive contributions across regions while linking the Filipino traditional values of community, creativity, and commerce. With its unique historical significance, the balanghai is a national testament of Filipino innovation, bayanihan, and entrepreneurial spirit. Both OTOP and the balanghai truly resonate with the vision of the National Economic Development Program to promote inclusive growth for all sectors.

The Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair will be first and foremost a showcase of the products of 240 OTOP micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the manufacture of gifts, houseware and decor, wearables, fashion accessories, furniture and furnishings, household linen, corporate giveaways, processed food, beverages, and health and wellness products. Representing all regions of the country, the MSMEs will be offering their products for retail sales to consumers, as well as for order-taking from institutional buyers.

Shared Service Facilities (SSF) for competive advantage
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has a 7-point strategic framework to develop micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The 7Ms—Mindset, Mastery, Mentoring, Money, Markets, Machines, and Models—holistically equip entrepreneurs to make headway in increasingly competitive markets.

One of the 7Ms—Machines—is addressed by the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project, which provides MSMEs with machinery, equipment, and tools under a shared system. SSFs are managed by cooperators for the common use of MSME beneficiaries engaged in priority industry clusters.

Another M—Markets—is addressed by the Sikat Pinoy fairs which help MSMEs expand their market presence.

The 2Ms—Machinery and Markets—come together at the 2017 Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair, with a display of the products of SSF beneficiaries, as well as selected machineries and equipment used in the project.


Other Highlights
To help affected MSMEs rebuild their businesses and recover from the recent crisis, an area has also been specially allocated for the Bangon Marawi Program.

As in all other Sikat Pinoy fairs, the Coffee Pavilion offers choice coffee and local blends from all over the country.

Four MSME brands are being launched at the fair, in line with the DTI’s efforts to promote competitiveness by strengthening the product branding of MSMEs.

To help food manufacturers, consultants from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are conducting product sensory evaluation or sensory analysis to assess the flavor, aroma, and appearance of food products offered for sale. Participating firms will be given feedback on their products’ quality, palatability and safety in accordance with domestic and export standards.


Free Admission
The Sikat Pinoy National Trade Fair is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) in cooperation with the DTI’s Regional and Provincial Offices.

The fair is open to the public during mall hours. Admission is free. For more information, please call DTI-BDTP at 751-3223, or email bdtp@dti.gov.ph. For regular updates, please “Like” the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SikatPinoyFairs.

STAR WARS: SM MEN'S ACCESORIES

Paying homage to 40 years of Star Wars mythology this year, SM Men’s Accessories presents a collection that celebrates diehard Star Wars fans young and old. Collectible caps and drawstring bags with iconic Star Wars characters are rendered anew. For Christmas gifting there are keychains and umbrellas, drinkware, lamps, usb drives. Get set for another galactic adventure and don’t forget to wear your alliance!

In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join galactic legends in an unforgettable adventure that answers age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past. Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in Philippine theaters on December 13, 2017.

Cast: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, Kelly Marie Tran.

Licensed Star Wars merchandise by Retailasia, Inc. and available at all SM Men’s Accessories corners in SM Department Stores nationwide.

R2D2 – Grab the droid!

Grab them now at SM Malls near you :)

STAR MAGIC ENDS THE YEAR WITH A BIG HEART

For years, Star Magic artists have been sharing their blessings to those in need through their individual causes and charities. This December 2 though, some of the brightest Star Magic artists to pay the love forward to special charities through Star Magic Gives Back.

To end the fruitful and eventful year-long 25th anniversary celebration and to usher in the Yuletide season, Star Magic organized a day-long gift giving event for four charitable institutions namely: Cottolengo Filipino, San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly, Bantay Bata Foundation and Ephesus Home for Girls.

Over 70 stars are volunteering to take part in the event in order to give back and to bring joy to the kids, teens and elderlies of the aforementioned charities through their performances and presence.

A heartfelt program and gift-giving awaits the elderly in San Lorenzo Ruiz Home who will be joined by singers Klarisse de Guzman, Bugoy Drilon, Angeline Quinto and Nyoy Volante. Myrtle Sarrosa, Lem Pelayo, Neil Coleta, Antoinette Taus and Ingrid dela Paz are also joining the event. Meanwhile, young stars Ysabel Ortega, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, Riva Quenery, Trina Legaspi, Amy Nobleza, AC Bonifacio, Vivoree Esclito, Kisses Delavin, Christian Morones, Heaven Peralejo, Nikki Gonzales and Alexa Ilacad are also taking part on the charity event together with kids Xia Vigor and Rhed Bustamante.

Cottolengo Filipino kids will have a series of bonding activities with hunks Gerald Anderson, Young JV, Rayver Cruz, Sam Thurman and Ria Atayde. They would surely laugh along with Jayson Gainza and Fifth Solomon, while the kids would enjoy the company of Maris Racal, Loisa Andalio, Maika Rivera, Erika Clemente, Krystal Mejes, Uno Bibo, Lance Lucido, Joaquin Reyes, Grae Fernandez and Ylona Garcia.

The Bantay Bata Foundation kids and Ephesus girls would be spending their afternoon at KidZania Manila together with experienced stars Maja Salvador, Jake Cuenca, Zanjoe Marudo, Jessy Mendiola, Dimples Romana, Thou Reyes and Joem Bascon. The teen girls would have the chance to bond with fine actresses Sofia Andres, Belle Mariano, Kim Cruz, Chantal Videla, Raine Salamante, Michelle Vito and Elisse Joson. They can also have a good moment with Elmo Magalona and Franco Rodriguez, along with Hashtags members Ronnie Alonte, Tom Doromal, Jimboy Martin and McCoy de Leon.

Although the 25th anniversary celebration is almost at its end, Star Magic is set to end it with a bang through the launch of the first of its kinds, the Star Magic 2018 E-Catalogue. Watch out for more details about it in the days to come.

LIMITED EDITION RED OPPO F5 6GB NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES

OPPO, the leader in selfies, just made a mark in the selfie-centric Philippines with the launch of the new OPPO F5 6GB in limited edition red color. The new smartphone is set to raise the bar high with an upgraded 6GB RAM for the ultimate multi-tasking, along with bigger internal storage of 64GB. Aside from having strong technical specifications, the OPPO F5 6GB is a fashionable statement phone with the company’s flagship color red as the iconic symbol to have this season.  

Performance Beyond Concern

Carrying the latest 2.5GHz Octa-Core Processor paired with a future-ready 6GB RAM, it’s ready to take on any challenges in today’s internet-revolving world. Storage is now also bumped up to 64GB internal for more photos and videos ready to be taken with the 20MP A.I. Front Camera and 16MP Rear Camera.

Connectivity won’t be a problem as it comes with a dedicated tri-slot tray for two nano-sim cards open to all networks, and a MicroSD card of up to 256GB expandable storage. Finishing tasks will also be made easier with the F5 6GB’s 3,200mAh battery for an all-day smartphone usage.

Flagship Features

The OPPO F5 6GB carries consumer-centric flagship features such as the 6” FHD+ 18:9 Ratio Full Screen Display for the most immersive visual experience. Security is also upgraded with Speedy Facial Unlock to quickly access your smartphone by detecting the face of the owner and unlock the phone, this is on-top of the fingerprint sensor at the back for double security.

With the latest ColorOS 3.2, the F5 features the easiest smartphone usage with intuitive controls and multi-tasking features such as the split-screen for opening two apps in one screen. Accompanied with other software features like anti-distraction features when gaming like avoiding interrupting calls, SMS, and even unnecessary notifications.

Stand Out from the Crowd

The OPPO F5 6GB is a phone that can represent yourself, stand out among the rest with its strong red color and silver chrome finishes. In a light package of 154g and a minimized 18:9 6” screen, it’s sleek and perfect to carry for anyone.

“The new OPPO F5 6GB shows that a smartphone is not just powerful, but can also be a lifestyle statement with its loud and stylish red color. We’re sure that people will adore our outstanding A.I. Beauty Technology selfies along with its upgraded RAM and storage in a standout color,” said Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng.

Arena Of Valor x OPPO F5 6GB

In addition, the OPPO F5 6GB is also ideal for mobile gaming. With every purchase of the F5 6GB, customers are entitled to a free Joker character in Arena of Valor, the fast-growing mobile game by Garena. Customers will also get a chance to win more in-game items through lucky draws in the coming weeks.

Watch out as well for tournaments here in the Philippines. Make sure to watch Arena of Valor and tune-in to OPPO Philippines Facebook page for more details soon.

Exclusively available at OPPO concept stores nationwide, the limited edition OPPO F5 6GB will be available starting December 9, 2017 for Php21,990. It comes with a free Olike Bluetooth speaker worth Php2,990.

For more exciting updates, stay tuned on OPPO’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/

STAR MAGIC ARTISTS PART OF ALL EIGHT METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL 2017 ENTRIES

The upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival is set to be a busy one for the moviegoers, production and promo teams, most especially to the Star Magic artists. Star Magic is bound to end the year with a bang, after Star Magic artists took part in all eight participating full-length films in this year’s MMFF. 

Leading the list are Star Cinema’s offerings Ang Panday and The Revenger Squad. 

Acclaimed star Jake Cuenca will be playing the role of the villain Lizardo to Coco Martin’s character in the latest big screen adaptation of the fantasy action film Ang Panday. Also part of the movie are rising love team McCoy de Leon, Elisse Joson and PJ Endrinal, as well as child star Onyok Pineda.

Daniel Padilla is returning to MMFF this year as he breathes life to Rappido in The Revenger Squad, together with his co-stars phenomenal star Vice Ganda and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. Trending teen star Loisa Andalio will be debuting in the big screen through the the film as well, while Ejay Falcon’s role on the movie is something to really watch out for. 

Jericho Rosales is returning into the MMFF scene with Siargao together with sizzling hot actresses Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. GirlTrends member Mika Javier would also be joining the love triangle in the Paul Soriano film. 

The only horror flick to vie in this year’s MMFF is headlined by four promising teen artists. Coming from the success of the barkada thriller Bloody Crayons, Jane Oineza and Maris Racal are returning to the big screen together with Hashtags members Jon Lucas and Jameson Blake, as well as Miho Nishida in Haunted Forest.

Daniel Matsunaga, Thou Reyes and Sue Ramirez are ready to bring laughter to the moviegoers as part of family comedy Meant to Beh starring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta.

Paulo Avelino and Rayver Cruz are set to charm women as part of the big screen adaptation of the stage musical Ang Larawan starring Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil. Star Magic Angels Hannah Ledesma, for her part, is joining Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay in their MMFF reunion film All of You.

Lastly, comedy musical Deadma Walking would make good use of Dimples Romana and Nico Antonio’s spot on acting skills this coming MMFF.

Whether it be award or box office sales, the artists are all ready to battle it off in the cinemas starting December 25.

STARBUCKS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The Philippines’ traditional woven design makes an unexpected debut in Starbucks 20^th Anniversary collection. In celebration of two decades in the country, the coffee brand honors the market that has warmly welcomed its coffee servings, with merchandise that pays tribute to Filipino craftsmanship. 

On December 1, Starbucks will release a special collection inspired by local textiles and designed with fine materials including Swarovski® crystals and real white gold. The limited-edition items will be exclusively available from 2PM to 8PM, at Starbucks 6750 on Ayala Avenue, where the Seattle brand first opened its doors.

It was deep into Christmas season too, when the little coffee shop in Ayala started brewing in December 4, 1997. The aroma of handcrafted beverages wafted from within its walls, which bore the intriguing green mermaid insignia on its walls. Soon enough, the place welcomed coffee lovers who found comfort in the warm smiles of the baristas and in the respite it offered from the bustling Makati City.

The Philippines became the third market, outside of North America, where Starbucks grew its business. This month, the coffee brand relives these memories with a celebration for its 20th year, beginning with the release of a special collection and rare coffee beans that traces the growth of Starbucks.

A most precious collection from Starbucks

The holidays will shine more vividly with the bejeweled 20^th Anniversary mugs and tumblers, the classic Ayala 6750 Mug, and the Starbucks Reserve and Roastery exclusive, Hacienda Alsacia.

Elaborate in its design, the anniversary mugs and tumblers show an appreciation for the Philippine woven art. The mugs feature 200 white and emerald Swarovski® crystals set in traditional textile patterns, come with special-edition numbered certificate and ready-to-gift boxes stamped with the Starbucks wordmark.

The most precious item for release is the 20^th Anniversary mug in full white gold. Starbucks created this rare premium item as a nod to Philippine heritage. Only 500 pieces will be produced of these collectible anniversary mugs which are adorned with 200 lovely Swarovski® crystals. The item is priced at P6,295.

Coffee lovers can also go with the 12-oz double-wall ceramic versions of the 20^th anniversary mug, and take their pick between the silver and white colors. These items exude holiday festivity and celebrate the season most cherished by Filipinos with fine mugs with press-in white gold covers. Only 1,500 pieces of each mug will be available for P4,295.

 The dazzling 16 fl oz opaque white acrylic tumbler will also catch the eye. It features the 20^th anniversary weave pattern in silver foil and offers both functionality and understated glam for P895. Each tumbler comes with a package and a hangtag for gifting.

More anniversary items to go on shelf

Starbucks also gives a special piece of its heritage to Filipinos by introducing the Hacienda Alsacia whole bean packaged coffee. Grown from a Starbucks working coffee farm in Costa Rica, the beans are symbolic of the Starbucks continuing venture to serve the best-tasting coffee, deepen its knowledge of the industry, and include local farmers in the world’s endeavor of sustainability.

The unique blend is served only in the Starbucks Seattle Roastery and Tasting Room and will be available for a limited time in the country starting December 4.

Also to be released on December 4 is the Starbucks 6750 Ayala Mug. The first store to open in the Philippines gets its own place on the shelf, with matte black ceramic mugs designed with the gold Siren decal. The artwork that was first seen on the wall of the store is rendered anew in this 12 oz. tribute item that features special hand-painted finishes and comes in an elaborate gift package. The 6750 branch will exclusively carry the item priced at P1,295.

Celebrate Filipino heritage and craftsmanship this December with Starbucks. Visit Starbucks 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City to trace the beautiful coffee moments that have been blooming for 20 years and return to where it all began.