When Starbucks releases a new line of drinks, it usually complements each other. Last June, it was the Banana Split Mocha Frappuccino and the Irish Cream Coffee Pudding Frappuccino. During the summer, it was the Pop’zel Coffee Frappuccino and the Roasted Marshmallow S’mores Frappuccino. There’s always a theme going on, so I was mildly surprised when their new beverages were complete opposites.

Just recently, Starbucks launched its line of two new beverages: the Açai Mixed Berry Yogurt Frappuccino and the Granola Dark Mocha Frappuccino. Both are equally good but it’s hard to compare since they’re so different.

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What I love about Japan is how it treats many occasions as a ceremony. Just take a look at how they enjoy tea and you’ll see how they treat things with respect and give it the attention it deserves. This regard to mindfulness and deference is practiced similarly across the world by Stella Artois in Belgium. To fully enjoy the bouquet of flavor and aroma of its beer, Stella Artois recommends a nine step ritual in pouring.

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I love latte art. It’s amazing how baristas can create beautiful images by pouring steamed milk into a cup of espresso. I’ve seen flowers, hearts, and once, a 3D panda. I thought that it’s all just fun and games. It turns out it’s quite competitive and there’s such a thing as the Latte Art Throwdown.

A Latte Art Throwdown is a competition amongst baristas where they have to create latte art given limited time. Participants compete in pairs and the winners go on to the next pairing until one winner is announced. This year, baristas from all over the Philippines converged in Pasay City, where they were judged by a panel of celebrities, including World Barista champion Hidenori Izaki.

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I love collecting Starbucks cards. I love its distinct designs, with themes reflecting the time it was released. I’m partial to the sleek and minimalist cards, but some of my favorites are the cards exclusive to Manila and the Philippines.

For its fourth anniversary, Starbucks released its 2017 Edition Pilipinas Starbucks Card, a striking design with elegant strokes of pink and yellow, representing the coffee aroma in the form of folk dances from Philippine culture.

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A lot of us drink 3-in-1s in the morning that we forget that coffee has a lot of nuances and flavors. Like a person, each blend is different, shaped by different circumstances to bring a unique flavor. There are drinks that are strong, while there are drinks that are more subtle, the kind that you get to know after a second or third date. I was able to learn more about the intricacies of coffee through Starbucks Philippines’ Coffee College.

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Summer is officially over, but it looks like it’s going to be extended. The days are still long, the sun shines brighter than ever, and the birds are creating a more cheerful symphony in the morning. And the thing is, I love it. I guess you see the good in everything when you’re happy with your current situation. It helps that I know the perfect ingredient to a refreshing summer: Starbucks’ Banana Split Mocha Frappuccino and Irish Cream Coffee Pudding Frappuccino!

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Tea is one of my favorite beverages because of the variety and the different effects it has on the body. A strong black tea can perk you up in the morning, while a hot cup of green tea can calm you down and relax your nerves. There’s a specific type of tea I drink for every occasion or time of day.

One of my favorite tea brands is Teavana, an American line of premium teas that Starbucks acquired in 2012. Last year, Starbucks brought an exclusive line of teas to the Philippines, introducing Filipinos to this popular brand.

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Growing up in the Philippines means one thing: frequent trips to Jollibee, where a kid can have Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and whatever else it is the kid is craving. For me, the two constants of my childhood diet were the two-piece Burger Steak and the Jolly Spaghetti.

I love the Jolly Spaghetti because of its unique taste. I like my pasta sour, but there’s always a special place in my heart for Jollibee’s sweet-style spaghetti.

It turns out that British-Filipino child star Xia Vigor shares the same feeling. She said that even before entering showbiz, Jollibee is her favorite place and she goes there with her mom, her older brother, and her cousin.

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