It was deep into Christmas season too, when the little coffee shop in Ayala started brewing on 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 20th 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 a full white gold version of the 20th Anniversary mug. Starbucks creates the 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 take their pick of silver and white colors for their 12 oz double-wall ceramic mugs. The items exude holiday festive 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 20th-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.