Starbucks celebrates 25th year in the Philippines
I started collecting Starbucks planners in 2009, not only for myself but also for gifting. I associate Starbucks planners with [doing] random acts of kindness maybe because it is during the Christmas season that one can start collecting stickers to get the coveted planners and being that it’s the season of giving. Or that because they do this for a cause since a portion of the proceeds from the drinks brought with the stickers will go to the farmers who grow their coffee beans. Also, I have a fond memory attached to it.
Let me take you to the year 2013. I managed to collect three planners before Christmas day, so I thought of giving one to someone I know will never expect to receive something from me.
I had just moved on to a new company and was going through a rough adjustment period. Strangely though, I had been receiving random acts of kindness from people, even strangers – from an airport staff who went out of her way so I would not miss a flight to a supplier going the extra mile for an event I was spearheading, and a taxi driver who shared his inspiring life story.
I was having a rough time, but also found reasons to be grateful. It was like the universe was telling me that I was not alone in my journey and by shifting my focus from my own challenges and anxious thoughts to the good things around me, I was helping myself. I thought: these people have their own problems and yet they still choose kindness and managed to inspire me so, why not do the same? I decided to gift the planner to a former colleague whom I admire as a mother, and as an editor. I was secretly following her then blog, so I knew bits and pieces of her life story.
I visited my former office and handed my gift to her. I could see she was surprised. I didn’t think much of it until weeks later when I read her blog. I had no idea what she was going through then but, in her blog, she wrote that she has been “feeling uninspired” for many reasons and didn’t feel like putting up the Christmas tree but that my “gesture had knocked some sense into her head. In her words: “Tonight, I decided — no, I knew — that everything will soon fall into place. And so the tree will go up. Goodwill is not a commodity that you will have less of if you have less money. We show others we make a difference, we inspire and move them, we surprise them. Whatever your religion is, this is what makes the holidays special. There is just no price tag for that. So, thank you, J. You knocked some sense into my head today.”
When I received the 2023 planner from Starbucks, I was transported to that memory. For Starbucks, there’s more than just the collections to celebrate this year, as the brand celebrates 25 years of filling our days with more than just coffee in the Philippines.
#Fillitforward this Holiday
“The holidays are an exciting time for us all at Starbucks, and for our customers who celebrate with us,” Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience & Loyalty at Starbucks Philippines shared. “For our 25th year celebrations, we pay homage to our partners (employees) and customers who have grown with us and have opened up opportunities to touch the lives of local communities.”
The brand recently released a series of videos based on real-life anecdotes, wherein each persona represents the communities Starbucks Philippines has built over the years. In the video, they share how the brand has and continues to fill their days forward. Watch the videos here: https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines
The Starbucks tradition
This year’s collection showcases a sophisticated new look that pays tribute to Starbucks’ famous Siren, with thoughtful details that celebrate the brand’s silver anniversary. Patrons have the choice among two limited-edition planners with organizer sleeves, a classic cold cup, and a durable stainless-steel tumbler.
The two (2) 2023 Starbucks traditions planners with organizer options come in a premium ring binder format with a matching pen and cover. For Starbucks Philippines’ 25th anniversary, this year’s edition showcases a sleek Siren tail design in two elegant colors — champagne and black. The leather cover accentuated with gold hardware has both a pocket and pouch to store your files (or Starbucks cards!). Also, with the ring bind style, you can use it well beyond 2023. Inside, the 12 monthly special artworks highlight some lovely quotes to inspire you each month.
Starbucks wanted to bring back multiple options for its customers who love using reusable vessels. This year’s line-up includes a 15 oz. Steel Tumbler and 22 oz. Cold Cup featuring a similar Siren design as the planners.
From November 2 to January 2, customers will earn a sticker for every purchase of a Tall, Grande, or Venti handcrafted beverage. One Reward Voucher can automatically be redeemed for every eighteen stickers collected. For easy tracking of stickers, opt-in through the Starbucks App and join using an e-Promo Card.
For those shopping for their Christmas gifts online, here’s some good news. A registered Starbucks Rewards member with a linked Lazada Philippines account will automatically earn one Reward Voucher on the Starbucks PH app e-Promo card for every P5,000 purchase in a single receipt after 7 days from successful delivery. Visit starbuckstraditions.ph to learn more.
If you love Starbucks coffee but are not much of a planner user, then gift someone with one—perhaps one you haven’t spoken to in a while. The gesture might earn a smile or inspire the person to pay it forward.
For feedback, I’m at joba.botana@gmail.com.
