Quick Stop: Starbucks Marcos Highway DTE

Planner season is here and I kicked off my sticker collection from one of Starbucks' newest branches!

I had a long day last Wednesday. I did some work in the morning, attended Lazada's Unboxing event in Makati during the late afternoon, and headed over to BGC for dinner with friends. I booked a GrabCar going home and I was quiet for most of the ride, busy playing on my phone.. until I accidentally startled my GrabCar driver while we were taking a u-turn near our village. I felt like a kid on Christmas because I saw a familiar sign in the corner of my eye!

Maybe I was just imagining things? I would always see that area but never noticed a thing. I turned to Facebook for confirmation.

Dear Starbucks Philippines, are you opening a new store along Marcos Highway? I hope my eyes weren't fooling me :3

Posted by Dems Angeles on Wednesday, November 4, 2015

And they said YES! So I schedule my visit after the Merry SM Christmas event at SM Masinag :D

Starbucks Marcos Highway DTE branch is located (of course) along Marcos Highway, between Vermont Royale and Vermont Park Executive Villages, sitting beside . Don't worry, you won't miss it because it stands out in the area. They have ample parking space and a drive thru section.

This store, which opened last November 2 2015, employs the typical industrial look, marked with signature elements such as exposed ceiling and wood furniture with metallic details, but still feels homey and inviting. It can accommodate 70-80 people by my estimate, including the outdoor al fresco seating. Outlets are a plenty for gadget-wielding folks, the AC provides a welcome relief from outside heat and yes, free WiFi na lang kulang ;p

I haven't been to a lot of standalone Starbucks stores in the Philippines, but this one is very different from the ones I know. Even friends from here and abroad have commented on how nice it looks :)

The highlights of my visit to Starbucks Marcos Highway DTE include (a) making a new friend, (b) trying out the new Christimas Panettone Latte, and (c) seeing Mr. Ian Veneracion in person in his awesome big bike! :D

[caption id="attachment_6919" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Hello Kiesha! I usually give another pseudo name that's easier to understand but I mindlessly said "Dems" and she's the first one to get it right agad :D[/caption]

This season's new drink, the Christmas Panettone Latte, is inspired by Italian fruit cake. It is topped with a medley of dried cranberries, apples and oranges. I find it suitable for people who do not like strong coffee blends or love more milk with subtle coffee taste on their sweet drink. I will try the cold latte and cold frappe version to see if my opinion changes. Oh, if you ordered hot, don't forget to stir it once in a while because the sweet stuff settles at the bottom.

[caption id="attachment_6918" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Earned my first sticker! Coffee while working on my adult coloring book :)[/caption]

For a new store, I was surprised that it was busy on a Friday late afternoon but glad to see friendly and attentive staff. When people go someone would buzz the table right away and constantly wipe the condiment stand.

No need for us to go to the nearest malls to get my caffeine fix (the SM Masinag, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall and SM Marikina branches are crowded)! Also, gives me a reason to walk more because I have a place to chill out (and work on my adult coloring books), conduct meetings or working remotely. <3

UPDATED STORE HOURS (as of December 3 2015):

• Mondays - Thursdays: 5AM to 1:30AM


• Fridays: 5AM to 3AM


• Saturdays: 6AM to 3AM


• Sundays: 6AM to 1:30AM

Live near the area? See you around! :)

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