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Learning the Starbucks Way: Ready to Order?

How-To 11/02/2015 02:53:00 AM

Nervous about ordering? Don’t be! There’s no “right” way to order at Starbucks. Just tell the barista what you want and they will do it. If you missed the first four posts on this series, click HERE for part 1 and start learning about basic Starbucks terminologies.

A barista may call your drink back in a different way, but that doesn't mean they are correcting you. That's actually the translation of your order into “barista-speak” – the standard way orders are called out. This language gives them the info they need in the order they need it, so they can make your drink as quickly and efficiently as possible. “Barista-speak” is easy to learn. It’s all about the order of information:

Cup: This is the kind of cup to use. If this is not specified, they will put it in a "to-go" cup. But you can also ask for a "for here" cup, iced cup or personal cup.

Shots and size: Want extra espresso on your coffee? Here’s something worth knowing:

Short (8 fl oz) and Tall (12 fl oz) – comes with one shot

Grande (16fl oz) and Venti (20 fl oz) – comes with two shots drinks

Adding a shot to a tall drink, means you’re getting a double tall. While adding a shot to a grande means you're getting a triple grande. Click HERE to read part 2 - all about Espresso.

Syrup: This is the most popular way to customize. Starbucks has many different syrup flavors to sweeten or spice up a drink.

Milk: Want something else aside from whole milk? This is the part where you tell them your choice.

Part 3 of this series discusses Syrup and Milk. Click HERE to read about it.

Other options: Lattes can be ordered "extra hot" while a Frappuccino® can be taken Affogato style. Click HERE for part 4 if you want to know the other choices you have.

The drink itself: Don’t forget the most important part! Are you having a Latte, a Mocha, or something else?

Here's a sample:

Cup: N/A

Shots: Decaf

Size: Grande

Syrup: N/A

Milk: Non-Fat

Other options: Extra-hot

Drink: Caramel Macchiato

How to say it: "I'll have a decaf, grande, non-fat, extra-hot, Caramel Macchiato."

Easy right?!? Don't worry if you get it all mixed up on your first attempt to order in "barista-speak!" Trust me, it just takes a little bit of getting used to. Now you’re ready to begin your search for a perfect, personalized Starbucks drink!

Did this series help you? Have you already found your favorite? Comment and let me know!

Source: "Find Your Favorite - A guide to Starbucks® drinks" booklet 2005

Note: List may be different per country.

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Learning the Starbucks Way: Other Choices

How-To 10/20/2015 09:28:00 AM

We are almost there! Just a hop and a skip away from finally finding your very own Starbucks favorite! If you missed the first three articles on this series, you can check them out here:

Click HERE for part 1 Terminologies
Click HERE for part 2 Espresso
Click HERE for part 3 Syrup and Milk

Aside from milk, syrup and espresso, there are many other ways to put final touches on a Starbucks coffee, placing your personal stamp on a drink.

Dry (or foamy): A dry Cappuccino is foamy but with little steamed milk. The espresso shoots through the foam and intensifies flavor.

Wet (or flat): A wet Cappuccino has more milk than foam. The result is a milky espresso taste, more like that of a Latte.

Whipped cream (or not): Add a touch of cloud to your coffee heaven for a little fun! Or, if your drink usually comes with whipped cream, you have the option to hold it off.

Light: Anytime you want less of something, say "light" - light whip, light syrup, light foam, light ice – you name it.

Sugar substitute: Your Starbucks barista will be happy to add sweeteners if you desire.

Extra hot: Milk is steamed to around 160⁰F (70⁰C), but if you want it a bit hotter than that, let them know!

Not a fan of hot coffee? Frappuccino® blended beverages have a number of options just as regular Lattes do.

Frappuccino® Light: It’s the same as regular Frappuccino® but with 60% less fat and 40% less calories.

Add syrup: Create your own treat! For example, hazelnut syrup in a Mocha Frappuccino® blended coffee makes a delicious nut-chocolate combination.

Affogato style: Try a Frappuccino® blended beverage with mocha or caramel drizzle and a shot of espresso on top. It gives the drink a more pronounced coffee flavor – and makes it fun to watch as the espresso drifts down.

Add Coffee Jelly: Compliment your favorite drink with yummy pieces of Coffee Jelly.
Blended whip (blogger added): Love whipped cream but don't like it sitting on top? Then have it mixed! When you don't see it, the lesser your guilt. *wink* *wink*
Twice blended (blogger added): Say goodbye to the ice bits. Ask the barista to blend your drink twice for a smoother Frappuccino®.

Now you're ready to order! Learn the "barista-speak" HERE.

Source: "Find Your Favorite - A guide to Starbucks® drinks" booklet 2005
Note: List may be different per country.

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Learning the Starbucks Way: Syrup and Milk

How-To 9/07/2015 02:26:00 PM

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Learning the Starbucks Way: Espresso

How-To 8/03/2015 07:25:00 AM

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Learning the Starbucks Way

How-To 7/06/2015 07:41:00 AM

In my industry, even with the advent of milk tea, coffee is STILL and will ALWAYS be a MUST. I just couldn't think of how I would survive my day without coffee. It doesn't have to be Starbucks everyday, for all I care it could be Nescafe 3-in-1. Point is, I just need to get my daily dose of caffeine especially after getting up from bed.

Can you fill up all those boxes? It's OK if you can't! I'm here to teach you how. Afraid to go to Starbucks without anyone ordering for you because you think you'd be judged? Don't worry, the baristas won't (but I know some patrons and would). And just to clarify things, Starbucks is NOT sosyal. It's just another coffee shop, no big deal. While some like CBTL or Seattle's Best, I prefer Starbucks. I've been a regular since 2004.

At Starbucks you can have your coffee just the way you want it. For example, if you like nonfat milk and vanilla syrup in your Cappuccino, just ask the barista. If you’re not sure what to order, here’s a glossary to get you started. This is the first installment of this five-part blog series.

Image courtesy of http://www.evoyage.com/Glossary.htm

Americano: A coffee made with two shots of espresso and hot water.

Cappuccino: The perfect Cappuccino achieves a delicate balance between the strong espresso flavor and a thick layer of sweet, velvety foam.

Con Panna: Italian for “with whipped cream” and hot water.

Cream: This refers to a coffee-free beverage, such as a Vanilla Frappuccino® Blended Cream.

Decaf: Abbreviation for “decaffeinated” coffee or espresso.

Demitasse: French for “half cup” – it’s the little cup used to serve espresso.

Doppio: Italian for “double,” referring to the two-shot espresso beverage served in a demitasse cup.

Double: Two shots of espresso in a drink.

Drip Coffee: Premium Starbucks coffee brewed in an electric filter machine.

Dry: More foam, less milk.

Espresso: Coffee’s purest, most intense form.

For-here cup: A ceramic cup for enjoying your drink in the store.

Frappuccino® blended beverage: A delicious, icy and smooth drink made only at Starbucks.

Grande: Starbucks' second-largest cup size, 16 fl oz.

Half-caf: One shot of regular and one shot of decaffeinated espresso.

Latter: A drink made with espresso and steamed milk.

Light: A smaller amount of an ingredient in a drink, such as “light syrup” or “light whip.” It also refers to Frappuccino® light blended beverages with fewer calories.

Macchiato: Italian for “marked” or “stained.” This drink is espresso topped with a tablespoon of foamed milk.

Misto: Italian for “mixed” – a combination of drip coffee and steamed milk.

Mocha: A drink made with espresso, chocolate and steamed milk.

Personal Cup: a reusable cup you can bring into the store, or otherwise called by the majority as "tumblers." It’s an environmentally friendly way to enjoy your drink. Plus you get a few pesos off the price of your drink for helping conserve paper.

Quad: Four shots of espresso in a drink.

Ristretto: A ristretto shot is a short pull of espresso capturing only the sweetest part.

Shaken: Tea or coffee mixed with ice and shaken by hand for a refreshing flavor.

Short: Starbucks' smallest beverage size, 8 fl oz.

Single: One shot of espresso in a drink.

Solo: One shot of espresso, by itself.

Tall: Starbucks' regular beverage size, 12 fl oz.

To-go cup: A paper/plastic cup used for enjoying a drink in or out of the store.

Triple: Three shots of espresso in a drink.

Venti: Starbucks' largest cup size, 20 fl oz.

Wet: More milk less foam.

Whip: An abbreviation of “whipped cream.”

Do you know of any other terms? Comment and share your knowledge!

Click HERE for part 2 (Espresso choices)
Click HERE for part 3 (Syrup and Milk options)
Click HERE for part 4 (Other Choices)
Click HERE for part 5 (Ready To Order)

Source: "Find Your Favorite - A guide to Starbucks® drinks" booklet 2005
Note: List may be different per country.

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Pasig City E-Trike

Environment 6/19/2015 01:47:00 PM

Sometime around early May, I was on my way home when I got to ride Pasig City's first ever E-Trike. It was a different kind of experience, being that I was used to smaller tricycles here in my area. And boy did I feel like a princess! Everyone was looking at me! Uhm... Actually they were looking at the vehicle.

This is my view from the inside. If my memory serves me right, it can reach speeds up to 30 or 40 km/hr, which is good as it will prevent drivers from over speeding. Have you seen a trike na humaharurot? More so have you ever ridden one with a driver from hell? I did and it was scary as f*#k.

Just look at that spacious leg room! This is probably the most comfortable trike ride I've ever had. Besides my seat which is big enough for 2 people, there's also another one (can fit 2 more) that folds up. It is partially visible in this picture.

Since it was only on it's third day of operation, the sticker that identifies the "TODA" was not yet available.

I think the tires are too small. There's definitely some kind of mechanical reason as to why they used such a size.

Virgilio Soriso, the very humble and friendly president of MERSANTODA gave me the scoop on this vehicle (besides willingly posing for a picture).

The vehicle charges for at least a day and can be used up to 8 hours.
Fare is the same.
The first batch of E-trikes (less than 10 units) were provided to presidents of selected TODAs. I didn't ask if it was given or if they had to pay for it.
Operators who are willing to switch to this unit will be accommodated by the local government from what I was told. Maybe they will be provided with financial assistance or reasonable terms to pay for it? I'm pretty sure the price tag isn't cheap.

I understand that some drivers may not find it appealing because of time restrictions since most of them go beyond 8 hours of operation just to provide for their families. But why not keep it as the primary means of transport then switch to the gas-powered ones afterwards? That's still 8 hours of not emitting harmful gases to the atmosphere. Imagine how the air around us will be different if there were a multitude of these.

I am also aware that demand for electricity will go up if more operators use them, and that could be a whole other issue. However it will surely address some of our current environmental concerns. That argument alone should be enough reason to promote this vehicle. Hopefully, we got to see more of them soon.

Did you get a chance to experience riding an e-Jeep operating somewhere here in the Metro? Have you ever seen any similar vehicles around here? Comment and share your thoughts!

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Product Review: Starbucks 2015 Planner

Philippines 1/02/2015 04:32:00 AM

I've tried blogging for the past few weeks but due to my busy schedule at work, with makeup clients, and holiday preparations it's been impossible to actually sit for a few hours and write about something. How was your holiday celebration? I hope it is as fun-filled as mine! And hoorrraaaayyyyy for my first blog post this year!

Before I go any further, please do not tell me that Starbucks' planners are so overrated and expensive. I don't go to Starbucks just for the planner. Yes, I regularly drink coffee. You'd be quite surprised if I tell you how many planners I redeem during this season.

When I saw what they were offering this year, I already had my eyes set on the green planner. I did consider the red version only because I received a brick red wallet as a gift for my birthday last October.

I completed mine 3 weeks after Starbucks officially started the "Red Cups" season. One thing I've learned from the years of collecting their planners: get a card at the very first day because there's one sticker spot already filled for FREE.

I love the print on this year's packaging though I still prefer having it in a box. Opening one feels more magical and exciting with box don't you think?

I was just with my friends earlier before writing this entry and we heard from a local radio station that green is the lucky color for 2015. I was told that the person giving the prediction is well-known and reliable. So I guess it must be a sign!!!

I love the idea of having your own name plate. I wish the marker was permanent though. And can we talk about that embroidered Starbucks logo?!? Please don't do that again!!! It looks cheap, not to mention ugly. #SorryNotSorry

The other tip of the marker smelled great but I couldn't tell what aroma I was getting. Can you tell what's yours?

I am loving the black front page. Feels more "sosyal" and expensive than last year's. Starbucks should consider doing this every year.

Are you a sucker for writing your schedule in paper? I know I am, despite the advent of the calendar-equipped smartphones. That's why I am in love with this part of the planner. I hope they never take this design out.

This year the pages are lined. I don't really have a problem if it's not, but I was feeling this layout. Kind of goes with my mood with notebooks this year. But I still couldn't find more pages for notes!!!

Thank God the coupons are attached!!! Dear Starbucks, please do the same next year. I beg you.

I wasn't feeling the page marker this year. I don't like ribbon markers to begin with (and yes I also didn't like last year's) so I am using this one instead. I think it's from 4 years back?

Click here to see my review on their 2014 planner.

So what color did you get this season? How did you find Starbucks 2015 planners? Comment below and let me know!

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My Office Pet Peeves

Philippines 8/13/2014 11:27:00 AM

Image courtesy of http://images.sodahead.com/polls/002494527/1246101685_PetPeeves_xlarge.jpeg

This is a short list of things that annoy me at work. Do you have office pet peeves too? Let’s see if we have the same on our list!

10. Liquid Hand Soap Supply

What are the chances that the dispensers are empty... Wait for it... All at the same time!!! Not to mention ALL the time. Consider the fact that there is regular restroom maintenance.

09. “Clean as you go” Policy

I can’t take it when some of my colleagues couldn’t even wipe their spilled drinks in the pantry. And oh, leaving used paper/plastic cups?!? They must be paying the maintenance crew to clean up after them. I guess some bad Filipino habits die hard.

08. Garbage Disposal

Why on earth would you leave your paper cups in the bushes when a large trash bin is just a few steps away? And then you hear the same people complain of cleanliness and flooding in the metro? Come on.

Oh mind you, these bushes were already cleaned a few minutes before I took these pictures. And within 5 minutes you see trash again.

07. Loitering

So you saw a friend or a former teammate and decided to catch up with him. Why not? But does it take rocket science to figure out the hallway or front door is not the right venue for chit chat? I don’t care if you haven’t seen each other since the dawn of Dinosaurs, I just want to get to where I am supposed to be, especially when I’m in a hurry. Minsan gusto kong sumigaw ng “tabbbbeeeeeeeee!!!” (sometimes I just want to scream “get out of my way!!!”)

06. Dress Code Adherence

Sneakers/sandals on a business day... Sleeveless tops... Uber short skirts... Party dresses... The list is endless! And to think some of the violators are officers. I could only sigh in disbelief.

05. Elevator Operation

I can’t take the sight of girls screaming when the elevator door suddenly closes. What’s worse is I get this weird stare afterwards. As if I’m responsible for holding the door open for them?!? I’m not a freaking elevator operator for crying out loud! Or maybe even hear them saying “nakakatakot biglang sumara, baka maipit ako!” Your highness, the elevator is a machine that has a door timer. Maybe you should go take the fire exit, at least that’s comparable to your castle’s grand staircase. We all have hands to push the lever that forces the door to open. Enough said.

04. Elevator Decorum

Laziness is the primary reason for avoiding the stairs when going one floor up or down. Unless you’re physically not capable of doing so which of course is totally understandable. Wearing 6-inch stilettos? I can dance in them and I’m biologically male, so don’t give me that b***s***. And the men who chose to do this too? My goodness! I’m gay and I take the stairs. Man up bro, don’t be so f*****g lazy.

Oh, and storming inside the elevator when clearly there are people stepping out?!?

03. Used Tissue/Sanitary Napkin Disposal

This particular one irks me. I can’t comprehend why used tissue and sanitary napkins are thrown in the bowl and not in the trash bin. These things clog pipes that render the toilet unusable. Imagine the horror of walking into a cubicle with a toilet bowl filled with soiled water, and maybe an added bonus. What a disgusting surprise!

02. Flushing the Toilet

Why does flushing the toilet seem to be such a task for some? I can’t find any logical reason behind it. It is indeed, mind-boggling. Germophobe? Yes, some people are. But that isn’t enough excuse. Heck it’s not even an excuse at all!!! Use a freaking tissue to push the flush lever down. Maybe even use your knees or foot. It doesn’t really matter how you do it, just do it for the sake of the next person who will use the toilet! My sentiments are the same for not wiping the mess left afterwards.

01. Pay day Madness

I don't understand why people blame the bank when they can't withdraw anything because of system maintenance. Budgeting is key to get by until the next payday, so much so that one could survive the whole shift without lining up at the ATM with other frantic employees. Also, early morning salary crediting is just a privilege. As long as funds are deposited on payday itself, there's no law broken - that means a bank could release wages at any given time of the day. I don't care if you're making ends meet, I have money problems too. But If you constantly find yourself blaming the bank, maybe it's time to revisit how to properly handle your finances.