I always make time for coffee. When the opportunity to know more came through the Starbucks Coffee Appreciation Festival, I cleared my schedule and headed right away to Glorietta.
Cups of coffee, anyone?
The Starbucks Coffee Appreciation Festival happened on June 11, 2017
All the participants were given a coffee passport as a ticket to explore the various booths that were all about coffee.
Ready to explore the world of coffee!
Along the way, I met people who are fans of Starbucks, too. Especially Viemer, who instantly became my friend, all thanks to coffee! We took pictures of the event. Photos that are not watermarked were shot by her.
Yay! First stop was coffee exploration per region where coffee grows. We compared the various flavors and strength of coffee sourced from Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific.
Viemer and I learning about coffee from Latin America
We learned Roasting, too.
The next booths were my favorite! They showcased the high end equipment they have, exclusively used in Starbucks Reserve stores. Truth be told, this was the first time I saw these...
The concept of Chemex was shown to us.
Siphon is an amazing process, looks almost Alchemical to me. Hehehe~
Aside from the scientific methods, the event also featured art. At the center of the place is an exhibit of paintings made of coffee.
Yep, always.
My favorite painting in the exhibit.
There's more to that, I signed up for the coffee painting workshop with renowned artist, Rev Cruz, too.
Seeing the baristas made my day, too. One of my childhood dreams is to be one (next to being an astronaut haha~). So, we didn't miss a chance for a photo op!
Wit Mich and Simone.... hmmm.. I look like a barista, too. Hehe~
With Toshi, my barista crush of the day
With Miguel, the Starbucks Coffee Ambassador
I greatly admire their knowledge on coffee, especially when the Coffee Ambassador, Miguel, gave a talk onstage.
Miguel talks about coffee sources on stage
I enjoyed the day filled with coffee knowledge and art! They gave us freebies, too…
This event satisfied my thirst for all things coffee. Since I'm a chemist, I could easily understand and appreciate the complicated processes of serving coffee. What I admire about Starbucks is the dedication they have to the scientific technicality of the whole process, from farming to brewing. All the procedures are followed, the meticulous steps and the temperature required, as well. They have the necessary skills and equipment to ensure the perfect cup of coffee.
Different roasts give out a distinct color
Starbucks has a wide range of coffee to, suit your preferences
Awww…. I love my Caramel Macchiato even more now, knowing how every coffee bean has traveled from the farm to my cup.
Oh~ my barista dream has come true for a moment. Hehehe~
Pet cafes originated in Japan. This was due to the fact that city apartments did not allow residents to keep pets. So, dog and cat cafes where born where people could go to relieve stress. Pets are such a source of good vibes. Yep!
It is true for me, as well. Life gives me so much of stress that it drives me insane! Thankfully, we have our cute little dog, Hershey. In addition to that happiness, pet cafes have made it to the Philippines. Whee~
This year we visited the cats in Cat Cafe Manila. My sister suggested the place. So one Monday morning, we set out on a trip to Maginhawa street. The tricycle drivers were very helpful. They know the place, just give them the building or house number.
We were the first customers of the day and had the place all to ourselves. Yay! We were so excited, we played with the cats even before placing our orders.
Cute cats in the cafe
More cuties!
The entrance fee was PhP200, of which PhP100 goes to food. The menu features a lot of choices. They have snacks, frappes, and cupcakes! Oooh~ We couldn't decide at first, so we ended up with three frappes. My cousin got her favorite matcha while my sister and I got the bestseller, Pawreo Cheese Shake.
My very own Pawreo Cheese Shake. Yum!
Our yummy frappes! :)
What's cool is that the cats are trained not to eat your food. So we were allowed to eat there and play with the cats at the same time.
I enjoyed playing with the cats. It took them some time to play with me, though. But ah, cats are like that. I guess they're like people, you have to show that you're friendly, first. Hehehe~ With the help of the staff, the cats warmed up to us. They posed for photos, too. They're all so cute and cuddly. And my favorite was Jackie.
But of course, all the others were a bundle of joy, too.
Blanche's unique eyes are beautiful
Awww... I miss them already. I really want to go back to the cafe to see the cats again! Not only that, I want to try out the various items in the menu, as well. I think it's one of the perfect places for me… food, pets, and a whole lot of friendliness in between.
Sometimes, a change in perspective is what we need, like literally. The Upside Down Museum exactly does that. Last weekend, we visited the place for something new to experience this summer!
The facade of the Upside Down Museum
So, can I flood you with images? This place is for the visual experience, after all. Not everything was upside down. There were giant and anti-gravity illusions, too. Full of optical pieces, you can’t help but snap some pics yourself! So, here goes…
This can be upside down or just normal
Oh~ I just gotta have the spaghetti!
So this is how a lizard feels like...
Now, what would happen if there are huge objects everywhere?
Waaa~ Please don't step on me!
From the giant carton of milk~~
The best part for me was the house setup. It's amazing how it can stir your imagination that some things can happen, too.
Welcome to the patio
Studying well despite the lack of gravity
My dream Hello Kitty bedroom
Have a cup of tea and donuts, on us
Scrub the floor and do the laundry well, my dears. Haha~
Raiding the kitchen
The master's bedroom is crazy place!
Putting all effort to get in the car...
There were unbelievable illusions, you would even question reality from your eyes...
Falling for real?
I never thought that I could be a part of art, too. My group enjoyed the place. The staff were friendly and they gladly took photos of us. They would suggest the best poses, too... just like this running man shot:
Aaaand, my most favorite part is the food! There's a cafe inside and a stall that sells ice cream and cotton candy! Wheeee~~
Even the ice cream is a piece of art!
Beautiful blend of colors for this cotton candy
They say that museums are places where you get inspired to do more art. Yep, that is true for this one, too. Art is such a wonderful thing! The Upside Down Museum is located in Pasay City, Philippines. Tickets were at PhP 450.
