Usapang Kapehan (Coffee Talk)

A focal salesperson asked: Why does Starbucks charge 2 dollars more for their cup and most are willing to pay for it? Well, theirs ain’t the perfect coffee and I definitely have to agree with that.

Then why?

It’s the experience; plus all the smart advertising strategies that made it secure a solid position on the mainstream market over the years.

A good college friend who followed my ancient friendster blog once told me that everytime she steps into the coffeeshop, she would remember me. For a year of homesickness and aloneliness, in their metaphorical sense, since I’m not alone in Sg anyways, the cozy ambience the coffeeshop provided me with was soothing after a hard day or week’s work. You can find the entire story on the old dusty blog in case you are interested. I’m not a big fan, but those people who had expressed big issues against people who like Starbucks, I don’t get what their problem is. It’s people’s preferences, you know, whether they go there to brand them as the can-afford, who cares.

Makes me realize that the extra-two-dollars I used to willingly pay was for the warm experience on the soft couch with jazzy notes, and no, I can’t get that on my bed or my living room sofa. It's not really the sweet hot cup.

But since Starbucks made up my Latte Factor, that which where your extra money goes unnecessarily expended on nonessential stuff such as candy, bottled water, doughnuts, soda, magazines, and yes, lattes, I’ve had more than enough of the commercialized “masarap na kape”. Except on occasions occurring once in a bluemoon, a nice cup of masarap na kape isn't that bad.

Personally, I’ve got a lot of favorite coffeeshops. Nothing to do with status-quo and such. Plainly said, it’s the experience.

Gloria Jeans, Dagupan. It was where we, Mye and me, put Rachelle’s man on hot hot hottest seat. Mye throwing the most aggressive interrogations and me as the referree, I pity the man! He was red all over while Mye was doing her offensive lawyer-like stint on him.

CBTL (Coffee Bean), Marina Bay. It was because of who I went there with.

Toast Box! It gives me the countryside feel. Wouldn't it be nice if you and your future hubby, if he’s as coffeeholic as you are, spend over a cup of coffee there together when you’ve grown gray hairs. Sweet.

And count the canteen's special-but-not-really-special coffee too! It warms my tummy every morning.

It’s the experience. Really.