Starbucks Coffee Southpoint, SM City Iloilo Review

I know, I'm the worst person for judging Starbucks Southpoint in SM City Iloilo. But this is still the worst Philippines Starbucks branch ever.

This is what "Dagdagan ng extra whip cream sa taas." means. Starbucks Southpoint will charge you an extra 20 php for something that's normally given for free.

If you've gone to other branches, particularly the ones in Ateneo, Marquinton, Eastwood, or even Gateway, you'd definitely understand what I mean.

Perhaps the top picture wasn't as clear on the amount of whip that their frappes could normally have. This is how Starbucks Frappe is served in Starbucks Marquinton in Blue Wave Marikina.

Even the fucking Starbucks Drive Through understands what "Dagdagan mo ng whip sa taas, ha!" means.

Just in case, someone decides to ask for proof that Starbucks Marquinton did not charge me additional for "Extra Whip on Top".

Sometimes, I can't help but question the Southpoint's staff's exposure in this kind of environment and quality service.

White Mocha, Dark Mocha, Choco Cream Chip, and Java Chip

If anybody's wondering why I'm not comparing Starbucks to local cafes, it's because Starbucks is known worldwide for consistent quality and excellent customer service. If people won't start demanding what is rightfully expected from a branch, that branch will end up with substandard performance and a crew that will continue to believe that their worst is good enough.

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Bluejay Coffee: One of Iloilo's Dining Treasures

Bluejay is another Ilonggo-owned cafe that's withstood the test of time.

Who doesn't enjoy a good cup of coffee? Drinking coffee is one of the things Filipinos have grown to love. From the oldest tatang to the youngest estudyante.

Bluejay Coffee has many branches, but this one is the branch situated within the Smallville Complex.

Coffee-based concoctions have now been a staple for social gatherings, friendly chitchats, studying hyperdrives, and even first time dates.

Presentation-wise, Midnight Chocolate Cake stood out from the pastry crowd. It was a little too moist though, perhaps after having been refrigerated for awhile.

Back when Bluejay first opened, I wasn't a big fan, especially with the cost of their drinks. Now, however, I just can't get enough of their hot chocolate.

Now, this is a feel-good hot chocolate drink!

Throughout the years, it seems that Bluejay Coffee and Deli has strove to win the masses by adding value meals, cakes and sweet treats into their menu. They sure are doing it right, particularly in the price department.

For 88 php. this Chicken ala King pasta comes with an orange juice drink.

While I've always been a fan of Coffeebreak, it just breaks my heart that the quality and quantity of their drinks have dwindled in the past decade.

Same value for a different kind of pasta, this Baked Penne is also available with a 12 oz juice.

My favorite Bluejay place is in Ayala Technohub at Glicerio Pison Ave., Diversion Rd., Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

You may contact them via the telephone number 333-3961 or the email blue_jaycoffee@yahoo.com

The Ultimate Cheese Sandwich

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8 Places to Enjoy in Iloilo

Say you're on a business trip to Iloilo, or maybe you're just there for a quick vacation. Are you browsing the web for ways to enjoy your Iloilo vacation? Do you want to see some of Iloilo's tourist spots?

Here are just some of the places to visit when travelling to Iloilo.

"I am Iloilo" sign in the Iloilo Esplanade

Just so we're clear, there are a lot of great places to visit in Iloilo, especially now that Iloilo is preparing for the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC) Summit.

1. Iloilo Esplanade

Iloilo Esplanade Entrance Sign

Post Script:

This 1.2 kilometer esplanade celebrates Iloilo citizens' love for their river. It provides a functional, as well as beautiful venue that accommodates varied leisure activities open for all to use and appreciate. It also brings everyone closer to the water's edge, reconnects people back to nature and increases awareness of the environmental balance necessary for the city to sustain those who live within its borders.

A closer look at the newly paved pathway inside the esplanade.

The Iloilo Esplanade was created alongside the Iloilo River. It's a known shortcut from the highway to Molo. It's also a safer walking route to the Boardwalk which leads the path to Smallville, Iloilo's nightlife central.

Iloilo Esplanade's Beauty at Night

The Iloilo Esplanade is a great place for joggers and exercise buffs. At one end of the Esplanade (the one near  Zyron's), group exercise programs like Taebo and Zumba are being held on a daily basis.

The path to Molo and the entrance of the Riverside Boardwalk

2. JD at Huervana St., La Paz

Whenever someone mentions JD, they often refer to the famous JD Roadhouse. Unfortunately, their food quality has begun to decline. The last time I ate there, I was so disappointed with the Palabok (too little sauce) and their famous Baked Mac (too dry).

This JD Bakeshop is located in Huervana St., La Paz, Iloilo City

Then, I was able to eat breakfast at JD La Paz. Boy was my disheartening experience erased.

I just love eating at the place early in the morning. It's virtually empty.

For me, the best JD (in terms of food preparation) is located in La Paz, in front of the La Paz public market, along Huervana Street.

At the top portion of a picture is their new sandwich. I love it. It's way better than their JD Clubhouse Sandwich.

3. Plazuela de Iloilo

Sorry for the sucky picture. Hahaha. I took this shot with a Samsung Galaxy Y.

I've been gone for such a long time that last June, when I visited Plazuela, I was so amazed by the new additions in the place. There were enlarged colorful flower fixtures accompanied by bees and butterflies.

4. Teds at Iloilo

Teds is just Teds. It's famous for its batchoy. I personally don't like eating batchoy, but I'm sure the adventurous palate would beg to differ.

5. Sharetea in Smallville

Okay, so it's not all about local restos. I know Sharetea isn't from the Philippines, but I'd be damned if I don't include them in this list. I would rather drink in Sharetea than in Iloilo's damned Starbucks anytime.

Sharetea is located inside the Smallville Complex. My favorite drink is the Ice Blended Cocoa with Ice Cream. 

Yes, bitter ako because we've had multiple undesirable experiences with them, ranging from a Frappuccino with too much sugar to an over-charged "dagdagan mo ng cream" request.

Ooops! Sorry, wrong tea. Although, my usual Sharetea order does remind me of my favorite Chatime Mousse drink. Mmm...Chocolate...

And besides, at least Sharetea was not responsible for mass food poisoning Iloilo citizens, Dakasi is.

6. Roberto's

Of course, there are other places worth mentioning. This restaurant is particularly amazing as the owners don't allow franchising.

Roberto's is relatively small compared to the massive number of customers that buy their burgers, siopaos, meatballs, shanghais, and fried rice on a daily basis.

Roberto's with their amazing Lumpia Shanghai and Queen Siopao. 

7. Coffee Break

Coffee Break because it's a local cafe

This last picture was taken YEARS ago. I just love Coffee Break's Baked Mac and Tuna Casserole.

As for their Frappes? Let's just say that it has been a struggle for them to maintain their old standard in coffee drink quality, especially when it comes blended iced beverages or frappes.

8. Love & Kisses Pizza Pies

Love and Kisses is a late addition because I've completely forgotten about it. I do have two sucky pictures of my favorite pizza choices.

Love & Kisses is the only pizza place that lets you order Seduction.

Love and Kisses has always been one of my favorite pizza place ever since time immortal. To be more prices, that's two decades ago.  I have enjoyed Love & Kisses' pizzas even back when their tiny pizzeria was located in narrow street within Iloilo Central Market.

And if all else fails, there's always Fantasy, right?

Sure, they're no Afrique's. Then again, Love & Kisses creates a nostalgic atmosphere that Ilonggos have learned to enjoy throughout the years.

There you have it. 8 Places to Go to When in Iloilo

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8 Places to Go to in Iloilo
8 Iloilo Tourist Spots
8 Iloilo Spots to Enjoy
8 Places to Visit in Iloilo

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Undeniably The Worst Starbucks Branch Ever... Starbucks at Southpoint SM City Iloilo

Like most of you, I love Starbucks. Although somewhat expensive, the fact is, they have the friendliest and most helpful staff, the tastiest coffee, and the extra whipped cream. Who doesn't love the free extra whipped cream? And I thought that this was applicable to all branches of Starbucks. In fact, I've never known a Starbucks to skimp on ingredients...or whipped cream.

And no, I am not talking about the whipped cream that's blended into the coffee. I just want the extra fluff on top of my Frappuccino!

Starbucks' Raspberry Blackcurrant Blended Juice and Mocha Frappuccino

But I was wrong. There's actually one branch which just plain sucks at making Starbuck's prize-winning coffees. To add to the frustration, they don't do "extra whip". They just charge you for it while most branches (all branches I've gone to), give this as a typical freebie.

To cut to the chase, I will never ever EVER go to Starbucks at Southpoint SM City Iloilo EVER AGAIN! Why? Because of the following reasons:

1. Starbucks at SM City Iloilo skimps on ingredients. 

Their coffee neither taste as strong nor sweet as the ones in NCR branches. My top three examples... Starbucks Marquinton (love the extra strong coffee taste), Starbucks Eastwood (a little sweet but still fine) and, my personal favorite, Starbucks at Katipunan Ave along Ateneo (extra whip filled to the brim of the Frap's cover).

Hey Manager! This is how extra whipped cream is supposed to look like. And it's freaking free in all the other branches you aren't working in!
Starbucks Green Tea by Terry Johnston, CC BY 2.0

Is it too much to ask the same level of taste and quality from Frappuccinos of the same store name? Doesn't Starbucks pride itself in keeping quality and service at its finest?

I won't be attacking the lack of telephone numbers/ hotlines in the receipt... But how am I supposed to make a complain?

Oh wait... here it is!

Southpoint SM City Iloilo        

Southpoint SM City Iloilo, Benigno

Aquino Ave., Manduriao, Iloilo, Iloilo

(033) 333-34-90

Add-on shot for a premium ingredient... Sure!

I can't wait for the time to come when Starbucks starts to charge its customers additional for using their electricity and Wi-Fi. Although I doubt that'll happen in NCR, I won't be surprised if it does at Iloilo.

2. They charge you for "Extra Whip on Top". 

Yes, dear friends. Starbucks at SM City Iloilo charges extra for extra Whipped cream which has always been free in all the other branches. This is the second time I've been charged for Extra Whipped Cream. The first time (same branch), the manager explained that "Double Whip" does cost additional since whipped cream is blended in the drink and on top of the fluff. Extra whipped cream on top, however, (which is often confirmed by the cashier or barista) is FREE- no matter how many Frappuccino blended beverages you've ordered.

This is how Starbucks Frappes should look like. No extra charges involved, unless you want an entire espresso shot!

According to their Shift Manager Ms. KLQ, they DO charge extra for premium ingredients. And since whipped cream is a premium ingredient (obviously another ingredient they want to skimp on), then an additional 20 php is added to your bill.

Thank the coffee gods the condiments are free!!!

And to further agitate me, she adds that it will only be charged once for the two coffee-based blended beverages where the whipped cream will be split in half. Does this mean people who request for "no whipped cream" get a 20 php rebate on their payment?

I didn't know Starbucks has been opened for franchise! It truly sounds like a businessman's imposition rather than the beloved store group people from different nations have adored. Apparently, it's not enough that you're paying 180php for a Venti Frappuccino.

3. Something is definitely wrong with Starbucks SM City's whipped cream.

Let me give you a recap of that, their Frappuccino isn't as tasty, they charge an additional 20 php for Extra Whipped on Top (a typical freebie in all other Starbucks branches), and their whipped cream isn't smooth or fluffy (To be honest, you're better off in Coffeebreak. And I'm not even a big fan of theirs anymore!).

Coffeebreak is one of Iloilo's pioneer cafes. And the whipped cream on top of their Frappes are perfect.

I'm supposed to think this is okay? It's not smooth and fluffy. Something is wrong with this Starbucks branch's whipped cream.

Perhaps it's because the staff of Starbucks SM City Iloilo has yet to experience the taste and level of service other branches are currently offering. Heaven forbid I'd get the excuse that this Starbucks is in the province! I know Ilonggos are better than that.

This is how the Starbuck's Whipped Cream should look like.
coffee tiramisu cappuccino by hirotomo t, CC BY-SA 2.0

Perhaps it's because they have yet to internalize what Starbucks embodies.

It has always been, and will always be, about quality.

-Starbucks Mission Statement

Perhaps the managers are just plain too busy  to impose strict quality control.

Perhaps they're too busy to compare their service with other Starbucks branches that they're confident enough to say that anything extra costs extra (probably except cream, sugar and anything in their condiments table).

Perhaps its because no dissatisfied customer has ever confronted them yet.

I don't know. One things for sure, I will never EVER EVER EVER go to Starbucks at SM City Iloilo ever again.

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Bubba Lab Tea at Graceland Plaza, Marikina City

The newly opened Bubba Lab at Graceland Plaza is quite a hang out place. When it comes to ambiance, this little tea shop is one of those perfect hideaway types. 

Laboratory-themed interiors with rat plushies in a cage! Black and purple overall motif with a hint of  paper balls hanging in the air.

Bubba Lab Teas cost between 70 php to 95 php. I haven't tried or seen them all yet. However, I do enjoy drinking their Chocolate-flavored  tea. I would've chosen Tiramisu for a change, but it wasn't available yet. 

Bubba Lab Tea's Order Area. As you could see, prices are listed on the board with their own periodical table symbol. They've also taken the liberty of adding in the hot and cold availability of said "element".

The last tea/smoothie I tasted was called ChocoBanana and it wasn't all that bad (I say that as a compliment). I wasn't that happy with their Mocha Latte, though. It had a very overpowering coffee taste- nothing a minor adjustment on the cream (or milk) measurement won't fix.

Goodbye, Coffee Era. Hello, Tea Era!

Bubba Lab Tea is located at Graceland Plaza along J.P. Rizal Street, Brgy. Lamuan Malanday, 1805 Marikina City.

For more information, you could drop by their Bubba Lab-Graceland Plaze Facebook Page.

Bubba Lab Tea Store Hours

10:00 am - 09:00 pm (Monday to Thursday)

10:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Friday to Sunday)

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Chatime at Gateway, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines

It's pretty obvious that I'm a big fan of Chatime. Aside from serving drinks that keep me full when I'm on window shopping mode, the taste of their Chocolate Mousse (85 php for regular and 95 php for large) beverage is what I consider heavenly. 

After tasting their Taro Milk Tea, which was satisfactory, I tried the Chocolate Mousse at Chatime, SM Marikina and stuck to it for good. Although, I can't deny stealing occasional sips from my sister's Honey Lemon Aloe and niece's Choco Raspberry Cocoa (not a big admirer of the latter's taste).

I'm not a photographer so please bear with our semi-sleuthing picture.

Bottom line, if you're dropping by Gateway (say, by commuting through the LRT 2: Santolan to Recto route or vice versa) and you have an extra 100php to spend on snacks or indulgences, go for Chatime!

I love how you're able to choose whether to put less ice (or no ice) in your chosen beverage (same goes with sugar)- unlike coffee floats and Coke floats that's just teeming with ice.

Drop by Chatime Philippine's Facebook page to see their latest promos and menus.

This Chatime is located in Gateway Mall at Aurora Blvd, Cubao, Quezon City.

For general inquiries, you may contact them at chatimephilippines@yahoo.com.

For Delivery Inquiries, you may call this number 2121212

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Food for Thought: JD Roadhouse in Iloilo City, Philippines

JD Roadhouse is pretty much the food haven of students, yuppies and families alike. The food is cheap and reasonably good. The first time I have gone to JD was in high school. Back then, their famed Baked Mac cost 16 php. I would pair it up with an iced tea which was about 11 php (or somewhere between the lines).

JD Roadhouse is located near the University of San Agustin.

After more than a decade of continued patronage, JD is still one of my favorite places to dine in Iloilo.

JD Roadhouse has a variety of bread selections.

Their manager has always had the customer's best interest at heart. Once, I had requested for additional white sauce in my Fettuccine Alfredo and the manager had it replaced. There wasn't anything wrong with my order, I just wanted more sauce because this particular one didn't have as much as I was accustomed to. The manager saw it and told the waitress to serve us a new one- even though I've already taken a bite at it.

Cakes, confectioneries and bread snacks are all spotlighted in their glass displays.

JD Roadhouse is my favorite JD branch because it was the first one to introduce the Rice Square Meals. A side note though, those who miss the old taste of Baked Mac would be better off at JD Lapaz near the entrance of Iloilo Mission Hospital.

And my all time favorite is their Mixed Beef Rice Square.

It does not matter if you're just hanging out with friends or eating out with your family, in JD Roadhouse you'll always get a great meal for your hard-earned money.

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Coco Fresco at SM Marikina

Thirsty? Need a refreshing, cold drink at an affordable price? Are you at SM Marikina? Drop by Coco Fresco and enjoy their Plain Buko Shake (Coco Shake) at 55 php.

The Coco Fresco logo is found in all their drinks.

No, this isn't a sponsored ad. But I sure hope it was. On Weekends and Fridays, don't be surprised if their little kiosk is teeming with customers. Their Coco Shake is delicious (and did I say cheap already?) and well worth the 55 php it costs.

Coco Fresco Kiosk in SM Marikina

Coco Fresco Prices (as of this post's date):
Coco Shake Venti (22oz) - 55 php
Coco Shake Grande (16oz) - 45 php
1 L Coco Water (Buko Juice)- 70 php
500 ml Coco Water- 40 php

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