Costa Coffee at Robinsons Place Manila

In the middle of 2015, another coffee industry player from abroad arrived in the Philippines, much to the excitement of ardent Pinoy coffee aficionados. It's Costa Coffee, which is said to be the No. 1 coffee chain in the United Kingdom. Is was founded in London in 1971, and according to an article I read, it offers cheaper coffee that's better in quality than Starbucks'. Costa Coffee now has 2,900 stores in 30 different countries. The Gokongweis of the Robinsons group of companies brought it to the Philippines. By this time, they could have opened five branches 
in Metro Manila and Antipolo City as they have planned. 
On the Saturday after Christmas, my two girls and I went to Costa Coffee at Robinson's Place-Manila for dessert and yes, coffee, right after our whole family had lunch in Wok Inn - that iconic Chinese restaurant near Malate Church. Inside Costa, I literally saw red - it's the dominant color. But even before coming inside, the color red is what strikes you, with their signature telephone booth that's present, I think in all of their stores in the Philippines. The interiors have a very homey and relaxing feel, it made me want to linger, which I did, just to think and clear my head of the many stuff concerning work that I had to finish before my three-week vacation from work started. The cappuccino that I ordered helped me do some pondering..
Our orders:

Cappuccino, P120. (primo size)

Strawberry Pavlova Frostino, P175. (medio size)

Raspberry and White Chocolate Cream Frostino, P175. (medio)

Christmas Ube Flan cupcake, P95.

Original London Cheesecake, P150. 

Counter

An array of cakes and sandwiches

This Red Velvet Cupcake must be so good Santa couldn't help but bury himself in it.

Preparing the stencil art for my cappuccino

Menu

Interiors

Costa Coffee at Robinsons Place Manila

My cappuccino was bold and delicious. Costa indeed serves good coffee! The girls likes loved their Frostino. The London cheesecake was not too sweet, thankfully, and firm though still soft and moist. Yummy! We didn't like the Christmas Ube Flan cupcake, although it was such an eye candy. If it was indeed ube, the flavor didn't make itself distinct. All in all, it was a delicious, relaxing first visit to Costa Coffee. I'm looking forward to more visits this year to try their sandwiches and other sweets, and hopefully see more items on the menu. Meet you there, folks! 

Happy eating!

New dawning

In just over two hours as I write this, year 2015 will be part of history. The present chapter of our lives will be closed for good, sealing with it both the joy and pains that would soon become mere memories. How are you ending 2015? With gladness and hope or with sadness or regret? I do hope you will bid 2015 goodbye with hope however heavy your heart feels. Every new year, and in fact, in every new day, God gives us an opportunity to do better than yesterday, 

if we allow Him to lead us into the right way - His way. 

Remember that God loves you and wants you to experience His immense and faithful love in the most profound way. Begin the coming year by seeking Him and experience His transforming power in your life. See for yourself how the Lord can bring you 

promotion, prosperity, peace and happiness.

Have a blessed New Year! 

Sunrise in Tambobong Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan, Dec. 31, 2015

Today's Word: Isaiah 7:14

Today, we celebrate one of most important occasions in the lives of Christians - the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. For me, Christmas and Resurrection Sunday are the two most important celebrations for these are the greatest proof of God's love to mankind. As I ponder on the birth of Jesus, I can't help but be in awe of the deep and everlasting love of God the Father - that He let His only Son to live on earth as a human being, to suffer and bear our sins so that we may be saved. Indeed, no other love could be greater than that! 

 I hope people would reflect on the message of Christmas and not get lost in the sea of merriment that the occasion brings. Nowadays, Christmas has become highly secularized and commercialized. People have put the emphasis on material things (gifts!) and holding and attending parties rather than on the true spiritual meaning of the celebration. 
May I suggest that we read Bible passages on the birth of Jesus and share this story with our children, who may think that the occasion is only about receiving and unwrapping presents and eating lots of festive, delicious food. As we wind down tonight, let us 
spend time reading God's word and then thank Him for His great blessing - the birth 
here on earth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!