The beginning of an END

October 8, 2012

Although I am should be blissfully happy to have all the Icon everything from the Philippines but it sort of makes me sad because I feel that I may not have an excuse to see my dear friends from there. Both that came, I was only able to spend less than 15 minutes with them but it seems that I’ve known them forever and extreme sadness to see them go.

Yes, I have a confession, and I tried NOT to blog about it because I don’t want to feel biased but the most support I’ve receive are my friends from the Philippines. They have paid attention to my every detail and remind me of what I am missing and what not, but more importantly, they DELIVER. Delivery doesn’t just include mugs, but pictures, and information that I don’t really pay attention to. How is this so? You would think  I am expert about these mugs but that’s far from the truth. I love the mugs, it makes me happy, but AGAIN, it’s how I came about these mugs that brought me excitement and true happiness. Maybe mugs are really the moderator for beautiful friendships. Who else would carry these mugs from half way around the world and bring them to me. It isn’t just ONE mug but at least 5 or 6 at a time.

My Facebook page is an open book to the whole world so anyone can visit, like and enjoy the information, stories, posts, pictures that I’ve fortunately have the permission to use on my Facebook page. However, it goes beyond that because many wants to meet other reliable collectors to trade. I am not able to manage that part of the process so I have wonderful support from my wonderful tumblerista brother Dan. Dan reached out to me and we both connected immediately. What is most important is the trust that we have and the system we’ve established through our mutual passion and respect for one another.

On behalf of collectors that came to my Facebook page and who now have a rapid Starbucks mugs collection, I am grateful for all my friends from the Philippines that made it possible. I am looking forward one day to visit Philippines so I can finally see where you live, where you go and your beautiful faces and smiles… once more.

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Boston-Revisited

September 25, 2012

On our way back to Washington DC from Montreal, I wanted to stop by Boston to see an old friend, Julia. Julia has been a huge support of mine, bringing me back mugs from her travels to Taiwan, China and wherever there is a mug at the airport.  The first time I visit Boston with Sook, I wasn’t addicted to mugs at all. Collecting for leisure so to speak! The first trip, we visit Paul Revere’s house, Boston Tea party, MIT, Harvard but this time, I visit more Starbucks than I did the historical landmarks! Rather than going to Harvard’s campus, we visited the Starbucks at Harvard Square. Close enough eh?

The park is still one of my favorite places to visit. The weather was perfect that day. Boston downtown is small so we walked everywhere.  I miss Sook when I was there. I clearly remember all the places we went to. It was around 4 yrs ago when we first visited Boston. Now, Sook is a mom and I am an auntie with 5 nieces and nephews, 1 more niece coming next year. I am also turning 40 in a few months. Half of my life has passed. So much has happened and my path is more view-able and  distinguished.

Just last year, there is no mention of being friends with traders. Now, I’ve met some online, some in person and more to see in the future. Everyone has their single story to tell. Mine is never a single story, rather, complex with so many forks in the road and I want to take roads that are not only less traveled, but only emotionally captivated by my soul.

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Montreal- St. Joseph Oratory

September 8, 2012

The first time I came to Montreal was over 25 years ago. All I can remember about Montreal was this beautiful, gigantic church that was up a hill and that people would pray for some sort of healing miracle.  The ironic thing is that the person who told me about the miracle of this church was Budhist. They went to pray because a member of the family was sick and their prayers came true. Today, with great determination, I went to the 730PM mass.  As we were near the church, there was a bright spot in the sky peaking out in the darkness of the grey cloud that was in the sky. It seemed as if God had peaked out, to remind me that He is always watching over us.

My friend who came along with me, never understood this obsession with Starbucks City mugs. On the way there, we kept stopping to look for mugs. Half way to Montreal, she started to point out every Starbucks store on the road we would pass by and even made a detour to see if they were carrying any city mugs!! Once we were in Montreal, she kept noticing every Starbucks we passed and insisted for me to stop by to get my mugs! I was really hoping for a Montreal tumbler but no luck.  She said she’s never been into Starbucks this many times in the whole year altogether!

She has no idea what she has gotten herself into!

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My 4th Grade Friend

August 27, 2012

prague duo

My oldest friend that I still see on a regular basis went to Prague because she was chosen to be a bridesmaid. What I really wanted to say about her was that about 2 year ago when she found out I collected Starbucks City mugs, she got one of Washington DC for me and rushed over after work to give it to me. After work for her is around 11PM at night. I will never forget that night. I have the mug, it’s an architecture mug, Washington DC mug, just as they were discontinuing it. All along I’ve been saying to everyone, it’s never about the mug, but it’s all about the messenger of the mugs. I don’t usually do posts for the blog, because then it entails people to have to read it. I just want people to accidentally find the blog and be inspired by it. For the past one week, there were at least 2 that found it and are completely inspired to collect. AGAIN, it’s not about the blogger, but the message that the blog delivered.

What transpired for a reader when they visit this blog, I may only know if they chose to verbally communicate with me. Lately, it’s been a blessing because they are more readily coming forward and letting me know they appreciate the effort behind it.

We draw energy from each other. The blogger, the admin, the moderator…only has the desire to continue when it’s voiced in the most affectionately way..APPRECIATION.

So my beautiful, longest and dearest friend…although you are too busy to work and help others around you, you always think of me no matter where you are, even if you are thousands of miles from me. That love is so dearly cherish and now, I am vocally letting the world know as well, that I too deeply touched by your sense of
kindness and our beautiful lasting friendship.

As represented by these two mugs, it’s just us two, together like we were in Sunday school, and now as we are older, still together, always there for each other, by your side, as you are always by my side…

ANOTHER INSPIRATION

August 25, 2012

I thought I would just start collecting the current series, the Global Icon series. As I snooped around the internet, I realized I was 13 years behind with all the older series. Then I stumbled upon TUMBLERS and thought I would just grab whatever I saw as I traveled here and there. So I tumbled upon Dan’s blog and realized that there are around 200 tumblers. Then Kristin found the Facebook page and was reaching out to trade cards. Starbucks gift cards. I just happened to pick up a few when I went to NYC and saw some here in Washington DC so I thought I just send it to her. It only cost around 70 cents so that’s nothing and I know the feeling of receiving mugs so she might feel the same way about receiving gift cards. This is the result as I came home last night from my friend’s bbq.

Here is the start of another adventure, the Starbucks gift cards. I have seen collectors posting pictures all over but have yet to really made the leap to start collecting them. Kristin, thank you for reaching out and inspire me to take on another meaningful journey in my life as I attempt to get all of these cities/country gift cards!

Texas Gift card

The many gifts from UK…

July 28, 2012

Miel's UK mugs

For those that have wondered if you saw this picture already, then it’ s not deja- vous! I posted this on the Facebook page right after I managed to cut through all the package that Miel took endless efforts to put together. This by far is the most popular post with 30 LIKES and 595 views so far, and we only have 308 Likes for this page!

‘This is what makes collecting mugs so fulfilling. It’s the people you never actually met, but feel that you’ve known, and holds a close place in your heart, even though they are oceans apart from you. Miel Preciosa, I hope one day we will find each other somewhere across the world and we can remember this wonderful experience that mugs brought us together! Part 2 is coming..:-)’

That is the comment for the post that caught so much attention because of the sincerity behind it. I am very grateful and flattered that another collector thinks of me while trying to find that mug for his/herself. The first person that thought about me was Rosa and now Miel. Between those two, I know we probably have most of those mugs. Such ambition and efforts which bond us all. I don’t really trade, yes, as shocking as it is. But when I do trade, it’s forever. Why would trading a mug that important? It’s the trust and respect behind it. These are people that you have never met, and maybe never will, but you are sending one of the most precious cargo, (because it was derived from the addiction of mugs!) and at the same token, received the exact substance of your heart and soul that went into the ‘business of exchanging’ mugs.

Looking at these precious mugs forever puts a smile on my face. From the many IMs and discussing which mugs to get and give, brings more than just a box received in the mail, but all the personal thoughts and discovery of all the commonalities that we have. That is the connection that you have, if you are brilliant enough to experience and realize it. ..even better yet, appreciate it and let it live with you…

Greetings from the Philippines!

Oth is the second person that I met in person who came to town and thought of me. The gift of mugs usually leads to lasting friendship! He not only gave me the Singapore Demi set as a gift but also brought 4 more mugs/sets/tumblers for me even though I don’t have anything to exchange it! The asking price seems to be at a ‘generous’ Oth discount!  These lasting memories is why I love collecting mugs. It’s a gateway for beautiful friendships, and memories! Can’t wait to see you again next year Oth!!  Georgetown is my ideal choice of real estate. Everything is in Georgetown- shopping, restaurants, bars/lounge, a beautiful view of the Potomac River, 2 Starbucks in less than a mile! Look it up! DC has more Starbucks per square footage than any place in America!