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LOOK! Biggest Starbucks in the PH boasts magnificent view of Taal Lake

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RHIA GRANA

<p>Noey Tantoco Lopez, president of Rustan Coffee Corporation (RCC), the exclusive licensee of Starbucks in the country, couldn’t help but feel sentimental when he delivered his opening remarks at the launch of Starbucks Reserve Hiraya in Tagaytay City Wednesday.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/2sb.jpg"/><figcaption>Hiraya is the 18th Starbucks Reserve in the country. </figcaption></figure></div><p>The event marked a special milestone in the Lopezes’ life as the store launch coincided with the 56th wedding anniversary of his parents, Jun and Menchu Lopez. In attendance that day were family and close friends of the Lopezes, and long-time employees of the company.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/3sb.jpg"/><figcaption>&quot;Every Starbucks store that we build is unique, but it gives you a familiar feeling. And it&#x27;s really like your home, your haven,&quot; says Jamie Silva, the company’s Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience &amp; Loyalty.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Hiraya, the outlet they just opened, is the biggest Starbucks in the country and the first Starbucks Reserve in Tagaytay. The building sits on a 4,500 sqm property. It can seat around 250 (indoor and al fresco) and has 63 parking spaces. Hiraya stands on the same spot where the first Starbucks in Tagaytay was built 20 years ago.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/5sb.jpg"/><figcaption>The new Hiraya store stands at the same spot where the first Starbucks store in Tagaytay was built in 2003.</figcaption></figure></div><p>“There was a karaoke bar down there, a Pancake House here, a carinderia there,” Noey says, smiling. “We were all sharing the space.” Then last year, during the pandemic, the company got the opportunity to lease the entire space.</p><p>“Why don’t we take it for ourselves and build something we can all be proud of?” Noey remembers his brother, Quito, saying. Thus was born the idea to build the biggest Starbucks Reserve store in Tagaytay.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/4sb.jpg"/><figcaption>The store&#x27;s interior blends earthy tones and gold accents.  </figcaption></figure></div><p>“Hiraya means imagination,” Noey says in his speech. “Hiraya also means the fruits of one&#x27;s hopes, dreams and aspirations. So it’s very appropriate that we’re building this beautiful store after 25 years. (They opened the <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/restaurants/12/04/22/noey-lopez-looks-back-on-25-yrs-of-starbucks-in-the-ph">first Starbucks in the Philippines</a> 25 years ago.) We’re celebrating it on the day of my parents’ anniversary.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/7sb.jpg"/><figcaption>There are plenty of indoor and outdoor seats to choose from. </figcaption></figure></div><p>Every Starbucks store is unique but what makes Hiraya a cut above the rest is the breathtaking view of scenic Taal framed by the elegant earth tones of the store’s interior. It’s actually the first thing that will grab you as you enter the store. Starbucks Reserve Hiraya also showcases local artistry through its woven panels and materials, creating a warm, welcoming ambiance for customers.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Aze Ong" s="" woven="" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/8sb.jpg"/><figcaption>Aze Ong&#x27;s woven masterpiece welcomes customers in the store. </figcaption></figure></div><p>The vibrantly colored and intricately woven masterpiece of contemporary artist Aze Ong displayed on a wall is a striking conversation piece. “It’s an artistic representation of the brand’s mission globally, which is human connection,” offers Jamie Silva, the company’s Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience &amp; Loyalty.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Oviso espresso machine" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/10sb.png"/><figcaption>With the Starbucks Oviso espresso machine, customers get to enjoy the experience of seeing their coffee made, with no obstruction. </figcaption></figure></div><p>Starbucks Reserve Hiraya is a store of many firsts, says Quito Lopez, Rustan Coffee’s store development planning manager. It&#x27;s the first Starbucks store in the country to have the Oviso espresso machine. Because of the place’s open-bar concept, the fully automated machine allows their “coffee masters” to have an enhanced connection with customers who get to enjoy seeing their coffee made.  </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/6sb.jpg"/><figcaption>Pastries exclusively offered at Starbucks Reserve Hiraya. </figcaption></figure></div><p>Hiraya is also the first Starbucks store in the Philippines to offer oven-fresh pastries baked on-site. It has an indulgent selection of tarts and croissants and the branch’s signature Hiraya Latte, exclusively available only in this branch.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Starbucks Reserve Hiraya" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2023/11/9sb.jpg"/><figcaption>Hiraya Latte is a Reserve espresso with white chocolate mocha, breve milk, salted caramel syrup, whipped cream, and Turkish coffee sprinkles. </figcaption></figure></div><p>RCC is expected to continue making milestones in the coming days. “This is really connected to our vision which is limitless possibilities,” says Noey. “And I think it’s just the beginning. We just set the bar high.”</p><div><em>Starbucks Reserve Hiraya is open from 7am to 1am (Mondays to Thursdays); 6am to 2am (Fridays to Sundays).</em></div>

This Starbucks Reserve stands on the same spot where the first Starbucks in Tagaytay was built 20 years ago