[Starbucks + Pampanga]
There are about nine Starbucks branches in Pampanga. Each has their own vibe. After carefully analysing each branch for 7 years, I came up with these, some-what mediocre, and slightly-unfounded conclusions.
SM Pampanga (San Fernando wing / SB OLD):
Is the first Starbucks branch to open in the Culinary Center of the Philippines. It is the birth place of local Kapampangan “Starbucks Lovers.” (like the Taylor Swift song). Patrons here are mostly OG (old school), and are students from nearby campuses (Mostly UA students).
TIP: Probably has the friendliest security guard (short, dark man) who’s always willing to be a part-time photographer.
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Tall
Crowd and Seat Availability: Tall
Service/Barristas: Venti
Environment/Vibe: Tall
SM Pampanga (Mexico wing / SB New):
Is mostly visited by patrons of upper middle class coffee enthusiasts in the Mexico, City of San Fernando area, and student’s who want to separate themselves from the norms of “pa cool kids” of SB Old. These students/teens are of the higher level of “pa-cool kids” in southern Pampanga, or so they think.
TIP: Myca and Cha (barista) will brighten up your day.
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Grande
Crowd and Seat Availability: Tall
Service/Barristas: Venti
Environment/Vibe: Grande
Starbucks Emerald/St. Francis:
Is probably the prelude destination of upper middle class families and businessmen before they head home maybe after church or after work or what not. The location is a bit impractical for commuters so most of the people you will encounter here are legit cool kids material. Well, maybe a few cool kids from Don Bosco, St. Scholastica, Fatima, and HAU won’t hurt.
TIP: Keep an eye on those highly coveted sofa set located at the side of the bar. That’s the prime spot.
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Tall
Crowd and Seat Availability: Grande
Service/Barristas: Venti
Environment/Vibe: Tall
Starbucks SM Clark (inside the mall, and annex):
Basically, this is where you’ll find inter-racial relationships. These branches are like the hub of conspicuous meet ups between a Filipina and a prospected foreign life line. The annex branch is where most serious students flock to conduct group studies. Mostly from AUF and HAU. Some pa cool kids are also present, with their fixies of course.
TIP: (inside the mall) - I don’t know why you drink there | (annex) probably the best Starbucks branch in PMP for smokers like you and me. They have 13 tables available for you outside!
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Grande
Crowd and Seat Availability: Venti
Service/Barristas: Grande
Environment/Vibe: Grande
Starbucks Marquee Mall:
Is probably the hub for cool kids, AKA “I study at an international school.” The vibe here is mixed with people from the arts, and people who are just ma-ARTe. One of the best thing besides the coffee is, there are no beggars in sight. So you don’t have to feel guilty gulping on that overpriced venti-cup.
TIP: No in-store CR available.
(Beggar-free branches: Marquee, Berthaphil, SM Clark)
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Grande
Crowd and Seat Availability: Grande
Service/Barristas: Venti
Environment/Vibe: Venti
Starbucks AUF:
Is probably the place to be if you’re on a look out for hot chicks. Nuff said.
TIP: Most of the patrons here are serious when it come’s to studying. Try to keep the noise down.
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Grande
Crowd and Seat Availability: Tall
Service/Barristas: Grande
Environment/Vibe: Venti
Starbucks Berthaphil:
Now there are only two ways to get here:
1. You work at a call center (or work around the area)
2. You or your friend have access to a car key, and an automobile.
This branch is probably the most relaxing Starbucks branch in PMP.
TIP: Tip the aetas for watching over your car. =)
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Venti
Crowd and Seat Availability: Venti
Service/Barristas: Grande
Environment/Vibe: Venti
Starbucks Nepo-Quad:
This is the newest branch situated right in the heart of Angeles City. Starbucks Nepo-Quad is already becoming a destination for Angelites who are pretty much intimidated by AUF students at Starbucks AUF. This branch is probably one of the smallest Starbucks in PMP.
TIP: Plenty of parking space, but the seats are scarce if you have a big group. Look for Enzo (barista) he’s nice.
Verdict: Tall (poor) | Grande (tolerable) | Venti (excellent)
Noise: Tall
Crowd and Seat Availability: Tall
Service/Barristas: Venti
Environment/Vibe: Grande
There you have it, a personal observation that is slightly unfounded, with a hint of truth. Thanks to Starbucks for keeping the burguiose Kapampangan society alive and well. =)














