When Starbucks Philippines opened its newest branch in Filinvest City right across the Filinvest City Central Park in late October, there was a lot of social media buzz as well as discussions within Alabang community members about it ranging from happiness to being concerned.
To be clear, the said Starbucks Filinvest City branch is in a standalone place (no other business establishments beside it as of now) and it is the first-ever Starbucks Drive-Thru in Alabang. Being across Filinvest City Central Park, the coffee shop is a short walk away from East Asia Drive establishments like Parque EspaƱa, Commercenter and The Mondrian Residences.
Although the new Starbucks branch was described as being located along Filinvest Avenue, its front (entrance and exit) is actually located along East Asia Drive as it faces Filinvest City Central Park. It also has its own parking area where motorized customers can park for free. For the Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/MVohqcwfrzRdry9C9
For a clear view of the location of Starbucks Filinvest City, watch the video I recorded and posted below. It is my solo walk video from Commercenter to Starbucks.
The coffee shop operates Monday to Sunday, from 6AM to 11PM.
On November 1, I made my first visit at the place to see it personally. It has a nice interior and the typical Starbucks look on the menus, the counter and display of food and drinks. What caught my attention was how spacious the 2nd floor was in terms of seats and walking space. The large windows provided visitors nice views of the Filinvest City Central Park and Filinvest Avenue. On that day, I did not order anything as I went there to look and observe.
On November 4, I finally made my first order of coffee by means of drive-thru. Even though there were two vehicles ahead of me, the drive-thru experience at Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park was pretty smooth lasting less than ten minutes. I had a hot white chocolate mocha.
As mentioned earlier, there were some people online who expressed concern about how the newest Starbucks branch in Alabang would affect the ambience very near the park which is a popular weekend destination for both local residents and visitors who enjoy the fresh air and open space.
There were those who expressed concern about the anticipated increase of vehicles along East Asia Drive by the park, and the possibility that someday, a long line of cars could be formed in the event a lot of motorists decide to buy coffee via drive-thru. Some commented that more vehicles attracted by Starbucks might make East Asia Drive less friendly and even risky for those who enjoy jogging or biking on the said road.
A few commented that Alabang alone has lots of branches of Starbucks already and I can relate with that. There is a Starbucks Reserve inside Westgate. Alabang Town Center has one (two if you count there other one at Metro Alabang), Molito Lifestyle Complex has one, One Griffinstone building has one, Festival Mall has two, a few in Northgate Cyberzone, and so on.
On the other hand, some people commented that having coffee at Starbucks will somehow boost their chances to visit Filinvest City Central Park which itself has special events during weekends depending on the season and weather conditions. The park has been a special place for Christmas activities (read my 2024 Christmas spectacle at the park by clicking here) and night-time music shows (recently held at The Nest, a special structure that provides a wide roof). For the Google Maps location of Filinvest City Central Park, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzt8D9yLzRSVVhae9
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been to Starbucks near Filinvest City Central Park? If you have been there, what do you think about the design of the coffee shop? Have you tried their drive-thru?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Author Carlo Carrasco 