On December 1, 2015, UAE Starbucks collectors visited Baku, Azerbaijan for the newly released icon mug of Baku.

Collecting Starbucks Mugs Is Collecting Old and New Friends Too

 Lately, I have been following a group of nice and trustworthy people who are into the hobby of collecting mugs, not just any mug but the famous Starbucks' mugs.

 Not known to many, Starbucks is selling different kinds of mugs. These are the 16 oz city icon mugs, the cuties demitasse mugs, You Are Here (YAH) mugs, artsy mugs, ornaments and the limited edition ones.

 As for my personal experience, the first mug I got was during my trip in Thailand last May 8, 2013. It was just like getting one for office use. I was not that enticed at that time yet, so I only got myself a Phuket icon mug. Have I known back then, I would have taken all the Thailand city icon mugs when I could and be enthralled with happiness flying back. It’s all in the past now and regret is all that's left. Nevertheless, I am positive I can come back anytime soon to do what I must do.

 And then, here's comes my second mug from a very good friend, Regina during her trip in India last June 7, 2014, and the third was the Abu Dhabi which I just bought while having a coffee in a nearby Sbx, then came fourth mug from London courtesy of my boss whom I've helped in his US visa application, my fifth was the Turkey and Istanbul mugs and the rest were history. I could recap the story behind each mug that I own, how I got them and how big my smile had been every time one would hand me a precious (sounding like gollum) mug . My collection grows in number without even noticing it. I was happy getting mugs from non-collector friends who travel whether to their home countries or just on overseas tours until I discovered a group of people who are also into this hobby, people who are far more infatuated than me!

 One night, I was researching online about the countries or places having Starbucks icon mug so I can grab one when I or a friend travels. Then, I came across a Filipino collector’s blog that further lead me to the Facebook group page of people who are in the same hobby. The members are of different origins, from different continents of the world who get connected because of this hobby.  What amazed me more is the fact that each one of them is trusting a completely strangers. And I realized, that trust and confidence with word of honor do really exist even with strangers. With this, I realize that strangers are friends we haven't met yet.

 Mug trading is new to me, but surprisingly, i got to know that this is the most common practice for the collectors in this community. They would buy mugs from their local stores and trade them with mugs from the collectors from another places. And each would cover the same cost of the trade, fair and square!

 Some, being just too kind, would offer to buy the mugs from their local stores and would send it to the other interested collectors at cost, i.e. cost of mug plus the cost of courier. Trading deals are done through private messaging in Facebook where the exchanging of contact numbers and addresses happens.

 Some would just agree to meet up and bring their stuffs for trade and become real friends for life! Astonishing, isn't it?

 When I first joined this group, I was just observing how things get done and I follow the conversations in the page and get the updates of every successful trade deals. I slowly learned this craft. I got inspired and I was like… oh wow, I’m going to collect all those mugs like how all these people here are doing however realizing the monetary cost for this hobby, I felt it isn’t practical at all, I recoil and give it a lot of thinking. 

Oh well, i'll take easy and follow my passion. This is not a race at all so I would take my time and pace collecting these mugs.

 From then, I understand that I am nothing but a NEWBIE to this stuff! I am laughing out loud at myself for thinking that I am a veteran to this thing. But my guts convinced me that one day I will become a one great collector! 

 And not so long ago, I started connecting with my friends from all over the world. I took advantage of the World Wide Web and turn this media into my benefits. Genius huh? But having this hobby, I realized one more thing, I have been availed of the opportunity of connecting with my good old friends. Luckily everyone seems supporting me in this. I would start by saying… Can you please buy me these mugs and I will wire you the amount including the courier fees and I ask them what they want from my place in return. They would kindly answer me, “it’s not necessary my dear, this will just be my gift to you!” and I can only exclaimed “BIG Thanks and God bless you more!”.

 I hope this brings inspiration to those who love collecting and realize that there are more important  reasons of collecting, it isn’t just because of a mere hobby but the opportunity to reach out and touch people’s lives after all.

 Enjoy collecting and Happy mugging!

My Collection: Hotel Pens

Once I read, hotel pens are there for you to steal! 

(what I meant was "to take")! 

and so I did! 

lmao!

[ABU DHABI] I AM HERE CITY MUG

Got this mug from Starbucks Khalidiya Abu Dhabi Branch last July 2013.

[INDIA] I AM HERE COUNTRY MUG

This precious item was given by a very good friend, Regina Gamas, one of my best friends for life during her trip to India. It was her long time dream to visit and see the beauty of Taj Mahal and last June 2013, finally she did fulfill her dream.

the picture of this back view, shows the national game of India-- The Cricket!

[PHUKET] I AM HERE CITY MUG

Hello there again friends! 

I got this from my recent trip to Phuket - Thailand last May 7 -10, 2013 with my friend, Michelle! I was fortunate as I have been chosen to travel with her for free! yes, you read it right. It was a free trip!

front view design of I Am Here City Mug-- Phuket

back view design of I Am Here City Mug-- Phuket

 This will remind me of the fun I had during that trip.


Love Lots,
Jte

[JAPAN] STARBUCKS CITY MUGS/TUMBLERS

Hello everyone!

This is my first post of what I considered as "my precious" collection of Starbucks City Mugs/Tumblers. What I am going to post right now is not actually my first item in my collection. I started collecting last May 2013 in my recent trip to Phuket, Thailand. Though it was a  long time dream to collect. I was inspired by a childhood friend who worked in Starbucks - Dubai but at that time, it was just all in my mind. I have not got any chance to start collecting yet due to, of course, the budget constraint and I don't get to travel much.

But when we talk about the love and passion with something, it's never too late to start anytime. I guess, it never requires one to start immediately just to say you were able to do it. Time, itself will tell when you're ready to start. The passion is already there.. It's within you, so the moment you feel you are ready, get the first item in your collection, then that is it! Everything else will follow. And when you'll get started, you will realize that there are a lot of ways to be able to collect without hurting your purse. =)

Here's some helpful tips... based on my experience...

1.) Collect as many friends as you can from all over the world. you'll surely be receiving a package weekly ;)

I got this two lovely City Tumblers (Nagoya and Tokyo City of Japan) from a very special friend, Meldy Kanto. She was one of my closest in my first job. A confidant and a true friend to keep for life. Sent via post, courier was quite expensive so her husband, Edu told her to send me two so the charge would pay off! Lucky me =) *wink*

2.) Be extra nice and friendly to your bosses, colleagues, neighbors, roommates, and even your family members, on their next trip, you can especially request him/her to bring you extra special one instead of the usual undying travel present-- a key chain!

3.) Make use of the excess or unwanted items from your collection, other may not have it in their sets so you can swap it with some other collector.

4.) Watch out for some flea markets or garage sales nearby.

5.) Watch out for the unwanted items from your friends with the same collection as you are having! He could give it you instead of thrashing it. ;)

6.) Or finally, if you have extra cash and you don't know where and how to spend it, ask your travelling friends to buy one for you.

I hope you find this post full of sense!

Please watch out for my next post... I'm going to show you more of my collection!

Mabuhay!

Love Lots,

jtea