Been There Christmas – Manila 2 (2023) was released together with this mug. It is pretty easy to get lost between Philippines releases, so here are some distinctive features of this particular mug, that will allow you to tell it apart from others:
1. The box and the inside of the mug are purple
2. The design replicates the regular mug but has a Christmas (red) reusable cup next to the name of the mug
These were discovered (pun intended) much faster than I expected. As you probably remember, in the case of the previous series of Starbucks collectibles, there was a six-month gap between the release of the mugs and the release of the ornaments. So I was mentally prepared to see the mini mugs from the Discovery series only closer to the end of the year. What was my amazement when I saw the photos of the brand-new Discovery Series Ornament – New York City today.… Read more
Starbucks Been There – Barranquilla is a mug for a bustling city with a rich history situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia. Its name is believed to originate from the Spanish word “barranco,” meaning ravine or cliff, and “quilla,” a term from the indigenous Muysccubun language, possibly referring to a stone wall. Founded in 1629 by Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, Barranquilla initially served as a port for the transportation of goods, becoming a crucial hub for trade in the region.… Read more
I am finally adding Starbucks Been There Christmas – Philippines 2 here, so you can have a proper understanding of the Special Edition mugs from the Land of Smiles. This particular release was spotted during the 2023 Holiday season. It resembles the Summer Edition which I’ve reviewed recently, except instead of black, Starbucks used gold color to outline the elements of the design. When compared to the Philippines Christmas v1, this new version doesn’t have any Holiday-themed elements, except for the red cup right next to the palm tree.… Read more
Starbucks Discovery Series – California is a fresh release for The Golden State. California, a state nestled along the western shores of the United States, boasts a captivating history with an intriguing origin for its name. The term “California” is believed to have originated from a 16th-century Spanish novel featuring a mythical island named “California.” Officially designated in 1846 during the Mexican–American War, California gained prominence during the mid-19th century Gold Rush, drawing fortune seekers from around the world. Today, it stands as a beacon of innovation, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, with its stunning landscapes ranging from sun-drenched beaches to majestic redwood forests.… Read more
Starbucks You Are Here – Avignon is a mug for a city nestled in the sun-kissed Provence region of southeastern France. Avignon holds a significant place in European history. Its name finds its roots in the Celtic tribe of Avii who once inhabited the area. Established as a settlement around the 6th century BCE, Avignon’s strategic location along the Rhône River facilitated its growth into a bustling Roman town known as Avenio. The city witnessed various rulers and conquerors throughout the centuries, from the Romans to the Visigoths and later the Franks.… Read more
Five mugs from the Land Down Under were released about a year ago. They are available in stores but are still harder to get for collectors in Europe or the Americas due to high-cost shipping. But if you’re a true hardcore fan, that should not stop you, right? Let’s start with the Starbucks Been There – Australia mug.
Australia, known colloquially as the “The Lucky Country,” boasts a rich history and cultural diversity. Indigenous Australians, believed to have settled the continent around 65,000 years ago, possess one of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth.… Read more
Starbucks Been There – Boracay 2 – Summer Edition 2023 is the fourth and final mug from the last summer batch release. I wonder if there is going to be a new version soon. Let’s keep an eye on that.
Boracay, often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, is a tropical paradise located in the Philippines. This small island, measuring just under four square miles, is famous for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life.… Read more
It has been a while since the release of the Japanese mugs, and Starbucks Been There – Tokyo was one of them.
Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis renowned for its modernity, rich history, and cultural heritage. With a population exceeding 13 million people, it stands as one of the most populous cities globally. Originally known as Edo, Tokyo became the official capital in 1868 during the Meiji Restoration, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history as the country transitioned towards modernization and opened up to the world.… Read more
Starbucks Been There Ornament – Louisiana 2 introduces subtle changes to the existing release. The easiest way to tell two versions apart is to look at the group of three musical notes next to the tiny Starbucks coffee cup. The new version has all of the notes to the right of the cup, while the old version had one to the left and two to the right.
Other changes include:
– an additional musical note on the back of the mug;
– one of the mosquitos is gone and the other one changed the place (so two versus three in total now);
– two sets of flowers are removed;
Additionally, I am only seeing the “made in China” version of the new ornament, it can be identified by the glossy string.… Read more
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