Starbucks Flagship Store is now available ONLINE.

You can NOW order your favorite Starbucks merchandise and collectibles online! 

If you have been following my IG account (instagram.com/mymetrolifestyle), then you'll know that I have been collecting Starbucks ICON tumblers and YAH (You are Here) series mugs. I also enjoy collecting their Christmas ornaments which I plan to use in the future to make a Starbucks themed Christmas tree once I have enough decors. (This year, we're having a Disney-themed tree and will post about it soon)

Anyway, Starbucks merchandise is one of the reasons why I get excited whenever I go to Starbucks because simply, we can never have enough tumblers and mugs. (LOL!)

Thus, I am happy to share that Starbucks finally opened their official store in Lazada. This means that you can get all these exclusive collectibles and merchandise delivered straight to your doorstep. Not to mention they may great holiday gifts so yes to easy and more convenient Christmas shopping. 

Here's the direct link to the Starbucks Flagship Store and check available merchandise, here.

Let me share some finds that you shouldn't miss: 

1. StarbucksxKateSpade Collection - This is going to be released on December 1st and this is one of the most exciting offers from Starbucks this year. This will sell out fast so watch out for it for this Starbucks and Kate Spade collab. 

Order via this link > 

2. Starbucks 12oz Tumbler Red Cup Holiday - This is part of the Red Holiday Merchandise Collection. It features the 2020 design to commemorate this year's release. 

Order via this link > 

3. Starbucks 14oz Mug You are Here (Boracay) - Traveling may be challenging nowadays because of the pandemic so here's your chance to score this Boracay YAH mug without leaving your house. 

So far, this is the only YAH mug available but there are several YAH tumblers available such as Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Batangas, Bulacan, Baguio, CDO, Quezon City, Makati, and Bacolod. You can check the YAH tumblers here.

Order via this link >

4. Starbucks 14oz Badge Mug 23rd Anniversary - This is a Philippine exclusive ceramic mug with the 23rd Anniversary metal badge. They also have some tumblers with the siren design. This is definitely a must-have if you are a collector as these come in limited quantities only. 

Order via this link >

There are still a lot of available items in the store. Will update this post soon. For now, you can head to their store and see for yourself. :) Click here to visit the Starbucks store. 

No remittance fee for donations to typhoon victims via BDO Remit; BDO Foundation sends relief packs

With the volcanic eruption in January, the pandemic that we are continuously battling, and the series of typhoons that hit the country a few weeks ago, 2020 is definitely not our favorite year. 

However, despite these challenges, we still believe that this year is not 100% bad. If we see it through the lens of gratitude, these experiences provided an opportunity for us to step up and help one another. It gave us the opportunity to be a better person and to teach us to be more compassionate and to bring out the best in us as we learn to serve and be of service to our fellow men and woman. 

This is not just about individuals or public servants. The private sector, businesses, and corporations have provided huge help in making sure we survive these challenges. 

To help its fellow kababayans hit by typhoons "Quinta," "Rolly," and just recently "Ulysses," BDO Remit—the remittance service brand of BDO Unibank—has waived the remittance fee on donations from overseas Filipinos coursed through different foundations. 

The zero remittance fee for these donations started last November 4 to December 31, 2020. 

"The year 2020 has been very challenging. But we have to recover, and we have to be there for our Kabayans who are in dire need of help. Hopefully, with this, we can encourage more donations from our overseas Filipinos to those adversely affected by the recent typhoons," said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie T. Gloria. 

Overseas Filipinos may remit their donations free of service fees via any BDO Remit office abroad to BDO Unibank's corporate social responsibility arm, BDO Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc., and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. 

BDO Remit has nine subsidiary offices outside the Philippines. In Asia, BDO Remit has offices in Macau, Hong Kong, and Japan. In North America, BDO Remit is located in Daly City, USA & in Toronto, Canada while in Europe; BDO Remit has presence in the United Kingdom. For the complete list of addresses, visit bdo.com.ph, go to Remittance Services and click BDO Remit international network. 

Meanwhile, BDO Foundation, in coordination with BDO and BDO Network Bank branches, has already begun sending relief packs containing food and drinking water to families hit by Typhoon Ulysses. 

This is the latest disaster response initiative BDO Foundation has undertaken. Earlier, it has distributed relief goods to more than 36,000 families hit by Typhoons Pepito, Quinta, and Rolly. 

Relief work in Rolly-stricken provinces is still ongoing. 

BDO Foundation has already distributed relief packs to almost 11,000 affected families in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes, the provinces hit hardest by the super typhoon. 

In line with its disaster response advocacy, BDO Foundation immediately sent relief packs containing food, rice, and drinking water to more than 14,000 families stricken by Pepito and Quinta in Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon—provinces hit hardest by the typhoons. The corporate citizenship initiative was made possible by officers of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches, who helped gather beneficiary information and identify barangays that needed assistance. Logistical support was provided by local government units and partner non-governmental organizations. 

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BDO Foundation aids areas hit by Typhoons Pepito and Quinta. In line with its disaster response advocacy, BDO Foundation immediately sent relief packs containing food, rice and drinking water to more than 14,000 families stricken by Pepito and Quinta in Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Quezon—provinces hit hardest by the typhoons. The corporate citizenship initiative was made possible by officers of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches, who helped gather beneficiary information and identify barangays that needed assistance. Logistical support was provided by local government units and partner non-governmental organizations. 

Be inspired with these stories of finding ways despite great uncertainty

The pandemic might have slowed down many businesses in the country, but Maylin Remo Natan knew she had to keep going. She had clients to service, employees to pay, and her own earnings to consider.

But because BDO branches remained operational, Maylin was able to fulfill her duties, making sure that for Trucklane Corporation’s partners, employees, and herself, life did not stop.

According to Maylin's story, because BDO remained open despite the pandemic, she was still able to: 

• Complete her FOREX transaction
• Cheque encashment
• Get approval for her business loan

which helped her continue with the business operations. She is also thankful that her relationship manager advised her to set aside some money when business was doing good as she could have never seen the pandemic coming. 

Do you have your own "Finding Ways" Story? Share it here. 

Insider Tips on How You Can Make the Most Out of Your MIBF Experience

Hello avid readers and book lovers!

The Manila International Book Fair is definitely one of the most awaited events every year. I remember going crazy seeing all the books at the SMX Convention Center last year and the year before that since all the big book publishing and distributors are all in one place. Not to mention, most of the books are available at a discounted price. There were lots of irresistible deals and offers. It was also a wonderful experience to meet some of our favorite authors who graced the event and was available to sign our precious books. 

However, this year is going to different. Due to the pandemic, it was impossible to have a live event. Thus, the organizers decided to have the first-ever Manila International ONLINE Book Fair. Since it's ONLINE, anyone can now join and buy their books as long as they have an internet connection. Yes, they can even cater to international orders. 

Anyway, let me share 6 tips on how you can make the most out of your MIBF experience. 

1. Registration is FREE - No need to pay anything to join the book fair. All you need to do is enter your name, email address, and phone number when signing-up in order to get access to the website. 

2. Attend Free Events and Seminars -  There are a lot of FREE webinars and talks from November 24-30. These are hosted on MIBF's Facebook Page, Youtube Channel, and Zoom. Some events even provide certificates (in case you need one for work) Other event hosts and sponsors are also giving away exciting freebies and prizes.  

You may check the full schedule of upcoming events here. 

3. 24-hour Shopping Experience - The website is open 24 hours so you are free to browse and order at your most convenient time. 

4. Get First Dibs on Newly Launched Books - There are a lot of books that will be launched during the Manila International Book Fair. Thus, this is your chance to be one of the first few book buyers. 

You may order these newly launched books here. 

5. Order from Multiple Sellers - There are a total of 58 exhibitors joining the event with thousands of book titles available. So feel free to add-to-cart. 

6. Discounts and Promos - You can check both the Special Offers Page and Exhibitors’ Homepage for surprises and exclusive deals