December 8, 2011 - Starbucks, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore - Being away from all that’s familiar is pretty hard when you’re abroad. In the Philippines, the build up to Christmas is just as important as the event itself. The country—indeed, the people—is transformed. Nothing is logical or sustainable. Self-gratification manifests as acts of kindness to others, and the resounding cliché is “it’s better to give than to receive.”

I haven’t had gourmet coffee since I left the country, so today’s news of Starbucks giving out free beverages of any kind for a donation of any amount was pretty much a big deal. Miles away from home, I am still happy to indulge in the same rituals I have grown accustomed to—so I gave to charity and got a cup of tall, light Toffee Nut Frappuccino with a red velvet cupcake-kicker in return.

Happy holidays!