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Brewing Connections: Lester’s Journey from Student to Community Champion

By Starbucks PH | August 6, 2024

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    • “Lester’s journey from a Babag II Elementary School alumnus to a Starbucks Philippines partner came full circle when he returned to his alma mater to help build an AquaTower. This project, a collaboration with Planet Water Foundation, Starbucks Philippines and The Starbucks Foundation, reflects his deep commitment to both community and education.”


    Lester, a full-time Starbucks Philippines barista, frequently orders his favorite Iced Caramel Macchiato. Raised in Cebu, his life has been shaped by strong community ties and diverse experiences. After earning a degree in aircraft technology, Lester pivoted to Starbucks during the pandemic, showcasing his resilience and dedication.

     
    In his free time, Lester enjoys basketball, trekking, and socializing, which support his healthy lifestyle. As the eldest in his family, he aims to lead by example both at home and at work.
     
    Graduating from Babag II Elementary School in 2010, Lester has fond memories of his school days. His return through the AquaTower Volunteering Program was a nostalgic and fulfilling experience. The school, located in Lapu-Lapu City, previously struggled with limited access to clean water, making the Planet Water Foundation AquaTower—a donation from Starbucks Philippines and The Starbucks Foundation—a significant improvement.


    Lester expressed his gratitude: “I’m thrilled that Starbucks Philippines partnered with Planet Water Foundation. The AquaTower will provide clean water to a community that faced daily challenges with access to safe drinking water.”


    After learning about the initiative, Lester eagerly volunteered at Babag II Elementary. It was a full-circle moment for Lester, “I was excited to return to my old school and contribute to a cause that benefits so many,” he said.


    Lester’s vision for the community is simple: “I hope the AquaTower remains a lasting resource for future generations of students.”
     
    For Lester, being a Starbucks partner is about connecting with people and fostering meaningful relationships. “I take pride in sharing stories and building connections with both customers and colleagues,” he said, embodying the essence of Starbucks.

     
    More than 20 Starbucks volunteers participated in the initiative, engaging with the community through fun activities and education on handwashing and hygiene, in addition to building and installing the AquaTower. Starbucks Philippines is committed to similar community-focused projects, contributing to a sustainable future for the country.



    To date, the Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Philippines have supported the deployment of five AquaTower water filtration systems in the Philippines, supporting a total of up to 14,400 people with access to safe drinking water, with commitments in place to support two further AquaTower deployments later this year. 
     
    Learn more about the Planet Water Foundation program with Starbucks here.
     

    About Starbucks
    Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 34,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or starbucks.com.

    About Rustan Coffee Corporation or Starbucks Philippines
    Rustan Coffee Corporation, the licensee of Starbucks Coffee Company in the Philippines, opened its flagship store at 6750 Makati on December 4, 1997. The company now operates more than 400 outlets across over 60 cities nationwide as of 2024. Discover the renowned Starbucks experience by visiting our stores or exploring their offerings online at starbucks.ph

    About The Starbucks Foundation
    The Starbucks Foundation’s mission is to strengthen humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Learn more about The Starbucks Foundation by visiting sbux.co/foundation

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