Designer toys for coffee drinkers

MANILA, Philippines - When we look at how toys have changed – from the wooden miniatures of the past to the gadgets and gizmos of today – we’ll find that toys have gradually developed complex representations, an interesting mix of visual culture. Enter designer toys – collectibles produced in limited editions by artists and designers, who are either self-taught or classically trained in graphic design and illustration.

A treat for collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts, designer toys are the focal point in the third installment of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Taste Series, a series of events set to highlight individual passions by showcasing a distinct life interest.

Dubbed “Avant Cup: Contemporary Art Appreciation with CBTL,” the event ran last August at the South Court of the Power Plant Mall. Avant Cup featured contemporary toys from Secret Fresh, the local haven for modern toy collectors, who are very much into vinyl figures incorporating various influences, from graffiti, comics, film and animation to music, architecture, fine art and design.

“In Avant Cup, we decided to showcase the ingenuity and creativity essential in designing limited-edition vinyl toys to reflect our commitment to delivering premium handcrafted beverages,” shares Walden Chu, president of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Philippines. “As part of our Taste Series, Avant Cup seeks to engage the local toy market to get them further immersed in contemporary collectibles complementing their fine tastes, while savoring brewed perfection in the form of our quality drinks.”

Featuring solo and collaborative works from Secret Fresh’s pool of talented artists, namely, Christian Tamondong (in collaboration with Huck Gee), Nemo Aguila, and Whoop, the week-long event also served as a venue to sample and purchase CBTL, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s single-serve beverage system.

For the whole week, customers availed of a special CBTL Single Serve Beverage System set for P14,950. The set, which is valued at P25,000, includes a CBTL Machine, a CBTL Milk Frother, a CBTL Sampler Pack (made up of 12 assorted capsules), and 10 CBTL Premium Coupons.

Born out of a partnership between The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and the prestigious Italian capsule system brand Caffitaly, CBTL can produce premium espresso, brewed coffee and tea. It offers coffee and tea aficionados a convenient way to enjoy over 70 variants of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf specialty drinks, in the comfort of their own home, with just a touch of a button.

“CBTL makes it possible for anyone to enjoy The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s distinct café experience wherever they might be. Just plug the machine, put in a capsule, push a single button, and you can enjoy a steaming hot drink with the same gourmet flavor, exquisite aroma, and carefully blended consistency found in any drink purchased from our stores,” shares Chu.