Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2015 Giving Journal: A Review

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) introduced its 2015 Giving Journal with a media launch at its branch in 26th St. Bistro, NET Lima Building, Bonifacio Global City in mid-October 2014. No, I wasn't there for the speeches nor for the wire art activity though I surmise it must've been fun. Anyway, let's go directly to the depths of what it takes to get a Giving Journal, and what you can find within.

The CBTL Brew Your Best Year 2015 Giving Journal Mechanics

The Promo awards customers with the CBTL 2015 Giving Journal when they buy 12 designated CBTL drinks:

• 1 Original Ice Blended (any flavor, regular or large)
• 1 Tea Latte (any flavor, regular or large)
• 1 Espresso/Coffee-based Beverage (any flavor, double, regular or large)
• 1 Holiday Featured Beverage (Winter Dream Tea Latte or Red Velvet, regular or large)
• 8 "Your Choice of Drink" drinks - Original Ice Blended, Espresso/Coffee-based or Tea-based Beverage, or Frozen Swirl (any flavor, double, regular or large)
• Alternatively, purchase of 1 box of CBTL (TM) capsules will entitle customers to 2 "Your Choice of Drink" stamps

Customers can also instantly get a planner if they purchase the CBTL (TM) Single Serve Beverage System (Kaldi, Contata and/or Desto). Combination of promo cards is not allowed (one card per journal). Drinks have to be consumed between October 25, 2014 and January 11, 2015 (79 days) and be claimed between October 25, 2014 and 6o day from end of promo (which I'm assuming is March 13, 2015).

PLUSses

• Only 12 drinks instead of the 18 drinks required by competitors
• Flexibility on drinks to consume (4 required drink types with numerous drink choices, 8 of any other drink you love)

MINUSes

• Single promo card system (okay, I understand how we want to save the trees): I don't really know how to resolve this especially given that CBTL does not really promote the use of their card.

The CBTL 2015 Giving Journal

The CBTL 2015 Giving Journal comes in four colors/designs, namely brown, green, orange and lavender.

Photo Credit: CBTL Philippines Facebook Page

A look at the journal holder when you claim it gives an impression that apart from collecting one for yourself, CBTL hopes that you will also give it as a gift to someone, for THEIR BEST YEAR YET. I chose the journal with the lavender cover. The texture of the cover feels like synthetic PU leather (not so nice) but I'm going to leave judgment on the entire journal after I see what's inside.

CBTL Giving Journal Holder

CBTL Giving Journal Cover

WHAT'S INSIDE
(see full album)

First off, apologies for the differences in photo sizes. I've only recently decided on the standard size for my blog photos. The theme for CBTL's 2015 Giving Journal is inspiration to create OVERFLOWS in one's life. It comes with a companion website that provides further triggers to abundance (http://brewyourbestyear.com).

Personal Information

About CBTL

CBTL History

About the Giving Journal and Brew Your Best Year

Tips on Maximizing the Giving Journal and 2015 Bucket List

101 Ways to Create Overflows

Vacation Planner

CBTL Coupons

Weekly Reminders: Themes include MAKE THE SHIFT, ASK YOURSELF,
CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH, PAY IT FORWARD AND HAVE FUN WITH IT

Monthly Covers: Featuring Coffee Beans / Tea shaped according to the month's theme

Year-end Message and Notes

Emergency Numbers and CBTL Store Locator

2016 Full Year Calendar

CBTL Giving Journal Inner Pocket

CBTL Giving Journal Back Cover and Garter Elastic

VERDICT

The quality of the CBTL Giving Journal isn't at its best, I expect the cover won't be able to retain luster for a quarter, the paper quality possibly recycled and substandard, and stitching that hopefully lasts the year that the journal will be used. That said, I love the content and will be keeping this journal as my inspiration for positivity, abundance and creating overflows that can be shared with others.