SM means So Much
Last June 29, a Sunday, I bought a copy of The Philippine STAR, and as I turned the pages, I read in the Sunday Lifestyle section about the “My SM Story” contest. I felt glad because I have so many recollections of SM, and this is a perfect way of sharing how my life evolved and grew with SM. This is also a way for me to thank SM for making my life So Meaningful and wonderful.
At first I didn’t know where to start, so many thoughts were popping into my mind. Anyway, my story started when I was in high school, back in 1989.
Size Matters
My biggest problem then was my big feet, measuring 10 1/2 inches long. Usually, the ladies’ biggest size at SM was nine inches. I envied those girls like me who could try on different shoes and sandals displayed on the racks. One time, my mom and I went to SM Makati, where we found that SM Department Store had started selling shoes as big as 10 to 11 inches. I was so happy, knowing I would not need to wear boy’s shoes anymore. So from that day on, I started saving money so I could buy more sandals and shoes at SM. Until I attended college at St. Paul College of Manila (from ‘93-‘97), I had with me my favorites: the SM Original formal shoes.
Soft bread and Melted butter
In 1997, I was surprised that SM was constructing another branch here in Bacoor. In May of that year, I decided to apply for a job at SM Department Store and was hired as a cashier. Mina Caducio was our personnel manager at the time. I remember we had our two-week training at SM Southmall (with Ate Jhelei as my trainer, a regular cashier. Hope she still remembers me) and we had our pilot operation a week before the opening of SM Bacoor. It was officially opened on June 25, 1997. Melanie Mercado (wife of Senator Bong Revilla who was the former governor of Cavite), Mr. Henry Sy and the rest of the board officials were present on that special occasion.
As a cashier, I gave my best and executed my duties perfectly. That’s why my counter manager and supervisors always praised me for a job well done. I loved my work so much. I used to work overtime just to be of help to my department.
Soul Mate
I truly believe that God has reasons for everything under the heavens. The most special thing that happened to me while I was working at SM was finding my Soul Mate. I knew that God used SM for me to be able to meet the Special Man destined for me, my husband John (brother of my co-cashier, Pinky Salariosa). And it was amazing!
Sacred Matrimony
Like many, we used to have our dates at the mall, at our favorite hangouts like Pizza Hut, French Baker, Racks, or at SM cinemas, of course. John proposed to me on Sept. 29, 1998 (10 years ago), gave me an engagement ring that he bought at Italina inside the SM Department Store, as well as the sacred rings we exchanged on Dec. 17, 2000 — our wedding day. That night, we had our first dinner as husband and wife at Max’s Restaurant, SM Bacoor. And it was so memorable for me — a very special feeling, not an ordinary dinner date. And on March 17, 2001, we found out that I was pregnant. We were very excited, and though the baby was only three weeks old inside me and we had no idea of the gender, we started buying things for him/her: all white with a touch of pale color. And where else would we go to purchase baby accessories and needs? To the Baby Company at SM, of course.
SM Baby and Mommy
As SM Bacoor grew, so did my daughter Andrea grow full of wisdom, wit and beauty. Ang tawag nga sa kanya ay “Batang SM” Kasi nasa tiyan ko palang sya ay nasa SM ako palagi, ha, ha, ha.” I used to walk up and down the stairs at the mall, as my prenatal exercise. I gave birth to Andrea on Jan. 2, 2002. She learned her first steps at SM too. She also spoke her first word, “E-em!” (we think she meant “SM”). At the age of two, we let her join different activities in the mall, including the yearly Halloween costume contest and trick or treating, the Easter egg painting and hunting, Fun Days and modeling sessions. On Easter Sundays, she is one of the angels who unveil Mama Mary in the Salubong. My daughter is also lucky to have been photographed with her favorites such as Jolina Magdangal, Sarah Geronimo, Kyla, Faith Cuneta, Joey de Leon and Pop Star Kids. Those are the memories you cannot put a price upon: the happiness Andrea felt during those moments when she personally met and kissed her favorite singers.
Safe Mall
I remember when Andrea was three years old. I almost lost her in the mall. We were on the second floor, at Watsons. I was buying some items and she was playing hide and seek with me. And within a second, she was gone. I looked around the store but found no trace of her. Nobody noticed her. My heart was pounding so loudly, I wanted to cry, to shout for help. I went outside and looked for her. Suddenly I felt a great relief when I saw her at the front of SM Department Store; a mall security guard was holding her. She was not crying at all. But I hugged her so tight and cried, and all I could say was, “I’m sorry, Baby, I’m sorry.” The man asked Andrea what her mother’s name was to verify that I was, indeed, her mom. And that shows how dedicated and caring they are. I was so grateful to God and to that man (security guard Lustre) who later became my friend. I vowed to myself, from that day on, “I will not take away my eyes off my daughter Andrea again.”
On Andrea’s fifth birthday, we celebrated at McDonald’s in SM Bacoor. She was very happy because her presents had all been bought at Toy Kingdom: different toys including Disney Princesses and a Barbie.
This year Andrea graduated as the valedictorian of her prep class on March 17, a ceremony held at the Walk-In Trade Center just in front of SM Bacoor. After that event, we had our celebration at KFC and then after the luncheon, my family and other relatives and friends strolled through the mall.
I can truly say that SM is a part of our home, too. It’s where happiness, love and peace bloom. We attend Sunday Masses at the mall and we are very excited when Fr. Joey Faller is the officiating priest. He gives really great sermons. He makes us laugh while clearly explaining the meaning of the Sunday gospel. On Tuesdays, Andrea always shouts, “This is the happiest day of my life!” because it is her dad’s day off. She already knows that Sunday is our family bonding time. And where else? At SM! She used to say, “Kahit walang money basta ikot-ikot lang po tayo sa SM,” and she’s contented with that. I again thank God for giving me such an understanding, lovable and sweet daughter.
I have so much to say but to sum it all up: SM is where Sweet Moments begin and where Special Memories end!
