Thus it was that three SM stores were inaugurated in close succession in Valenzuela, Bulacan, in Sucat, Parañaque as an annex to the already existing Hypermart, and one in Molino, Bacoor, Cavite.
SM Valenzuela right on MacArthur Highway is easily accessible. The store’s color scheme of yellow, lime green, blue and orange and wide aisles make shopping a refreshing experience. One enters the hypermart and gets attracted to a Lechon Manok (two for P180) and a Pata Hamon (P155) grilling stall. Smell is one of a dish’s main elements and it was which compelled us to immediately get one Pata Hamon as the line started getting long. From the same outlet is a collection of Japanese food, tuna sushi, futomaki, etc from P35 a small tray. There’s a "takal-takal" counter, the usual fruit (we were lucky to get some now-out-of season Dizon strawberries at P40 a pack) and vegetable section, the meats and chicken and the Rice Harvester. Away from the big city, the store offers most of its merchandize cheaper–liempo at P130 a kilo, kasim at P129, salmon belly at P237, CDO tapa (a fave breakfast fare) at P85 for 500 gms, white onions at P38, red at P75 and celery at P140. New is canned Fish Misua Soup (Soup-er brand) complete with bits of patola (sponge gourd). It costs P21.50.
In Sucat the group launched the department store connected by a bridge to the existing Hypermart. In Molino, Bacoor, Cavite, the two-storey structure is perhaps the biggest shopping venue in this quiet suburb. People came in droves, the reason why traffic got a bit unmanageable. In fact our vehicle was hit (if slightly) by a careless and seemingly overwhelmed tricycle driver. Perhaps SM can request the municipal authorities to widen the road as surely it would be the shopping destination of those living in the surrounding areas, to avoid the crowds in Alabang, Parañaque and even Makati.
We negotiated our way up to the second level and found a view of the Bacoor skyline through the circular glass wall of the Food Court. Surprisingly we found a new brand of Puto Biñan (we’re familiar with Nila’s), Aling Nene, from San Vicente, Biñan at P40 and P75 depending on the contents of the pack. They have pilipit (P30) and espasol (P40). On the second level is the supermarket. Across the entrance is a row of kakanin vendors, among which is Tita’s Delight Bibingka, the one we discovered in Tanauan, Batangas, a yummy concoction that is a blend of leche flan and pudding, in three sizes, from P65 to P410. Inside we found marinated Bounty chicken (P105, garlic, spicy sweet or butter). Imported meat includes Australian lamb leg at P409 a kilo and US sirloin at P1,200.
Equally aggressive, ShopWise opened in Antipolo and at Harrison Plaza in the heart of Manila. We went to the latter and immediately got taken by the new look of what used to be Rustans supermarket. The aisles are wide, there are beautiful arches proclaiming the store’s come on "It’s Delicious". The display shelves are unique, specially those made of wood looking like open aparadors, full of packaged food items. Customers will easily find what they are looking for by simply glancing upwards, because each section carries decorative likenesses of the stuff in place.
As with other big establishments, ShopWise has it own brand, the latest being cooking oil: a small tetra pack of 200 ml costs P12.25. For olives, the choice is between Figaro and Mario’s. For the more discriminating, there are bottled artichokes at P414.25 a bottle of 2 lbs. Fruits and vegetables are in neat pinewood boxes. Red onions at P85 a kilo, carrots at P82, sayote at P15.75, native garlic at P186 and P198.75 (with stem). As we moved about we overheard a housewife telling her companion to search for "yung pinaka-mura"–which could be the season’s statement.
This being the holiday season, look up ShopWise’s roasting items–pork loin at P184.75 a kilo and crown roast at P220. On your way out, check the cake counter. The Cream—filled Chocolate Cake (small) is perhaps the cheapest in the city at P170. And it is good, moist and not too sweet.