Suspicion or suspected?

Is it inherent for an establishment to be suspicious of its shoppers? Is this a country where people who enter a store automatically become suspects?

Recently at the S&R outlet in Alabang we were asked by the female security officer who looked into our handbag at the entrance to have our notebook stamped. Never have we encountered such a requirement, so we sought the supervisor, who was not there. Another lady, who might have been a senior staff, offered the explanation, lame and unacceptable, that we could be carrying something similar to what they sell! To our mind the store views all shoppers with suspicion. Puregold has the irritating policy of checking receipts at the exit, examining everything purchased, in the guise of making sure all paid items are indeed in the bags. Does this mean that their staff are likewise suspect? There ought to be a law against such unfair policies.

So we are thankful there are stores whose management show complete confidence in customers, their staff normally helpful and courteous. These include the Shopwise/Rustans chain, Makati Supermarket and South, both in Alabang. They all make shopping more convenient and pleasurable.

The lastest addition to the fast growing group of Shopwise is the expansive 1.5 hectare complex on Sucat in Parañaque. The chain is on a ‘flight,’ a thrust conceived by the group of young executives behind it, soaring high with a combination of very competitive prices, quality products and friendly service. This is a one-stop shop (accessible to public transport and with parking for 300 cars), offering food (including fresh catch and harvest), garments, linens, furniture, appliances, magazines, toys, bakery, plus a drug store on the street level. Soon there’ll be Gerry’s Grill and National Bookstore. We did enjoy the first two mornings we spent here, the aisles are wide with enough elbow room, there’s a sitting room (with tables to eat on) overlooking the foyer, well-maintained wash rooms, siomai and siopao from Hen Lin and the usual selection from Go Nuts Donuts.

What did we put into our basket? Two kilos of pork kasim (P146.75 per), flavored suman from Tita Lynn, a collection of cheeses (haloumi, feta and paneer, from P215 to P245 per), hummus dip at P199.95, a pack of red radish for P39.75, sirloin steak at P375.75 a kilo, Baguio longganiza at P192.75 a pack, tilapia for P75. The special promos include kitchen utensils on buy-one-take-one (two different items). It will take more than a hurried visit to really look at everything on offer.

The weekend past was also spent re-visiting the Ayala Alabang Village (on Narra and Dao) Saturday market, with a view of looking into what our sukis have been up to. Observing the big crowd and brisk turn-over of goods, we saw that this is one thriving market. Estela Francisco, a pioneer here with fresh seafood (apahap at P350 a kilo, squid P180, talakitok P190) has now been joined by daughter Irene who makes delicious sundried sweetened camias. From Estela is the really pink bagoong she makes herself, good even as viand. Nida Mariano (807-3552), a lively lady, mans her table of pancit sa bilao, kare-kare (P160), dinuguan, callos, laing and ginataang halo–halo with bilo-bilo, while Benz sells baked macaroni at P90 a serving. Nieves Jacinto Santos is back after a hiatus in Australia, with her yummy puto ube (P300 for 50 pcs) and brazo de mercedes (P250/P450) plus pancit molo, sliced relleno (P220) and lengua (P200). Those interested to order her food can call 842-1049. Dienah Kim and another lady sell traditional chap chae and kalbi, while from Joy’s Smoke House (524-2891) comes rolled ham at P680 a kilo. Ruth (vegetables and fruits) is one organized lady. She has a ready price list which she ticks off per item bought.

Isa Eguico is a new resident at Verdana Homes on Daang Hari, and she is an enterprising young homemaker. From her home (14 Gallitos Street) she operates Everyday Gourmet producing processed meat. We welcome Isa if only because she makes it easier for us (and the rest of the residents) to think and plan our breakfast fare. Her list includes certified US Angus tapa (really tender and well seasoned) at P120 a pack of 250 gms, sukiyaki cut Korean barbecue for the same price, honey-cured bacon (P100 a pack of 250 gms), American Ham for P150 and hamburger patties at P250 a kilo. She takes orders for roast beef with wine gravy, roast turkey with Italian sausage stuffing, chicken liver pate, among others. Call her at 0917-810-2726.

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