Excellent product deserves recognition

If we remember correctly, the first Shopwise Hypermart opened in Alabang more than a decade ago. It introduced shoppers, mostly homemakers like us, to a different kind of shopping experience.

Hypermart was a new word. By definition it is a big box, a one-stop retail center offering convenience and low prices, a free-flowing kart environment, pleasant, with more than the usual grocery items. One goes through the store knowing she/he can get everything – from food to clothes to furniture. It was/is the brainchild of the young Tantoco scion, the progressive thinking Donnie.

But what more does one expect from a store? Outside of excellent products, customers would like to be extended efficient service. The tradition of efficiency (of the staff) has been carried through all the Rustan’s chain of stores. It is evident in the Shopwise outlets as well.

Thus for the third time, Shopwise has been named “The Most Outstanding Hypermart” during the recently held 16th Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers Awards Night organized by the Philippine Retailers Association and the Department of Trade and Industry. 

Getting the award for the third time has made Shopwise a Hall of Famer for Retail Excellence.

The hypermart is a member of the Dairy Farm International Group and is part of Rustan’s Supercenters Inc.   

The Rustan’s group continues to innovate, the latest being the introduction of a line of salads, under the collective label Chop’d, thus joining the current health bandwagon. So far this is available only at the store in San Antonio Plaza Arcade in Forbes Park.

The salad bar carries a new concept – the shopper/diner can customize his/her choice. Among the collection of 12 are French Nicoise, Vegetarian, Greek and Asian Crunch. Dressing depends on the type, such as tahina or sesame. Various greens, including our favorite, arugula, are used.

Two days ago, Rustan’s Fresh opened at the Pontevia complex on Daang Hari, the road leading to Molino, Bacoor.  The villagers in the area are happy. 

Price watch. The Lenten season is seafood season. And, as expected, prices will certainly rise due to demand as well as yes, the rains. The other day, we bought suahe (medium size shrimps) at P700 a kilo! If eating alone, we recommend you get any of those seasoned Seaking Bangus (barbecue, ala pobre) which are delicious, and not costing an arm and a leg.

The lowest price of sinandomeng rice, the regular, is now P40 a kilo.  Kangkong is currently at P12 a bunch, finger chilis at P8.50 a pack of 300 gms, while a large radish costs P10.50.

Bacalao is now available in some supermarkets, a traditional Good Friday fish done ala Vizcaina. Be sure to soak the fish before cooking, or your dish will be very salty. 

Have a good Sunday family meal!

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