I truly love SM!

SM not only stands for “Sy-Mendiola.” It also means Something Marvelous, Something Meaningful and Something Memorable to me. SM makes people feel special, regardless of their social status, age, creed, personal preferences and educational attainment. SM is one great mall that caters to the ABCD crowd without discriminating against anyone.

No wonder, because each mall is an array of so many things to so many people — an air-conditioned park for lovers, a haven for mothers who need to spice up their homes with splendid finds and great food, a one-stop shop for meticulous students raring to finish school, a strolling ground for barkadas and exercise buffs, or simply a place where you weave beautiful memories.

SM not only offers excellent food, fun, fashion and shopping experiences, it also has banks, bayad centers, phone booths, pharmacies, play stations, Internet access, photo and beauty shops and other exciting services. Name it, SM has it, staying true to its promise, “We’ve got it all for you!”

Now, more than ever before, with its constantly renovated stores, innovative designs, security-conscious personnel, efficient and courteous staff and tempting offers, SM is not just an affordable shopping place, it has also become synonymous with happy, safe and relaxing family outings.

I have yet to encounter a person here who has not been to SM. Surely, from my favorite taho vendor to our provincial governor, everyone has had, at one point in his life, tasted what it feels like to be “at home” at SM.

It was at SM that I nursed my first broken heart.

It was while going around SM that I tasted the sweetness of freedom and independence, without any sense of fear or loneliness.

It was where I rewarded myself for achievements or milestones, big or small, or for being able to rise up after every fall. 

It was SM that taught me to trust my own fashion sense and taste, thus building my confidence and showing me my own beauty.

As fate would have it, it was also SM (Human Resources Department, Head Office, Quiapo, Manila) that gave me my very first job after finishing my BS in psychology, graduating cum laude from St. Paul College, Manila.

When it was time to choose shoes, invites and accessories for my wedding, I trusted SM to know and carry what was pretty, what was chic and what was affordable. 

After we confirmed that I was expecting, my husband Amboy and I deemed it wise to purchase our baby’s clothes, shoes, feeding bottles, toys and basic needs prior to his birth. Where else would we go but SM? There, we were warmly welcomed and assisted by competent staff who even gave suggestions about the most appropriate, durable and affordable items for our dearest angel. SM certainly made shopping easier and more enjoyable for me, despite my pregnancy!

Ever since Josh Gabriel’s birth, we have been spending quality time with him at different SM malls. Our little man already knows how to appreciate the banderitas, cartoon characters, Jollibee/MCDO outlets and the wonderful people he sees around.

His trips to SM are like a training ground in dealing with diverse groups of people for the future and has even improved his aesthetic sense. The last time we were at SM Marilao, he even picked the “choo-choo” and the plane that he wanted!

After our Mom’s three confinements at St. Luke’s Medical Center last year due to several mild strokes, my sister Gina, brother Allan and I decided to treat her and Dad to shabu-shabu at SM’s The Block.

We felt it was all right for Mom to be brought there not only because the area was clean and secure, but also because there was an elevator that ensured she would not suffer another stroke!

That wonderful dining experience lifted our spirits despite the emotional, mental, physical and financial strain entailed by Mom’s several confinements. Being at SM somehow made everything feel right and normal.

I can go on and on enumerating my fondest memories of SM: Countless family dates at SM restaurants on Father’s Days, Mother’s Days outings, Valentine’s Day dates, birthdays, and milestones even when there is no special occasion. SM always gives us a reason to bond.

Strolling with clasped hands with my then fiancé (now better half), simply basking in the euphoria of time well spent at SM, knowing that we could be lost in a sea of people, but would still be in love with each other; shopping sprees with big discounts and great buys; movie dates that transported our family to magnificent places and diverse eras, and introduced us to amazing people — all SM experiences.

I am now 40. But in my heart of hearts, I believe that even when I reach the ripe age of 80, I will still be comforted by SM’s sweet embrace, savoring the company of my loving husband, our precious son and our future grandchildren and our time spent there.

Thank you so much, SM, for enriching my life with genuine friends, beautiful smiles and heartwarming memories! Love live SM!