The D Spot

This is my entry to SM Hypermarket’s first ever Blog Writing Contest.

Shopping for groceries in the past 27 years that I was raising a family has always been routine for me. A routine, coupled with the reality that spells big money—I have to dig deeper and deeper into my pocket each shopping day. What with the expense of feeding a family of 7, down to 6 now as my eldest son has a family of his own now. But no, cost is bigger now, as I would see to it that there is always something for my 2 little granddaughters (a grandson just joined the fray—born yesterday morning!).

I patronized no supermarket, no grocery store, and no sari-sari store for my groceries. When I had big bucks, I went to upscale supermarkets, when I had just enough, I went to ordinary supermarkets, when I had small change, I went to the nearest convenience store, when I had almost nothing, I went to the friendly sari-sari store next door, and when I had nothing, I just stayed put at home.

Until that day in October 2006, two weeks after my early retirement—with nothing better to do, my kids kept nagging me to go shopping. “But I wanted to buy groceries”, I told them. I agreed, but firmly told them that we should go to the nearest mall. I didn’t know until that time that The Block ever existed. I have always tried to avoid going to SM North with its hordes of people, at any given day, at any given time.

Whoa! Was I impressed! The place was as neat as a whistle, impeccable. Instead of going separate ways, as we would always do when we went shopping—me in the supermarket, the girls in their favorite shops, and the boys in their favorite nooks, we decided to head together to the supermarket first. Note—I called anything that sold groceries, a supermarket.

SM Hypermarket was its name. My heart skipped a beat—it was love at first sight for me, and I felt that SM Hypermarket loved me in return. How I loved the luxury of space, the layout gave an impression of a well-planned system, alleys were wide, and the ambience cool. Did I look like a promdi? When one is in love, it wouldn’t matter at all. The kids, in an instant have developed a liking for the place. And how could SM Hypermarket be so sweet? Banco de Oro ATM machines were placed in strategic places, considering that a few steps outside, there were BDO branches. And yes, they accept the SM Advantage Card.

That time I didn’t have a list, but as I happily flitted from one section to another, SM Hypermarket seemed to be holding my hand—location tracer when I needed to find a product, product reader when I was not sure of the price of an item, and friendly customer service roaming staff when I wanted directions.

As my getting-to-know stage with SM Hypermarket progressed, I could not believe what I saw. It was like most of what I wanted aside from groceries, fruits and produce were there—pillows, lace curtains, appliances, gadgets, tools (things which would normally be found only in department stores). There were toiletries, vitamins, toys, rubber shoes, wedge sandals, jackets, clothes, also ready mix meats. My girls until now could not forget that they were able to buy two walking shorts at P300 (not each, but for two). They would normally sell in the mall for P600 each. There were underwear, which did not look cheap at all, we ended up buying two dozens of good quality panties.

“So this is what a hypermarket is all about—everything under one roof”, I told myself.

We had quick snacks in the fast food joints within the premises of SM Hypermarket—I was surprised my kids did not make a fuss. Maybe they were too hungry to complain, I thought, veering away from their favorites of pizzas, burgers, and pasta. They shared among themselves dimsum, shawarma, fruit juices, oh yes, even hot dog. It must be that they were in awe of the place, that what was ordinary has become something special, something worth savoring.

That first day, the kids did not go to their shops and nooks—buying groceries, clothes, tools, fresh produce and ready mix foods, all in one roof was a family experience.

My favorite pick nowadays?—the teriyaki flavored grilled chicken and their Japanese delights that we take home each visit, be it in SM City North EDSA, SM Super Center in Pasig, or SM Mall of Asia. For as little as P200, one could already take home a good amount of sushi and maki.

There was no other supermarket for me since then—it has always been SM Hypermarket, and I have the feeling that speaks, “Kami na talaga ngayon”. There is familiarity, I am at home. I am proud—I have always shared my experience with friends and relatives.

As I sit by the poolside of the Shangri-La Hotel with my short holiday about to be over, SM Hypermarket fills my thoughts. I miss it, even if I was there just a few days ago—it’s a place I like going back to again and again. My romance with the SM Hypermarket is a continuing experience—there is always something new to learn and to explore. It has never brought me down, it even far exceeded my expectations.

There is a twist, though—I do not mind sharing this romance with others. I feel that SM Hypermarket has a big heart—a slice of its heart for every persona, it’s encompassing. That is what love is all about, isn’t it?

Be updated and interact with SM Hypermarket through their blog—and read about other people’s wonderful Romance with SM Hypermarket.

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