The SM experience

MANILA, Philippines - Long before SM became SM, I was patronizing its progenitor which was simply Shoe Mart. Incidentally, Shoe Mart in Makati was where I bought my first pair of shoes coming from my first paycheck. The shoes were white and I remember distinctly that they lasted quite a while, and I was happy with them. They were not only stylish but durable.

When Shoe Mart switched to being simply SM I was still pulled towards it, much like the center of gravity. SM beckons like no other entity.

There is something about SM, which attracts hordes of people like no other mall. SM malls — and there are many of them throughout the country, from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao — carry the distinction of being airy, without giving you a cramped feeling. As you go to each SM mall like the SM City Fairview, SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Santa Mesa, SM Makati, and more recently SM Mall of Asia (the biggest in the Philippines), you get a feeling of being in a world alive with many scents, sounds, and sights. It seems like through hard times and boom times, SM is always there for you. Being in SM transports you to a world where fun and feasts abound.

There is a bit of everything in SM establishments: food, grocery items, medicines, magazines, office supplies, shoes, clothing lines, general merchandise, games, concerts, theaters, art galleries, book stores, hardware depots, restaurants, department stores, even medical clinics, name it, most likely SM has it.

Our family usually thinks of going to SM to celebrate occasions like birthdays, graduations, and just for the thrill of eating out. There is a variety of food offerings in any SM establishment. You can have your pick of any food you fancy eating. Yes, SM is always there for you when you think of stuffing yourself with the best tasting dishes and a variety of menus.

My friends also think of SM when we agree to meet each other for lunch or dinner. SM is so accessible. SM is always there for you when you think of bonding with friends or family members.

A word has been coined, namely, “malling,” to mean going to the malls, like SM malls. Going malling is an exercise that one benefits from because it gives you a respite from the humdrum of everyday life and routine. In this world full of stress because of all sorts of crises like the economic crisis which has fallen on us as a spillover from other countries going through the pangs of recession, respite or relaxation is a must if you are to survive and stay focused. And malling, especially in SM establishments, gives you a unique experience, an experience which makes you feel good about the world and which makes you feel that all is not lost and that life is good and enjoyable. Yes, malling can be relaxing.