Some would think the consumer base for supermarkets has been saturated. Not in Muntinlupa, though – the Alabang area, specifically. Thus the Cebu Gaisanos, the retail trade kingpins in the Southern Philippine capital, already imbedded in the Global City, has entered the commercial hub with the opening of Metro Alabang on Zapote road, which brought some of the shopping-est Alabangers to the event.
From the store they originally called White Gold in the 80’s, the family has kept a keen watch on consumer wants and needs, evolving into the Metro chain with 17 outlets around the country, spreading through Cebu, Metro Manila, Legaspi and Pampanga.
Every time we would visit Cebu, which is quite often, we never miss stopping at the Metro stores, where we are assured of good buys.
Now we share the delight of homemakers that Metro is in our midst. Food being a mainstay of our regular shopping list, we visited Metro Alabang twice during its soft opening prior to the formal launch.
One enters the supermarket through the escalator in the basement, or take the steps leading to the building. The ride reminded us of the state-of-the-art supermarkets in countries like Korea. It is neat, bright, organized.
We found Metro ladies, Julie and Ruby, in an excited huddle on our first visit. They graciously walked us through the store, where we eventually met Damien Deslandes in the bakery called Swiss Cottage.
Very French – gallant, that is – Damien has very good credentials, having studied in his native country, going on to take masteral courses and winning some prestigious awards. He is the chain’s consultant for catering, bakery and pastries. He was plucked from work in Lebanon. His new sweets are temptingly attractive and delicious.
At the Gourmet deli and coffee shop, shoppers are offered some dishes only served in restaurants, such as couscous and osso bucco. The coffee is robust as it is delectably flavorful. Here you will find an exclusive – the beautifully individually-wrapped mango coated with Belgian chocolate. Exquisite. They are sold in boxes, small for P420 and large for P750. This is the product of the ingenious company from Cebu, for where else will we find innovations on our famous fruit? This unique item is exclusive to Metro Alabang and we gather it is served to first class passengers on Philippine Airlines.
Want to splurge? Get confit du canard, either in bottle or can. Sundried tomatoes are sold at P75 a hundred grams. Or go to the meat section where there is a mix of local and imported cuts like US angus rib eye steak which is on buy 1-take 1 offer for P1,650 a kilo. The Taste of Cebu counter sells, of course, Cebu lechon (P500-plus a kilo) and many other specialties like macareal, torta (which is their mamon) and chicharon, an item we never fail to get whenever we are in Cebu. Jennifer is the lady in charge of this area.
The international section is huge. The selection comes from Canada, Japan, Korea, the US, etc. Maxim’s coffee; organic fruit spreads; Mrs. Field’s cookies, P197 for a box of 8 oz.; escargot; mixes and sauces. The store has a wine shop as well.
In the homeware and furniture section which carries works of talented Cebuanos, we chanced upon Teena, the gracious sales person we have been missing for sometime. She now works for Metro. It is always good to know at least one staff in any store.
Happy shopping.
E-mail comments and questions to ldcastillo327@yahoo.com.ph.