The sari-sari store is the best invention in the Philippine business industry. The word sari-sari means “a variety of something” and a sari-sari store has anything and everything you need. A sari-sari store only takes a small space, usually taking up a floor space of 2x4 meters. Name it, most probably they have it in that small space of a wonder. Hair pins, elastic bands, juice, soda, chips, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, laundry soap, salt, pepper, soy sauce, oil, vinegar, canned goods. The bigger stores usually extend their space and sell rice and fresh vegetables and fruits. Sari-sari stores near schools may have school supplies besides the basic necessities.

Almost all neighborhoods have sari-sari stores. On my street alone, there are about 3 sari-sari stores. I don’t need to drive (meh, I don’t drive) outside the subdivision and look for the nearest grocery store. All I need is to get out of my gate and walk a few meters and wah-lah!