#sm manila

[maya-chirps]

I don't like talking about twitter drama anywhere but I just found the funniest twitter drama I've seen and it's literally about turon (a filipino snack made up of a fried wrapped banana with glazed sugar). Here's the translated thread as I guide you to this insanity:

"I SCOLDED CASHIERS AT SM MANILA SUPERMARKET. The line to buy a turon was long and there were only a few turon left on the stand. I was in the middle of the line and there was a lot more people behind me that wanted to avail a turon."

"There were 2 cashiers that were on break or had clocked out maybe that went to the cashier of the turon stand, and I heard that they were trying to reserve 2 turon. The cashier said 'Go to the line hey' but these two insisted that they don't need to go on the queue. So my blood started boiling because I really hate getting cut off in line."

"Then the one cashier took 2 turons for the two cashiers that cut in line. One of them said 'Dat ours?' then the cashier gave the turon to the two cashiers that cut in line and were waiting at the counter to pay. So my blood boiled even more."

"Then I told the cashier 'Miss you actually let these two cut in line while there's so many people in line, you're being unfair to the people waiting at the back' the cashier said 'Ah the two, sir?' Then I replied 'Obviously, yes!' with a bit of an angry tone in my voice."

"The 2 cashiers that cut in line for the turon were already holding them then I told these other two who were assigned in the counter that 'If you don't give up the turon, I'll let your manager know, there's a lot of people in line hoping to buy it too.' Dont tolerate that kind of attitude. So unfair!"

"The two cashiers didn't really say anything and they took the turon from the other two that cut in line. I just don't get why there's these kinds of people that could already see that there's a line but are still forcing themselves in and would choose to be unfair to others."

"Given that they're employees of SM, shouldn't they be more understanding because we're customers where they work. I'm not saying that the customer is always right, I just wish that they also know what's right and wrong. And there, I was able to buy a Turon with Chocnut*. Delicious!"

"And the people in line behind me because they were also able to buy some. 😊"

Additional Context:

Turon in SM is priced at PHP 25 which is relatively cheap. It's bout 0.50 USD?

More comparatively, seeing as OP looked at least middle to upper class (we'll discuss that later), it would've been easily affordable to him, but maybe a bit of a struggle for the two cashiers since they make less than the national average and are also contractual, often losing their jobs and not having any benefits.

Chocnut - a popular Filipino peanut butter chocolate that has a powdery consistency. it often melts in your mouth and is widely popular and beloved across the country.

This shit blew up and I mean blew up like this was just over ONE thread

It blew up so much that TURON started trending in Filipino twitter

Most people agreed that although cutting in line is bad, it seemed like OP felt way too proud of himself and probably should've just let it go because they were probably underpaid, overworked employees who only had 15 minute breaks.

OP's replies were also reeeeally self-important like

Person 1: mygod girl just dont anger a hungry person. lols OP: I stood up not for myself but for the people who were in line too and willing to wait. Again, respect and let's just be fair. Person 2: Oh no, he rly thinks of himself as a hero after what he's done here 😭😭😭😭

People jokingly started calling OP patay-gutom (lit. dead-hungry), a term we use here for someone extremely hungry and typically those who are hungry because of extreme poverty so OP decided to prove the haters wrong by... telling people that he was actually a millionaire???

Person 3: You're a bit patay-gutom sis in this part. All that lashing for turon? Hahaha. Get a life girly! Person 3: This is the deleted tweet of sissy @/op's handle [Screenshot of OP's tweet with an attached censored image of one of his bank account information that shows that he has 1.5 Million Pesos. OP: Me who's patay-gutom and a girly with no life, is this okay now? Or do I SS my other banks? Jkkkk✌🏻]

So anyway, here's some of my favorite tweets translated!

The turon of SM, bow The turon of SM is queued for The sweet banana, sugar and chocnut Spreads at every bite Giving joy to those in line and the cashier Yet the poor cashier Who stood for ten hours Was denied two of the turon...

Next time you should just buy turon here I mean you have P1.5 M in Metrobank anyway [Image of the top of a menu for Amanpulo Clubhouse Restaurant]

The line for turon at SM jk: [screenshots of two videos of people slowly walking in a line in a crowded railway station]

motherfucker your thread is so long that if you just used the time you used to type to just go to the next sm to buy turon

------------------

It's officially been about a day and half since this happened but it's still trending right now which is pretty crazy. I don't think I've ever been this blown away with discourse over filo twitter until now. I will probably think about Turon Man for a good while.

[sunkissedlouis]

i’m so 🥺🥺🥺💗💗💗💗

[ellelovestoshoot]

Chinese New year 2025 as we welcome the year of the snake 🐍

[istariray23]

SM Sta. Mesa also known SM Centerpoint SM Sta. Mesa stands tall as a beacon of memories and nostalgia, its walls echoing with the laughter and chatter of children who roamed its corridors during their holidays.

It is a timeless sanctuary that holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, a symbol of joy and innocence.

From its vibrant façade to its bustling halls, SM Sta. Mesa embodies the spirit of community and togetherness.

For many, this iconic mall is not just a place to shop or dine, but a hub of childhood adventures and experiences that shaped their growing years.

Every corner of SM Sta. Mesa tells a story of shared moments and cherished memories, of friendships forged over ice cream cones and arcade games.

It is a living testament to the vibrant tapestry of Filipino childhood, where every holiday was a chance to explore, discover, and create unforgettable moments.

As the sun sets on another busy day at SM Sta. Mesa, the memories linger like a gentle breeze, whispering tales of childhood innocence and wonder.

The echoes of laughter and excitement reverberate through its halls, a testament to the enduring charm and magic that this beloved landmark holds for all who have walked its paths.

SM Sta. Mesa is more than just a shopping destination – it is a living, breathing testament to the shared experiences and fond recollections of countless childhoods.

It is a place where dreams were dreamt, friendships were forged, and holidays were filled with endless possibilities. In the tapestry of Filipino life, this iconic mall weaves a thread of joy and nostalgia, forever etched in the hearts of those who grew up wandering its storied halls.

The legacy of SM Sta. Mesa transcends generations, as parents pass down the tradition of spending holidays at the mall to their children. It is a place where the simple joys of carousel rides and movie marathons become interwoven with the essence of family bonding and celebration.

[fand0mswithbunny]

saw hamilton yesterday. better than i couldve ever imagined, if i could i would see it again esp with my shit memory. 100/10, if you can go see it its the most surreal experience ever.

[mynjnx]

Ham Ham Ph/Intl. Sketches

cause I'm insane

[ritahayworrth]

Why didn’t you like TAR? Ngl I found it overrated too

spoiler warning for tar (2022), and tbh this is very ranty and gets very rambly

okay, so firstly, i will say that everyone in the film did give good performances, i get the cate blanchett hype, i'll give it that and the cinematography was nice

but like everything else? it just felt so shallow and full of itself. like okay wow white lesbians can fully assimilate into white male dominant spaces and be just as bad as them!! like okay, most poc already know this, this is a conversation that has been dabbled into for a while. and like fine, this is a film by a white person for white people, but even taking that into account, it still just feels like a film that's just talking without really saying anything. and i have things that i didn't really like or make sense to me like why is a supposed to be an up-and-coming conductor working as a personal assistant? why is the fact that whether or not she took advantage of her former pupil so ambiguous? and i'm sure there are others that i can't think of at the moment.

and like i can forgive everything i've said so far, but really it's the last ten minutes that just... but okay wow the fact that this is a film by a white person for white people really made itself known 💀 and like sure, i am a filipino who lives in the philippines, of course, i can like spot things others won't and be super nitpicky, but the portrayal and the implications the film makes of my country just makes me want to put todd field into a guillotine! like she has a big fall from grace in the western classical musical scene, at the bottom of the barrel is conducting a video game score in the philippines. like, firstly, is the whole it being meant to be the philippines but really filmed in thailand + that whole apocalypse now line meant to be some weird meta thing?? because it doesn't work either way. anyway, does todd field know that we have twitter in the philippines? does he not think in a nation that is one of the most consistently recorded as being very much Online, no one in the classical music sphere here would have heard of lydia tar? that no one would have made a post calling her and the event organizers out? i mean obviously not, based on how he portrays filipinos as being the ones stupid or not-in-the-know enough to give lydia a job. and like seeing it as almost an honor for them to have her, a white lady there, giving her flowers and a gift basket (idk how to word this it's just very colonial mentality). okay, there's two places the event she was hired to do would be happening at, manila and cebu, and since they went to pagsanjan (where apocalypse now was filmed) that can only mean that she's meant to be in manila. and so that just gets to me even more, because i live in manila, i have been to the nerd conventions, i have aunts with connections to the theater, one of them is literally a production manager in events!! and i say this because we see lydia in what is definitely a budget hotel room, then we see her at some random alleyway getting into a sketchy building while it's pouring rain, and then she's in a meeting in a very poorly lit room, and the scene where she's working in a karinderya. and like, the event she's been hired to do, which i later found out is kind of a big thing in japan (and that just adds to what i'm gonna say), would have been organized by people with money. and keeping the whole "it's an honor to have her" thing in mind, in real life, she would have been put up in a much nicer hotel room (i'm by no means rich, and i've stayed at much nicer rooms), they would have most likely arranged for someone to drive her to the meeting and the driver would most likely have an umbrella and would have held it as she walked to the door of an average office building most likely in a nice part of metro manila, then she would have gone to work in a starbucks. but no ofc this doesn't happen in the philippines it's a third world country, they don't know shit, and are definitely not known for their hospitality..... then there is ofc the massage parlor scene 💀 just really fucking disgusting all around. while it was a long time ago, i did write a paper on sex tourism in my country like i know this is a real thing that happens, but at this point, it has been way too many strikes for me. from the set-up, like ofc the man at reception thought she meant *that* (again, she would have been put up at a nicer hotel that probably would have had an in-house spa, also why did he have her prescription?? also we don't have those orange bottles here), and to like the scene itself?? like yes, a white person being asked to pick a sex worker in a line-up, excuse me, fishbowl (wow so oriental!!) in a third world country is a very appropriate parallel for the process of auditioning orchestra members 🙃

so yeah maybe i should be allowed to kill todd field

[elfilibusterismo]

listening to fob on repeat these days in preparation for this weekends bloodbath aka ticket selling. i hope everyone else who tries to access the livenation presale website on saturday explodes

[runningpinoy]

Puma Time Launches Latest Collection

October 29, 2012, Puma Time launched their latest timepieces to select members of the media, and I’m glad to be part of the privileged few to witness this event.  If you’re a fan of “cool” watches that may also be used with some sporting activities, read on! InterContinental Manila was the host of this launch Continue reading Puma Time Launches Latest Collection

[jmlistings]

2,230 sqm Lot Sale in Dau Mabalacat Ideal for Warehouse/Apartment

2,230 sqm Prime Land for Development in Mabalacat! Gated & fenced, ideal for warehouse or apartment. Easy access to NLEX, amenities. ₱22,300,000 (Cash only). #JMListings

📍 San Isidro Brgy Dau Mabalacat City Pampanga Property Features TYPE: Land with small and light structure📐 Lot: 2,230 square meters✅ Gated, fenced, ideal for warehouse, apartment✅ Very accessible and short drive to NLEX Access Road/NLEX Dau Toll, McArthur Highway 🏙️ NEARBY POINTS OF INTEREST St. Raphael Hospital Medical Foundation-12 mins awaySM Clark- 15 mins awayMarquee Mall- 10 mins away…

[carlocarrasco]

SM Investments Corporation acquiring 184 hectares of land in Muntinlupa City

Something significant could happen within the City of Muntinlupa in the near future as SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) is acquiring 184 hectares of land there as part of a property-for-shares swap with subsidiary Intercontinental Development Corporation (ICDC), according to a Manila Bulletin business news report. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin…

[beingjellybeans]

Dimsum discovery at King Chef Dimsum Kitchen, SM Cherry

Hidden within the bustling confines of SM Cherry Shaw Boulevard lies a haven for dimsum aficionados – King Chef Dimsum Kitchen. Amidst the array of dining options in the mall, King Chef stands out not only for its authentic Cantonese cuisine but also for its commitment to providing an affordable yet delectable dining experience. After a morning of errands, I treated Hubby and my son to lunch at…

[throwbacktears]

someone posted the entire valley show from manila on youtube and i am watching it with just immense pride at how much love the crowd is showing this niche lil indie band from toronto. its so deserved and we showed up right there with them 🥹

[sunlitide]

how is everyone

[menslrg]

Anti-drugs laws are quite strict in the Philippines. This is definitely not a munchie-induced feast but more of a late night craving.

Salted Duck Egg: This was a dry rub and DRY is correct. Any moisture in my mouth was immediately soaked up. They had included so much of the salted duck egg powder that it looked like it was delivered on a bed of saw dust. That being said, these were amazing. I know I talked all that smack about dryness but the actual wings were juicy. Having a more savory-leaning pallet in the Philippines is hard because everything seems to be on the sweeter side. But these are definitely hitting the spot for a salt craving. They still have a sweetness but it’s not as prominent. It’s hard to describe if you’ve never had anything salted yoke flavored. The egg yoke creates an almost granular texture. The spice had a slight cayene kick and it was rounded out with fried thai basal.

Osaka Toriniku Wings: These were David’s favorite wings. The kewpie helped to keep the chicken moist while the bonito added a an umami element. The added texture of the sesame was much-needed since the sauce did soften the breading. I wasn’t the biggest fan of this one because it was a touch too sweet for me.

Classic Buffalo (Super Spicy): Ha! We could not see a justification to labeling them “Super Spicy.” On a Wing Stop Menu, these would probably be at the heat level of the regular hot. The sauce got absorbed by the breading so these were a bit squishy. I was missing a bit of the vinegar flavor that Buffalo normally has.

Korean Drumsticks: Now these were spicy. Our theory is that there are many Korean immigrants and visitors in the Philippines and these needed to be Korean-level spicy. Maybe that also explains the heat level of the classic buffalo… These were my favorite and I think a better balance of spicy, sweet, and salty.

David’s stomach is still a-okay! 👌

Day 4

We had left Manila and were in the island paradise of Boracay (Caticlan).

This was David’s biggest food swing.

Sisig | 8 by the Beach at the Mandarin White Sand; Boracay

David has added this to the Top 20 Greatest Foods of his lifetime.

Sisig is a “sizzle plate” that has cubes of fatty pork, potatoes, onions, peppers, and a fried egg. Think fajitas with pork belly.

No notes. This might be the last time David ever eats this but any mention of it has him closing his eyes, overcome by bliss.

Day 5

I have horrible news to deliver all of you. David has got got. Not by meat.

Last night, we were given a free plate of fruits and it seems to not have agreed with him.

It’s a shame because it was gorgeous.

RIP to White Boy Eating Impossibly Well in Southeast Asia. You will be missed (2025-2025)

My partner, David, is normally a pescatarian but will eat meat outside of the U.S. (for language barrier reasons as well as experiencing a culture different from his own).

This has never been a huge factor in how we eat bc it’s pretty easy to make tasty food without pork, beef, or chicken.

One thing that has lowkey been a bummer is that he’s never been able to try the foods that I grew up eating.

Now we’re in the Philippines and it is time for the wild, wild west. Ahem, southeast*. Let’s see how long his stomach can handle this.

For the sake of abridging this post any pescatarian-friendly food was left out.

Day 1

Idk how many pinoys are cringing at this but his first meal was…

Jollibee - Mall of Asia, Manila

He was practically in tears and insists that there was absolutely nothing he would have changed about it so it is up to me to give an honest review.

Sorry about the fried photo quality. Internet connection isn’t the best.

Flavor wise: 10/10! The chickenjoy was actually spicy. I love the US Jollibee but calling that spicy is a joke. I wouldn’t even call the MOA Jollibee spicy but it’s definitely got a kick that the ones in the US do not.

Texture: I have to be honest, it’s not my favorite. The batter isn’t the crisp, comes-away-in-one-piece texture that I’m used to. It’s more bready and feels more baked than fried. We got there at open so sitting around wasn’t a factor but it could have been an issue caused by being the first batch. We’ll have to return.

No stomache issues to report.

Day 2

Korean Fried Chicken | Poolside Menu, Savoy Hotel in Pasay, Metro Manila

I know, I know. Not Filipino food. We’re in vacation mode and this is POOLSIDE babyyyyy. Also, they were out of chicharong bulaklak which is what he was what he originally wanted to try.

This was a LOT sweeter than I was expecting it to be. David said that this has the same flavor profile of those Calbee Honey Butter chips.

In the same meal, we ordered their “loaded nachos” and those quotes are entirely necessary because look…

Not to be dramtic but I was offended and insulted.

On the real, we were pretty excited. David and I love seeing what other countries interpretation of American food is. What we love even more is seeing another country’s interpretation of our interpretation of another country’s food.

Their bastardization of our bastardization of Mexican food was exactly the image that ChatGPT would spit out if prompted “An image of Mexican food that is made by Filipinos whose only point of reference is a brief description from somone who has never left Northern Maine.”

Is this cheez whiz???

-David

The meat looked like it was gonna be chorizo but tasted more like a ground beef that might have been salt and peppered but who knows.

The lettuce was there for color because the texture did not make it through.

We wish they had added more tomatoes and onions.

If you happen to be staying at the Savoy Hotel and you are from the Southwest United States (or are a fan of Southwestern Mexican American food), do not order this unless you want to cry.

Also, if anyone knows where we can get cool Mexican food in the Metro Manila area, please DM me.

Day 3

Chicken Adobo | Mitre in Intramuros

This was actually a recommendation by our Kalesa driver, Boloski.

If you like your adobo more on the soupy side, this is the place to go. Also, all the dishes we ordered were very calamansi forward.

I have to say, if you are someone who is put off by Catholicism, Mitre might not be for you. This place is wall-to-wall Pope hats, crosses, and nuns. But perhaps the entire country of the Philippines might be a bit much if Catholic-based religious trauma is a huge factor in where you go for vacation.

In any case, the absolute best meal I had in the Philippines was at Mitre and I urge anyone to stop by. Boloski, you’re the man. Thank you to you and your trusty stead, Manolo.

Later that day we had our very first Grab Delivery Order. For the uninitiated, Grab is a transportation/delivery app. Equivalent to Uber and UberEats. If your order is 1000 pesos ($20~USD) or less, you have the option to pay your driver in cash. Otherwise, you’ll need to add your card. It was relatively easy to connect our Visa/Mastercard to the the app but make sure your bank is aware you are traveling.

Unfortunately, I’ve hit my photo limit on this post so I’ll need to follow up in a reblog.

[manjirosanosrealwife]

WHY IS KM!MIKEY SO PRETTY???? I SWEAR I JS NOTICED THIS NOW IS THAT HE'S PRETTIER THAN ALL THE OTHER VERSIONS OF MIKEY (except for Manila Mikey and the other one with the dragon tattoo) OR MAYBE IT'S JUST ME, I LOVE KANTO MIKEY SM