THE BATCH OF 1985

MANILA, Philippines – The recent SM City North EDSA 25th anniversary festivities have brought attention to the mall’s significance in the shopping center history of the Philippines — how it showed that there are opportunities in times of crisis and how it changed the lifestyles of Filipinos forever.

Much of the mall’s success can be attributed to its pioneer tenants, the trailblazing businessmen who believed in Mr. Henry Sy, Sr.’s vision, took the risk, and changed the way we shop, eat out and have fun. We earlier featured two pioneer tenants — Ben Chan and Ricky Reyes — in this series, and today, the other members of the batch of November 1985 share with us why they took the risk and what they have learned in the 25 years they have worked with SM.
Marcelino Chua Of Sportshouse

“In any kind of endeavor, there is always a risk. But at that time, all you needed to have was perseverance. While there was a crisis at that time, there would also be room for opportunities.” What he learned from working with SM: “SM taught me to focus and never be complacent. We always have to keep up with the changing times and always have something new and exciting.”

Socorro Alejandro Of Papemelroti

“We were praying at that time because there were so many things happening in the Philippines. We prayed and seemed that God wanted us to open a store, and we have never regretted it.” What she has learned from working with SM: “We learned the importance of getting a good location for business. And usually if it’s an SM mall, it’s good business because the SM management is very helpful.”

Mario Tayag Of Our Tribe

“This was going to be the first mall in Quezon City, and at that time we were looking for a place to put up a store in the area. It was a case of perfect timing.” What he has learned from working with SM: “When you have a store inside a mall, you are typhoon-proof as the mall is accessible rain or shine. With regards to retailing, we learned to compete, to make good presentations, and to make your shops very attractive.”

“Yes, it’s true there was an economic crisis at that time. But as businessmen, we should do something to help the country, maybe by giving jobs to people. If we just put our resources in a box, we couldn’t be of much help. So I decided to take the risk and see what would happen.” What he has learned from working with SM: “There are lots of lessons I have learned from SM, including selling quality goods at reasonable prices. SM is one company I can say that has reached the stars considering what it used to be. SM has grown enormously and everyone wants to imitate them.”

Senen Lao Of Cabrelli

“In 1984, Henry Sy, Sr. personally invited us to open a store at SM City North EDSA. In fact, he was the one that chose a space for me. That’s why we chose to open here despite the odds.” What he has learned from working with SM: “I learned to focus and be specialized. There are still many things I continue to learn from SM and Henry Sy, Sr. — it’s a lifetime lesson.”

Vida Doria-Legaspi Of Vida Doria

“We felt very positive about opening a store at SM City North EDSA when we were invited to join. It didn’t matter that we were in a political crisis at that time. We were just excited about being part of the first mall of its kind in the Philippines.” What she has learned from working with SM:“That we always have to know what our customers like, and we always have to move forward — learning and relearning new things, updating our knowledge of fashion and the retail business. SM taught us to be aggressive in our retailing, and many aspects of the business like how to deal with competition, and how to take care of our store.”

Christopher And Elizabeth Tang Of Chris Sports

“Henry Sy, Sr. is a family friend — he’s a close friend of my brother in law. I have a high regard and respect for him. It’s the trust and confidence we had in him that prompted us to open a store at SM City North-EDSA.” What they have learned from working with SM: “To keep our customers happy. In the same way that SM takes care of us, we maintain good relationships with our customers.”

Soledad Chua Of Columbia Photo

“During the year we opened, photography was a good business, and that’s what gave us the courage to open a store at SM City North EDSA.” What she has learned from working with SM: “To render good business and to give good quality merchandise at reasonable prices.”

Manuel Siggaoat Of Manel’s

“Tessie Sy-Coson invited me and the other members of the Harrison Plaza Tenants Association to be part of SM City North EDSA, and we visited the mall while it was still under construction. She was very optimistic despite the political crisis. There were actually many people who dissuaded us because the idea of a mall as a shopping destination was not yet known at that time. But we trusted the Sy family and chose to open just the same.” What he has learned from working with SM: “We learned to give our best to our customers — to pay attention to what he is saying, to innovate, and to change with the times.”