Super Shocked

But really, I shouldn't be.

I've seen the National Bookstore Superbranch go from 5 floors, to 4, to 3, to 2, and now, to just 1 floor.

And soon, that 1 floor will be gone, too.

They're finally saying goodbye to the Superbranch and moving it to Gateway 2. But as the sign says, an art and community center will be rising in its stead, so that's something to look forward to. 

So, thank you, National Bookstore Superbranch! Thanks for the memories!

Don(e) for?

Was excited to check out the Don Don Donki branch in Vivo City.

Once there, this is what greeted me.

Say it isn't so!

And say that it's just this branch. 

Don Don Donki can't just give up on SG.

Hands off

So, it's true. They're shutting down the Tokyu Hands store in Shibuya.

Mark and I have been here once or twice. As a fan of crafting and writing, this place was a joy to visit. They had floors upon floors of papers, pens, cards, art materials, and everything else in between.

Hopefully, their other stores will still be open. That way, I'd still get my crafting fix whenever we go to Japan.

Lost Flores

The reason we went to Robinsons Magnolia yesterday was to have lunch at Las Flores. We've been craving for good Paella and croquetas, and this place is one of our go-to spots.

But when we got there, it was already closed!

That makes 2 Las Flores branches that closed already. The first was in Podium, and now Robinsons Magnolia.

Hope this isn't a trend and their other branches don't shutter, too.

Oh No! (Brand!)

It's closing season.

After M&S, here's another international brand that's closing in the Philippines.

Yup, No brand is no more.

Part of me really isn't surprised. They don't have stand-alone stores this big in Korea, so I'm surprised that they had it here. At first, it looked promising, but when they started populating the store with non-No Brand items, it looked like they were losing focus.

What they should do is follow the Korean model of selling the brand inside Robinsons supermarkets. (They sell it inside Emart in Korea.) At least, we won't completely miss out on these no brand goodies.

False Alarm?

After the huge hullabaloo caused by the news of Marks & Spencers' exit in the Philippines, this piece of news comes out.

So, should we stop hoarding lotions and digestives?

We shall see.

Disappearing Mark(s & Spencers)

And the unthinkable is about to happen.

After 40 years in the Philippines, Marks & Spencers will shut its doors. This is the 2nd SSI British brand that's shuttering, the 1st being Debenhams.

Gosh! What will Christmas be like without their cookies?

Closing the Gap (and Old Navy)

So, this is what has become of the big Gap and Old Navy store in Shangrila Plaza mall.

Used to enjoy visiting here since it was massive! Two floors of all things Gap and Old Navy!

But the past year, their stocks and selections were meh, so this store closing shouldn't be a surprise.

Hope Gap and Old Navy gets to pivot and be relevant again soon.

So long, Cinta

If you're a Pinoy in HKG, chances are, you know Cinta-J.

This is an institution, and a must-visit whether you're a local or a tourist.

Cinta-J is a restobar. They serve good Pinoy food. They have a live band. They have a karaoke bar. They have comedy nights.

in short, it's everything we Pinoys are known for - all packed in a single place. 

The last time we went here was in 2017, during our family visit with Ate Bullet, Biboy and their respective fams. Glenda brought us here after dinner, just to get the Pinoy experience in HKG.

And it's with shock and sadness that this place is going to close after 42 years.

As the owner said in the interview, this isn't "goodbye," just "see you later." And it's with anticipation and hope that I'm waiting for the next location and incarnation of Cinta-J.

Monki see. Monki do. Monki gone.

So that's why the Monki store in Megamall looked emptier and emptier with every visit.

Yup, they're closing down.

Apparently, it's a corporate decision and they're shuttering all the Monki stores worldwide and integrating them with the "Weekend" brand.

Another brand bites the dust.

Xaijian Taipan

One of the time I'd look forward to in HKG was the Mooncake festival. That's the time when the office and our senior colleagues would be handing out this traditional pastry. 

Aside from the usual lotus paste and salted egg variants, the Taipan Snow Mooncake was one of my most anticipated ones. This was usually available at Taipan Bakery, and they're usually very busy around this time because of that particular type of Mooncake.

So, it's sad to read that Taipan has officially closed its doors. 

Mooncake festivals won't be the same without them.

Once a King

A decade ago, CD-R King was THE go-to store.

Back when CDs were useful and essential, this store had in in all colours, sizes and designs.

Then, they diversified into anything and everything electronic. From USBs to phone chargers to phone cases. Taking it further, they started selling small appliances, even scooters!

And just when you thought their trajectory was on the up and up, suddenly they started dwindling and disappearing.

Last Sunday, was in Robinsons Magnolia and was surprised to see this:

Not sure if it's still open or permanently closed. But seeing it made me reminisce on the brand and how big it once was.

Metrowalk to remember

It's my first time to pass through Metrowalk since the announcement of its closure.

There are so many good memories here. 

This was where they had "Brazil, Brazil." This churrasco restaurant was the first of its concept, with the waiters bringing different barbecued items to your table. Our family would usually go there on weekends because the food was good and the value was great.

This was also the place where D' Frendz would hang out. Mainly because there were a couple of unique retail stores at Metrowalk, including stores that would sell hard-to-find imported goods.

They would often live bands at the open area, and we'd usually go there to listen to live music.

Then, there was the GoodAh!!! store where our office would often go to be test subjects for new menu items.

While its sad to see Metrowalk quiet and empty these days, the memories created will surely fill that void.

Lime Time

Back in the 2010s, there was one US brand that was a go-to when it comes to shoes and accessories. Those who are familiar with fashion were also familiar with this brand. 

Piperlime was part of the GAP group of brands. They focused more on bags and accessories, and they carried hundreds of shoe brands - from designer labels to more pocket-friendly options.

They never had a store in Asia, but their website was there for us to peruse. Often, I'd check out products there, order them and have them delivered to a US address, and the products would find their way to MNL. Tedious, but worth it.

I'd also check out their stores when my travels would take me to the US. Their lime facade was hard to miss.

One time, they were even the sponsor for Project Runway's accessory wall. It was a sign of how serious they were in building their brand.

Alas, by 2015, the brand shuttered down both their on-line and off-line presence. 

And with that, Piperlime's story ended on a sour note.

Still the one

Nope, this isn't about that Shania Twain song.

This is about the news that came out today that Greenbelt 1 is finally closing its doors. 

Yes, the OG Greenbelt, the place where a lot of my memories were made, is finally being redeveloped. If you think about it, this was a long time coming. Compared to the Greenbelt Malls around it, particularly Greenbelt 5, it looks very dark, dreary and outdated. 

In fact, when my cousins from BCN are here, and we walk through Greenbelt, they notice the difference when we cross from Greenbelt 5 to Greenbelt 1. 

Despite that, Greenbelt 1 is still the most memorable Greenbelt for me.

As a kid, we'd go to the Coney Island branch here to get our ice cream fix. During my 1st job at Adfomratix, we'd often have lunch at Greenbelt 1. This is where the big Triple V Express used to be. Wendy's was also a go-to, and that store is still around until today.

They also had a big Cinderella store in Greenbelt 1 before. This is where I bought a Reno jacket with my 1st paycheck as a copywriter. That jacket is still with me, by the way. 

This is just some of the many, many memories that are still fresh in my mind. There's also National Sports Grill, OnStage, Greenbelt 1 Cinemas (the cheapest place to watch movies in Makati,) David's Tea House, Chili's - gosh, there are so many!

So, while it's going to be closed soon, Greenbelt will always be open in my mind and memories.

Closing a Chapter

It’smso sad to see this piece of news online,

National Bookstore in Greenbelt holds so many memories for me. And seeing the, close is like closing a chapter.

Moda Cerrada

Just when Vero Moda Lazada Store was fast becoming my source for unique fast fashion finds, this happens:

They're closed! Not only is their physical store (formerly at the G/F of SM Megamall) gone, their online store has shuttered as well.

Well, it looks like I'll have to start looking for a new source.

(Mi)doors closing

Because of its proximity to my former flat in Jordan, Mido Cafe in Yau Ma Tei was one of my most visited cafes in HKG.

Usually on weekends, I'd wake up early and walk to Mido to get breakfast. It's usually my fave - condensed milk and peanut butter toast, with milk tea. I never got tired of this combo even if I had it several times a week.

Because of its fame, Mido Cafe would usually have long lines outside, much like Australian Dairy Co. To beat the crowd, I'd go there really, really early.

While I dream of visiting Mido Cafe again, that'll just be a dream now. Apparently, they're closing down after more than 70 years.

Gosh, the pandemic claims another HKG icon. Hopefully, when things are finally back to normal-normal, they'll pick-up where they left off and open their doors again.

Ice say goodbye

Rita's Ice is one of my go-to desserts.

Their cherry ice is just divine. And that's because I'm a huge fan of cherries.

Then, you add the custard! Divine!

But today, I just saw an announcement that Rita's Ice is saying goodbye. The pandemic claims another brand.

Although they've announced this with finality, I'm still hoping that they'll find a way to reopen once this situation is over.

Because no one can make Cherry Ice like Rita's.

Hui will miss this!

Another iconic and favourite food shop of mine in HKG is closing down.

Hui Lau Shan is one of my go-to places whenever I'm craving for something light and sweet. And their Mango Sago is an icon in HKG.

That's why it was such a thrill when they opened shop in MNL. But last year, their store in Ortigas Center change names. And now I know why.

Gosh! That's one less restaurant to visit the next time I go to HKG.