19/04/2025
In Filipino terms, 'suki' is a local endearment for a regular customer who consistently buys or support from the same seller.
Any loyal customer who returns again and again to the same vendor, whether it’s a 'tindera' in the palengke, the 'palaging binibilhan' ng almusal in the morning, or the 'ka-close' na sari-sari store down the street may be called as "suki," a title conferred by local vendors.
As the transactions pile up, over time, a special relationship forms that you won't experience inside big malls.
When you go to the 'suking' palengke, the 'suking' sari-sari store, or even the 'suking' meryendahan or fishball stalls down the street, there’s an immediate sense of familiarity between you and the vendor.
Sometimes, you don’t even have to say anything. (They already know what you want!)
"Ano bilhin mo? Yosi?"
"Magni-nilaga kayo ng mama mo?"
"Ilan? Bente ulit?"
Small interaction matters for these vendors.
Sometimes during special occasions, you get a little something extra. "Bente na lang sa'yo." as your suki discount. If you're short on payment, the vendor might just say, “Sige lang. Balik mo na lang yung kulang."
You won’t hear that from a department store or in the supermalls. No friendly banter, no small talks, no extra scoop of food because you’re a suki. In the mall, you’re just another face in the crowd. But for these small vendors, you support their livelihood and daily expenses.
There’s emotional value in being a 'suki'.
So yes, mall owners and corporations will not remember you—but small vendors will. They are the working class that remembers your face.
And in a time where everything feels automated and transactional, being remembered might just be the most valuable thing of all.
-Zakhary Corey
