Missing Metro
‘What do you miss most about Metro Ayala?’
By Patricia May P. Catan
IT WAS only five days after the entire world celebrated the New Year when a sudden fire devastated Metro Ayala Center Cebu and left loyal patrons in shock. Firefighters from all over the metropolis immediately responded as onlookers watched the building go ablaze. The raging fire lasted for two days and undeniably left a heartbreaking sight.
Metro Ayala was not the just one of the city’s more popular landmarks, it was also the supermarket and department store of choice among many Cebuanos (because, as their catchy jingle goes, “We’ve got something for you at the Metro”). Right now, we can only wax nostalgic about time and money well spent at Metro Ayala, and at the same time hope that they will rebuild an even better store soon.
SunStar Weekend readers and Metro Ayala’s loyal patrons recall fond memories and share what they miss most about the store that had become a part of the lives of many Cebuanos.
Jen Murillo
Passion & Projects Founder
Vlogger
“Metro Ayala was our go to place and it was such a big help especially for busy moms like me. From food, home stuff, school supplies to affordable fashionable clothes and shoes, we always go to Metro to find these. Life was easier with Metro Ayala.”
Symphony B. Ortiz, 23
Student Teacher
“One thing I miss most about Metro Ayala is their food court. My love for Metro Ayala goes way back in high school. Looking back, their food court served as our meeting place on Saturdays whenever we would go out for practices or make projects. Plus, it’s where you’ll find food at a reasonable price that’s just as good as any restaurants.”
Nino Jeetom Hilario P. Pitogo, 26
Regional Marketing Visayas – BPI Cards
“Metro has been a part of my life for the past three years since working here in the Cebu Business Park area. There are a few things I miss most about Metro since its closure: 1.) Metro Men’s Department. This department makes me shop without a reason and it is where I run for some random needs. 2.) Supermarket. It’s too difficult now not to be able to shop at Metro Supermarket. I can randomly pick goods from perishable to non-perishable items. Although they’re having pop-up stores around Ayala, the Metro feels is just no longer there. 3.) Kids Section. I always buy small gifts for my nephew and this department store is usually the one I run to because of the cheap price and guaranteed great quality. 4) Food Court. It is our go to lunch place whenever we cannot think of what any places to go. It’s been more than two months since its closure and I can only hope for a greater comeback.”
Adrian A. Villaganas, 20
Graduating Corporate Communication Student of Saint Theresa’s College of Cebu
“Metro Ayala will always have a special place in my heart because it used to be my go-to place growing up. The management really lived up to their slogan, “There’s something for you at the Metro” because they really had something for everyone from home decors, clothes, school supplies, beauty products down to grocery items. And not only that, most of these items were at affordable prices compared to those stores located at the main mall. And if there’s one thing that I missed most about Metro Ayala- Cebu, it would be the department store in general. However, ever since the fire broke out and burned down the building, I am already having a hard time looking for a place that is convenient for me in terms of location and a place where it already has all the items that I need. This is why I hope that the owners of Metro Ayala will rebuild a new structure soon so that their regular customers like me would be able to enjoy the pleasure of shopping again. Nevertheless, the fact still remains that the old familiar sights and sections of the previous structure will remain a mere memory forever.”
Sinjin Pineda, 27
Travel and Lifestyle Blogger at Libotero.com
President at Cebu Bloggers Society
“What I miss most about Metro Ayala is the variety of products and services. I practically grew up with it, and while the gargantuan eight-level (it was six levels when it first-opened, including two basement levels) structure may seem intimidating, I knew each level by heart. My favorite floors would have to be Basement 1 because doing the groceries is therapeutic; Level 1 because it had the men’s section, shoes, perfumes and watches; Level 5 because browsing the home section has become a new hobby to me now that I’m adulting; and Level 6 because the food court is my favorite place to eat when I’m on a budget.”
