Last Sunday, February 23, 2025 Merkado PH marked its first anniversary—a milestone filled with gratitude, joy, and a whole lot of Filipino flavors! Nestled in Torslanda torg 3, Torslanda, Sweden, our Filipino-Asian store has not only been a haven for Filipino goods but has also become a hub where both Filipinos and non-Filipinos come together to share in our culture and traditions.
To celebrate, we invited everyone to join us for a special tasting event featuring an array of Filipino dishes and delicacies. It was an opportunity to slowly introduce the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines to the local community, and we were overwhelmed by the appreciation and enthusiasm we received.
A Taste of Filipino Flavours
Our carefully curated menu for the celebration was a mix of beloved Filipino favorites:
Pancit Canton – Inspired by my grandmother’s recipe, this dish was elevated with a rich sauce, wood ear mushrooms, and Taiwanese/Chinese sausage, giving it a unique fusion twist.
Tofu Sisig – A flavorful and satisfying option for those who prefer to skip meat.
Special Palabok – A classic Filipino noodle dish with a deliciously savory sauce.
The tasting experience didn’t stop there! We also delighted our guests with a variety of traditional Filipino desserts:
Ube Cake – Soft, creamy, and infused with the beloved purple yam flavor.
Suman with Coconut Spread – A sweet and sticky rice delicacy enhanced with rich coconut.
Puto and Kutsinta – Steamed rice cakes, both soft and chewy, served with a touch of nostalgia.
Buko Pandan – A refreshing and creamy dessert with young coconut and pandan flavors.
A Community Effort
The success of this event wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support from the people around us. From those who prepared the kakanin, Palabok, and Ube Cake, to the Ates and Kuyas who extended their helping hands before and after the event—we are deeply grateful.
And of course, we couldn’t forget our friends from the Swenoy Band! After staying up late supporting them at their Valentine’s Day party, they still made it to our celebration.
Altogether, all of your presence and energy made the event even more special, proving that Merkado PH is not just a tindahan, but a place where people can gather, have fun, and feel at home—a real tambayan for everyone. A place where people gather to share laughter, music, and stories. A home away from home, where everyone is welcome to express themselves, sing, dance, and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Reflecting on a Year of Growth
When asked how it felt to reach this milestone, it was hard not to get emotional. The past year has been filled with challenges, learning experiences, and countless moments of joy. From setting up the store and webshop to understanding marketing strategies and customer engagement, the journey has been anything but easy. Yet, through trial and error with a lot of patience, we found our place in the community, and the love and support we have received made every challenge worthwhile.
Along the way, we had the privilege of meeting fellow Filipino store owners across Sweden who generously shared their experiences and advice, choosing camaraderie over competition. Together, we recognized that while we may run Filipino stores, we serve one people—the Filipino community.
One year may feel like many, given all the events we’ve hosted, the people we’ve met, and the lessons we’ve learned. GRABE! But it’s only just the beginning. We are not complaining—far from it! Time flew by, and we are beyond grateful for the unwavering support and patronage from all of you. NONE of this would have been possible without you.
To our dear customers, friends, and supporters—maraming salamat po! Your love for Filipino food and culture fuels us to keep going, improving, and finding new ways to bring the best of the Philippines to Sweden. Here’s to more years of serving and celebrating together!
Cheers to Year One—on to many more!
