DISCLAIMER: As an extremely proud and nationalistic son of the Philippines, as well as a lovingly adopted son of the outer borough of Queens (specifically in the section of Astoria), I will do my "damndest" to write the most objective review possible.
Anyway, the unadulterated joy that I felt after finding this place was staggering. After being scared into thinking that this place was wiped off the face of the earth (the Yelp map is so wrong), a quick look at the address remedied this problem in a snap.
Even after visiting this place a couple times, I still can't believe that a place like this even exists (for the past two years apparently). Esoteric Filipino condiments, snack foods, and other things adorn the shelves, along with your typical bodega-esque assortment of good things.
What's even crazier is how cheap some of these items run. Given the not-too-common nature of the goods sold at this joint, one could half expect a massive markup. However, I found it a struggle to spend over $10 at this place ($10 being the credit card minimum). My backpack literally ripped open when I got home because I was carrying so much in it.
The older gentleman dude who runs the counter is also pretty cool, as we discussed the difficulties of trying to sell Filipino beer at this place. When I told him that a Red Horse in the city sells for $6, I saw his eyes quiver, as if there was no more hope left in the world. Thankfully, because of this place, I still manage to hold on to hope… no matter how desperate situations can get.
DISCLAIMER: As an extremely proud and nationalistic son of the Philippines, as well as a lovingly adopted son of the outer borough of Queens (specifically in the section of Astoria), I will do my "damndest" to write the most objective review possible.
Anyway, the unadulterated joy that I felt after finding this place was staggering. After being scared into thinking that this place was wiped off the face of the earth (the Yelp map is so wrong), a quick look at the address remedied this problem in a snap.
Even after visiting this place a couple times, I still can't believe that a place like this even exists (for the past two years apparently). Esoteric Filipino condiments, snack foods, and other things adorn the shelves, along with your typical bodega-esque assortment of good things.
What's even crazier is how cheap some of these items run. Given the not-too-common nature of the goods sold at this joint, one could half expect a massive markup. However, I found it a struggle to spend over $10 at this place ($10 being the credit card minimum). My backpack literally ripped open when I got home because I was carrying so much in it.
The older gentleman dude who runs the counter is also pretty cool, as we discussed the difficulties of trying to sell Filipino beer at this place. When I told him that a Red Horse in the city sells for $6, I saw his eyes quiver, as if there was no more hope left in the world. Thankfully, because of this place, I still manage to hold on to hope… no matter how desperate situations can get.