First sari-sari store opens in Spain's Canary Islands


ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – The first-ever Filipino convenience store with free access to WIFI service opened to cater to the needs of the big Pinoy community in Las Palmas, Canary Islands in Spain.
Owned by Filipina Jenneth Karlsson, the Mabuhay Store is patronized by more than 2,000 Filipinos in Las Palmas.
“Galing kami sa Barcelona, nang malaman ko na malaki ang Filipino community dito sa Las Palmas naisip namin na magtayo ng Mabuhay Store. Kami ang nag-iisang store dito sa Canary Island,” said Karlsson.
Philippine products such as fresh and dried fish, vinegar, soy sauce, bagoong, sardines, are among the items sold in the store.
“Every time na pumupunta kami dito sa Mabuhay Store nagkakaroon kami ng relaxation. Nagpapahinga kami. Nagkakaroon kami ng peace of mind,” said seafarer Vicente Olviga.
The store also provides its clients, particularly the seafarers waiting to board their ships, with free access to WIFI service to easily connect with their families back in the Philippines.
“Naisipan din namin magtayo ng WIFI area sa mga passenger ship na pumupunta dito sa Canary Island,” said Karlsson. Report from Spainalyn Lucas, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau correspondent

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