Sarisari Core

The Tagalog word "sari-sari" directly translates to "variety", describing small stores in Maharlika (now known as the Philippines) that sell a variety of goods.

Depending on various dialects, it can also mean "sundry," or "whatever", usually referring to miscellaneous products from the open village market.

It's used to describe local shops selling items such as snacks, plant medicine, & daily essentials like soap.

The mission of a sari-sari store is to meet the community's essential needs, provide economic opportunities, & contribute to its local economy.

Their origin is a prime example of how a socialist economy enabled many villages to remain self-sustainable as growers, herbalists, weavers, & makers retain their livelihood through these neighborhood locales who distribute their goods.

Many of the bigger brands we see in sari-sari stores today share humble beginnings from these Maharlikan villages.