I HAD a first glimpse of this admirable man sometime in 1964. I just finished my secondary education then when I decided to come to Manila as a bootblack in order to pursue my educational ambition. It is the popular belief then and rightly so, that acquisition of a college degree is the great leveler that inspired me to continue my journey despite the huge personal sacrifices it demands of me as a young man. That is to say education is the saving grace for a poor country-boy to uplift his social and economic status.
Anyway, in 1964, one cannot help but reminisce the welcome sight of foot-patrolling police officers of Manila’s Finest that gives instant feeling of personal safety as one traverses the sidewalks of Sta. Cruz, Azcarrage (now C.M. Recto) and Quiapo to mention a few. The dignity of well-pressed uniform evoke professionalism and respectability. Former Mayor Alfonso S. Lim proudly belonged to these jewels of Manila’s Finest. Hopefully, with the internal cleansing being undertaken by PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, the Filipino people who bear the brunt of increasing tax burden to pay for the salary increase of PNP personnel, will soon enjoy the rebirth of professionalism and loyalty to service among their ranks.
Also sorely missed are those clean sidewalks uncluttered by undisciplined vendors with their makeshift tents that more often than not serve as family sleeping quarters. Indeed, revisiting Manila during a downpour these days, one can immediately sense there is something wrong with those heretofore glinting and perpetually running water of its esteros that serve as natural drainage system of the City. Today, the esteros are trespassed by informal settlers who built shanties therein. Overtime, the indiscriminate dumping of their waste aggravated by uncaring business establishments immobilized and poisoned such vital waterways flooding City streets so easily. Thus, disrupting human and vehicular passage to the detriment of residents and visitors.
Well, going back to that admirable man, I mean, Sir Henry Sy of SM Megamall Conglomerate. As an ambulant bootblack in 1964, I shout my craft as I walk through the streets of Ongpin and Carriedo holding my shoe shine box to find customers. This was my routine for two years from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, except on Sundays. At 1:00 p.m., I have to attend my classes at the University of the East, Manila.
One day, as I cruise along the left side of the sidewalk of Carriedo St. facing Quiapo church, shouting my craft, a lady standing in front of a shoe store waves her hand and asked me to “shine” two pairs of black shoes. I did. After 25 minutes the job was done and the lady paid me 30 centavos. I thanked her for the 10-centavo gratuity as the cost of shoeshine that time was only 10 centavos for a pair of black/brown shoes. As I lift my shoeshine wooden box, I bowed in goodwill looking at the man standing near the sales counter who I learned later was SIR HENRY SY — the owner-proprietor of Shoemart Carriedo.
It is not easy to forget the shine boy—parkiano relationship that had been forged for two years. But somehow I have to retire my shoe-shine box to grasp a better opportunity even as I thank Sir Henry and the rest of my parkianos in Chinatown for their invaluable trust that served as trajectory in my becoming a lawyer.
The next time I heard of Sir Henry Sy was sometime before the EDSA revolt. He was making waves for venturing in mall operations not because he is then a well-known business mogul but precisely because he was relatively unknown. Now, SIR HENRY peacefully joined his creator truly fulfilled.
In remembering his legacy, SIR HENRY must be judged not so much for the vast wealth that he painstakingly earned but by his philantrophy and civic-mindedness. Indeed, the senior citizens of Pampanga, will always be grateful to SIR HENRY and his family for being so kind in accommodating their annual get-together through the use of SM Pampanga Event Center gratis et amore. Thus, from his humble beginning as a shoe-retailer in Carriedo Streeet, Quiapo, Manila, his Supermalls bring comfort, convenience to millions of consumers in this part of the world, particularly among Filipinos.
On behalf of the senior citizens of Pampanga, our heartfelt condolences to the good family of Sir Henry.