Every time the doctors tell me or my parents to buy new medicines, they tell us to go to this…read moreMercury Drug. It's big. It's complete. And supposedly their service is fast. Yes, the place is big. It's more than one floor and there's an elevator inside so you don't have to walk up. Yes, it is somewhat complete. You can buy all sorts of food, drinks and snacks in this place. They've got make-up and all sorts of lotions and soaps. Then, there's a pharmacy. Let's just say that on some days their service is fast and on other days it takes some time for them to help you. There are two lines for the senior citizens and PWDs. This is very good. The staff on the floor are really helpful. I think I looked a bit lost earlier while searching for compression stockings, but one of the staff assisted me right away. She also gave me plenty options and didn't just force me to buy the brand she was pushing for. Okay, I'm not sure if they don't allow people to take pictures inside the store. I don't recall seeing any signs telling me not to take pictures. So, I was a bit surprised when the guard came running at me and told me to put my camera (my phone) away. Scary. But, this incident won't stop me from going back to Mercury Drug.

There are literally hundreds of branches of Mercury Drug all over the country. Only a few operate…read more24/7. They come in all sizes, from the very small to nearly supermarket size. The latter is what we have at the corner of Russia and Dona Soledad Avenue in Paranaque City. I've found that not all Mercury Drug branches are run the same way. I like this branch not only because it comes in handy during the odd hours when there's a sudden need for medicine, or even "essential" food items like potato chips and ice cream. The better to watch videos with, There have been several occasions when we had to run to Mercury when there was an urgent need to buy diapers or paracetamol for the kids. During regular hours, the place can get pretty crowded so its best to schedule any purchases during the odd hours. Parking is no problem though. Besides the front and side, there is also a full parking lot right beside the branch. It's free of course because this is Paranaque, not Makati. For sheer convenience alone, I give this branch of Mercury Drug five stars.

I only buy medicine from here. I own a Mercury Drug Suki card and so far, it's been giving me…read morepretty good rewards. I've made Mercury Drug rich over the years and I do wish I own a branch. They just make so much money, more than any business out there. I often say that you can tell if a city is "prosperous" or "emerging" if it has the following: a Jollibee branch, a BPI bank and a Mercury Drug. Yes, ladies and gentlemen these are the signs of progress and everywhere you go in this city you are bound to find any of these. I like this branch in particular because the lines are never ever horrendous. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't spent more than 15 minutes buying any of my OTC needs when I'm in here. The staff in this branch are fast and efficient and they've made the whole process of spending thousands of pesos for medicine somewhat bearable.

Whenever I need any sort of prescription medicine or any kind of medicine at all, I make a beeline…read morefor Mercury Drug. This drugstore has been around for years and is the leading drugstore in the country. Their particular branch in the newly renovated Park Square 2 area is gigantic! Aside from the prescription and over the counter medicines, they've also got the usual drugstore staples like shampoo, lotions, beauty products and the like. My only complaint about the store is their very poor queuing system in the prescription medicines area. (Which actually happens in every Mercury Drug Store!) There really isn't any proper line and it seems like it's every man for himself. It's always a source of inconvenience and stress for me, and I'm sure for everyone else in line too. Aside from that, the store is not bad.

The location couldn't be more perfect as it is right across St. Luke's. It's also walking distance…read morefrom a Starbucks. While there are lots of parking spaces surrounding the building, it's often full. The security guards however are very helpful when it comes to helping you park, and if you only mean to pick up a prescription or make a quick stop, they will allow you to put your car on hazards wherever there's space in the parking lot. It's one of the bigger Mercury Drugs, and I appreciate that because they're better stocked than other branches or pharmacies. The pharmacy counter is lengthy, allowing for several cashiers and faster service. I also like the pharmacists because they're pretty helpful, especially when they have the place isn't so packed and they actually have the time to spend on you. They will suggest alternatives for out-of-stock brands and will even tell you which is cheaper. They're open twenty-four hours, which is excellent for emergency late night runs. I purchase most of mine and my grandmother's meds here. It's not the closest Mercury Drug to my house, but it is the most efficient and convenient. Here's one thing most people don't know about the Mercury Drug card though: points expire every six months! So remember to use your points whenever you can. They don't tell you this unless you ask (pretty shady business practice if you ask me, but there it is).

Mercury Drug isn't the Generics Pharmacy, but the fact remains that I have a boatload of respect…read morefor them because they have the most affordable medicines and essential products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, tissue and the like in comparison to other drugstores like Watson's or what have you. I've come here more times than I care to remember for when I've needed to purchase cough medicine, cold medicine, antibiotics, allergy medicine, and more. This is also my go-to place for mouthwash, dental floss, tissue, hand sanitizer, and more. Invest in a suki card in order to earn points and shave a few pesos off of your next purchase.

Maybe they should change their name to Main Avenue Drug and Grocery…read more One night, my friend, Mica, and I were walking all over Merville looking for cigarettes. The little stores were closed. The grocery only had reds. We were tired, thirsty and a bit desperate. We walked into this drug store to buy a drink and we found out that they sell cigarettes also. Isn't that a bit weird? They sell medicines and cigarettes. Well, I'm not complaining. This drugstore also sells chips, bread and well, easy to cook food. They have a few beauty products you'd buy if you're truly desperate already. According to my mom who buys her medicines here, they aren't complete, but they do have medicines to treat fevers, sore throats and coughs and colds. Oh, did I mention they also sell alcoholic drinks? I guess their logic is simple: Smoke all you want. Drink all you want. Eat all the junk you can. When your body can't take it anymore, come back 'cause we also have medicines for you.

When I first moved to Manila to study in Benilde, there was only one pharmacy in the entire Vito…read moreCruz-Taft area, which was a surprise since there were three schools here. You would think that these kids would need medicine sooner or later, even if it's just to stop the nosebleeds from all the math we were being forced to endure. Today, there are two generic pharmacies, one Mercury Drug, and a bunch of other tiny medicine peddlers sprouting like mushrooms. But a few years ago, there was only one: United Pharmacy. And it was no spring chicken either. It was already old when I first walked into its doors, and now it looks downright ancient. It used to be like a 7-11 with pharmacists, but now the A/C unit isn't working, the ice cream freezers are empty, and the staff always look sweaty and haggard. But they're an institution, and should be respected as such.

Everyone knows Mercury Drug but everyone should also get to know The Generics Pharmacy as well. My…read moregrand father lives alone. It's his own choice. We do visit him often though. As an old person, he gets sick often and sometimes, not everyone is available at a certain moment of time to rush to the store to buy medicine for him. When this happens, he heads to The Generics Pharmacy to buy his medicine. Branches are everywhere so it's easily accessible to the public and most importantly, my lolo gets to save money. A lot of Filipinos can't really afford off the counter medicine as they can be pretty expensive, especially if you need to take them in a longer period of time. This pharmacy's advocacy is selling quality medicine in affordable prices so that everyone can have a more affordable option. They have even won an award under the Department of Health. So rest assured that The Generics Pharmacy is a trusted pharmaceutical brand.

I remember when Med Express first opened on Ortigas Ave. They were the first pharmacy to have a…read moredrive-through available and I thought that was sick... but there was one problem: their prices were markedly higher than Mercury Drug's or even Watson's. This was huge to me considering that Watson's in itself isn't cheap. So I stopped patronizing it despite the super cool drive-thru. Fast forward to a few years later, Med Express had set up shop in The Medical City where I often find myself and surprise surprise, their prices are now at par with Mercury Drug's! Ha. Glad they wizened up. The staff here always has smiles on their faces too, so plus points. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE: They deliver!!!