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.

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.

Nice little corner pharmacy were i needed to go because i had a very bad cold…read more The pharmacist was full of suggestions for decongestant and lozenges for my throat. Also you can buy distilled water and other items you usually find in a pharmacy.

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.

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.

If you're like me, an internet habitué who's online until the wee hours, there comes a time when…read moreyou have cravings for the two main types of carbs: carbohydrates and carbonateds. Haha. And if you balk at the prospect of paying ubiquitously high prices of other 24-hour convenience stores, look no further than going to South Star Drug. Yes, it's funny that a drugstore stocks almost all manner of stuff you'd find in a grocery, but it is nonetheless welcome and convenient. Add to the fact that the prices of their goods don't have that 24-hour operational markup, so here, you're golden. There's no frozen food section here, unless you count ice cream tubs, cones, popsicles, and all sorts of sweet frozen goodness. The best part is that if you overeat, there's always a helpful staffer to give you an antacid. Waitaminnit, this IS after all, a drugstore, so South Star Drug of course fulfills that role, albeit it's really a drugstore with food and hygiene products as a "by-the-way" kind of offering. As small as this store may seem, you'll likely find all sorts of over-the-counter prescription drug you may need, whether branded or generic. I've actually bought my Dad's blood pressure maintenance meds, and some prescribed antibiotics here with no hassles. They're well-stocked with the drugs you need, and the food you might like (and NOT recommended by your doctor. I wonder if all this was done on purpose...?) From softdrinks to hard candies, prophylactics to antacids, canned goods to cookies, shampoo to soap, South Star Drug will likely have it, and will sell it around-the-clock.

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!!!