Tya Mel through the years
Tya Mel standing behind the counter.
Melly's Variety store has become sort of a landmark in the street of General Luna near the heart of Iloilo City. Emila Sio Tio is more popularly known as "Tya Mel" to the many students who have patronized her store throughout the years. She is a very lovable woman that you can't help but go back to her store again.
She was one of the awardees during the University of the Philippines Centennial Celebration and it just goes to show how much she is loved by the students as she was the most applauded. Even now, after all these years, many students still go to her store.
This is the actual award that was given
to Tya Mel during the UPV Centennial
Celebration.
Students of UPV, mostly, have fond memories of this place. After school, they would hang out here and chat with classmates. It is in this store that many friendships were formed. Some classmates who end up marrying each other has made Melly's Variety Store a part of their memories. It is in this store when girls pour out their problems with their friends, and Tya Mel had been a witness to such. Not to mention students who were bored with their classes and preferred to pass the time at Melly's Variety Store.
Kate L. Mendoza (Kate): How many years have you been here?
Emilia Sio Tio (Tya Mel): I've been here for so long already. Since 1965 until now.
Kate: How did you start your store?
Tya Mel: Oh, just like any other stores. Well, we are practically the same since we started. We are still selling the things that the students need.
Kate: And that's when the students began to come here?
Tya Mel: Yes. That was in the 1960's.
After many years, students and many
others still go to Melly's Variety Store.
Kate: What were the things that the students kept coming back here for?
Tya Mel: Different things like merienda, school supplies. Some come here for drinks.
Kate: Did you ever plan of changing business or transferring to another location?
Tya Mel: No. Not at all.
Kate: Did you ever think that the students would patronize your store like this?
Tya Mel: Well, yes. Many of them were boarders and they always came here.
Tya Mel is taking a look at what the
students are researching.
Kate: Any memorable moments with the students you became close with?
Tya Mel: I had some memorable moments with the students. There was one time when there was a student here with his girlfriend. We were held up inside the store. Their valuables were taken including the necklace of his girlfriend. He even tried to get it back from the hold-uppers. There was also another time when beer was banned. We were interviewed by some radio stations. Those are just some of my memorable moments here.