Frederick Galamay (Left) and Katlaya Cordura (Right) want to share the filipino culture with the Northeast. (Rachel May/NortheastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

Bringing the Philippines to Melfort

Northeast business shares culture with community

Dec 29, 2021 | 12:00 PM

A small business in the northeast is sharing its culture and encouraging others to do the same.

168 Family Mart offers a variety of Asian food for those who want to enjoy their culture in Canada or want to try something new.

Owners Frederick Galamay and Katlaya Cordura said they wanted to eliminate the need for people to drive just to get their favourite foods from bigger centres.

“We can see there are a lot of different cultures and nationalities here in Melfort,” Galamay told northeastNOW. “We all have the right to choose what to eat and it’s important to have those options.”

For those who have never been to 168 Family Mart, Galamay recommends trying the spring rolls and chilli sauce. Cordura recommends trying the Garlic cracker nuts and Garlic corn mix.

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The couple is from Humboldt but stays in Melfort on the weekdays. Although the store is closed on the weekends, the pair is still working.

“We added free delivery to keep the business up. We did that the last time we had locked down, we went to nearby towns. Innovation is the key.”

As the Asian population grows in Melfort and nearby towns, Galamay said there was an opportunity to help their community stand out in Saskatchewan.

“We should have a multicultural community. We should have diversity, lots of different ideas, experiences and talent. It will lead to economic growth.”

Some big grocery stores in Humboldt have taken a stand to encourage members of the community to help local businesses, said Cordura.

Galamay and Cordura encourage the City of Melfort to endorse the same policies to help local businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pair wants to thank the community and encourage everyone to shop local.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM