From Gary V. to BINI: How Unilab & Mercury Drug Threw the Ultimate “Suki” Party

Think back for a moment.

To the fevers soothed by a parent’s gentle hand. To the comforting sight of that small, orange Mercury Drug plastic bag on the kitchen table. To the familiar name on a medicine box that promised relief was on its way.

For generations of Filipinos, these aren’t just memories; they’re chapters of our lives. And for 80 incredible years, two names have been the silent, steady companions through it all: Unilab and Mercury Drug.

This isn’t just a story about medicine. It’s a story about care. And recently, they threw a party to celebrate it—not for themselves, but for all of us.

On July 31, the Smart Araneta Coliseum wasn’t just a concert venue; it was transformed into the country’s biggest living room. It was filled with Suki—the loyal patrons who are more like family—for the Alagang Suki Fest 2025. This wasn’t just a corporate anniversary; it was a grand, heartfelt “thank you” for eight decades of trust.

From the Lolos and Lolas who remember the very first Mercury Drug store to the Gen Z kids screaming for their favorite P-Pop group, the entire place was buzzing with a shared sense of gratitude and joy. It was a beautiful reminder that some things truly stand the test of time.

An event this big needed a lineup to match, and wow, did they deliver! The night was a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern energy, mirroring the brands themselves.

• The show kicked off with a heart-pounding performance from dance crew Legit Status.
• Rock band Mayonnaise and heartthrobs Maki and Darren Espanto had everyone singing along.
• The one and only Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, took the stage and proved that, like the iconic brands he was celebrating, true passion never gets old. His performance was a powerful testament to enduring vitality!
• And representing the new generation of loyal customers, the nation’s rising girl group, BINI, lit up the stage with a performance as vibrant and trusted as the brands themselves.

And because laughter is the best medicine, Comedy Manila’s GB Labrador and James Caraan had the whole coliseum roaring with their relatable humor.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a family gathering without some wonderful surprises! Fans were thrilled by appearances from beloved celebrity ambassadors: the ever-charming Jolina Magdangal for Neurogen-E, the witty Robi Domingo for Kremil-S, and the radiant Belle Mariano for Biogesic, who drew some of the loudest cheers of the night!

Here’s the thing that many outside the Philippines might not understand. Unilab and Mercury Drug don’t just offer “customer service.” They offer something deeper, something woven into our very culture: Alaga (that nurturing, personal kind of care) and Malasakit (a deep, genuine compassion for another’s well-being).

These aren’t just marketing slogans; they are lived values. It’s in the pharmacist who patiently explains your prescription. It’s in the affordable, quality medicine that a family can rely on. For 80 years, through every challenge our country has faced—from natural disasters to a global pandemic—that promise of Alaga and Malasakit has never wavered.

This deep connection is also why programs like the Alagang Unilab Rewards and the Mercury Drug Suki Card feel so special. They’re more than just points and discounts; they’re a symbol of a two-way relationship, a constant acknowledgment that “we see you, and we’re grateful for you.”

As the last notes faded and the final confetti fell, the message was crystal clear. This celebration wasn’t just about looking back at a remarkable 80 years. It was about renewing a sacred promise for the future.

The party may be over, but the mission continues with every quiet “ingat po” spoken at the counter and every tablet that brings comfort to a Filipino home.

Eighty years on, Unilab and Mercury Drug have proven they are more than just brands. They are constants. They are companions. They are, and will always be, part of the Filipino family.

And that, right there, is the heart of being an Alagang Suki.