Fish balls are a kind of snack that Macao teenagers love. The most famous fish ball store in Macao is “Hang Yao” , which attracts lots of tourists every day. However, there is another fish ball store local residents love to visit although its name may not often be remembered.

Located at Rua dos Cules, Waldo Snacks has opened for 13 years. “There were three or four stores selling fish balls in the past, but all of them have been closed,” said Chan Weng Chi, the shopkeeper of Waldo Snacks. Selling fish balls may not bring much profit, then what makes Chan continue the small business? “The neighbors,” he said with certainty.

Chan added that his relationship with the neighbors is very good. When the neighbors come to buy fish balls, they share anecdotes and make jokes with each other. Although he is very busy during meal time, he does not feel annoyed. “I am just happy to see my customers,” Chan smiled.

Zannick Ak, a university student who lives in the neighborhood, talked about her memory with Waldo Snacks. “When I was in primary school, my best friend and I always bought sausages at Waldo. We only had a few coins every day, so what we could buy were sausages, and we loved to take turns to treat each other.”

As the Macao economy is getting better and better, the rent has become increasingly expensive. This makes it hard for the neighborhood stores to survive. Chan said 13 years ago, the monthly rent was MOP2, 500, but now it has been raised to MOP11, 800. Since the inflation in Macao continues, not only the rent, but also prices of food and labor costs keep rising. Although Waldo Snacks is under such difficulties, Chan said he will try his best to continue the small business. “I do not want to raise the price too much since I know that life is already very hard for everyone.”

In recent years, Chan has become acquainted with new neighbors because there are many Filipinos who come and work in Macao and they tend to settle in the area of Rua dos Cules. “I have learnt some Tagalog and translated some of my menu into Tagalog, it is fun!” said Chan. The new neighbors love him and his store, which makes him very pleased. “Chan is very nice. Every time we come to buy snacks, he greets us by saying ‘kamusta ka na’ (‘How are you’ in Tagalog), not many shopkeepers in Macao do this,” said Melyn Yasay, a Filipino neighbor.