WELCOME TO THE CHRISTIAN WORLD PJ

Phil Jillian or simply "PJ" (second child of my wonderful colleagues Mark Anthony & Julie) was baptized last Saturday, September 3, 2011 at St. Joseph Parish Church, Olongapo City. Present was the whole family, close relatives and some guests. What followed was a sumptuous lunch for the godparents, family and friends at Mang Inasal, Olongapo City branch. The guests had a wonderful time.

Proud parents: Mark Dalit & Julie Gulmatico

Lovely guests: Marky Navalta, Ruel Emberga & Erly Grace Cawed

Blooming friends: Erly Grace Cawed & Julie Gulmatico

Welcome to the Christian world Baby Phil Jillian! I look forward to seeing you grow up to be a great man.

GREAT VALUE STORES IN DIVISORIA, MANILA

When I visited  Divisoria last Wednesday (I think I'm becoming a regular visitor of this shopping paradise) I came across three wonderful stores, namely Simplybread, Stal Bags, and Muradito. I wholeheartedly recommend these stores for future visitors of Divisoria, Manila.

SIMPLYBREAD by Chef Andrew in 999 Shopping Mall is the newest addition to this fast growing enterprise. Offering scrumptious bread from pandesal, ensaimada, kababayan, garlic breads, donuts, pies and many more. There is certainly no lack of options when it comes to breads. They have a big selection on their menu. Offering 50 products in 6 different mouth-watering categories namely, Plain/Healthy breads, Packed breads, Bread 10, Tarts and Pies, Sweet breads and Savory breads. At this store you get the best possible ingredients prepared by those who are actually passionate about making bread. This is one of the true gem of Simplybread. 

STAL BAGS. Located at 168 Shopping Mall. If you want good deals on bags, head to Stal bags stall. Option include messenger bags, backpacks, tote bags, sports bags, conference bags, laptop bags and duffel bags all have wide-ranging appeal and with designs inspired by the Filipino culture. These budget fashion bags don't try to be something else. They do not try to imitate highly expensive brands just to look expensive. They have their own beauty. They have their own charms and their own functionalities.  Above all you may purchase them in  pretty substantially low prices.

MURADITO (quick translation "mura" means cheap and "dito" is here) specializes in cheap and trendy clothes both for men and women. Probably the most gender-balanced store you can find when you're in Divisoria. At least half of the men’s t-shirts fell into the range of P300.00, vests and other smaller items are far cheaper. For girls, prices are just as cheap. You can find incredibly cute dresses, jackets/blazers and other items easily  for  a very low price. The store really live up to its name. You may visit their stores in Tutuban Center and 168 Shopping Mall.

Divisoria is generally a pretty low-cost place for shopping. You really do need to allocate a whole day on a shopping trip to Divisoria. These premium malls contain over hundreds of stores, many of which are true bargain outlets offering significant savings on products and there are a few places to rest and have lunch or dinner, before shopping some more. So what you waiting for? Shop now for that perfect bargain!

MONDAY NIGHT ADVENTURE WITH FRIENDS

If you have been following my blog, you already have an idea that I'm such a sucker for bargain shopping and good finds hunting. Couple it with great company of hilarious friends and a good Filipino cuisine and I'm on a treat made in heaven. Take a peek into my Monday night adventure with friends.

Loving this Just Cavalli chunky cable sweater

Some long sleeves striped shirt.

A chocolate any man can actually wear.

Capturing those funny moments through the camera.

Sotanghon soup and native fare meal.

Fashion trends may go out of style but true friendship shall always remain in vogue, that's why forming and nurturing a strong bond with someone, male or female, is an invaluable component of life. You know the saying, when you find true love, hold on to it?  Writing off half the population is not conducive to this. If someone can predict what you are going to say or do in a given situation and it is spot on, that is love.  If someone can point out you’re behaving like a raving lunatic and you need to check yourself and you accept their advice and follow it. That. Is. Love. If someone can tell you their opposing view or opinion on your personal situation and you consider it as an option, that is true love.  My friends and I are as thick as thieves. Bottom line, "When you find true friends, hold on to it."

DIVISORIA...THE BARGAIN SHOPPING MECCA OF PHILI

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to travel back to Divisoria, amid the heavy rains brought about by the tail of the typhoon  "Kabayan". I guess there is no amount of rain that can hardly stop a smart shopper by heart in search of essential items for his home and closet.

Anyone whose on the look out for cheap items, Divisoria, Manila is the only place to go. Here you can find almost everything, clothing, toys, electrical items, mobile phones, kitchen wares and the list just go on and on. Along with the bargains are the crowds. Everything is packed in line like sardines.

There are several malls around Divisoria: Divisoria Mall, 168 Shopping Mall, Tutuban Mall, 999 Mall, Meisic Mall and others.

Tutuban Mall - Located along Claro M. Recto Avenue, this mall is also air-conditioned and divided into three clusters. This is also a popular place to buy wholesale. Anyone can find a good variety of textiles, ready to wear clothes, shoes, bags , sewing materials, accessories, phones plus there are also some shops of popular brands. Food court is also good as well as the restroom facilities.

Divisoria Mall - Located near Tabora Street, it's air conditioned with stalls in grid-like position. This mall has a lot of stalls  so the pathways are narrow so on crowded days be prepared to squeeze yourself.  There are three floors selling a wide range of items at wholesale and retail prices. there are a lot of toys, school and office supplies, party supplies, clothes, home items, accessories and footwear. The third floor also houses a small food court area and restrooms. This mall also has a lower ground floor with stalls selling party supplies and lots of native handicrafts.

999 Mall - Located right across 168 Mall, it has basement parking. It's fully air-conditioned and has good variety of shop. The place is not crowded especially the 2nd and 3rd floors. The food court on the 3rd floor really serve good food, the Chinese fast food are everywhere and very affordable.

Unfortunately, because of time constraints I wasn't able to make it to Meisic Mall. Located along Reina Regente corner Felipe II Streets in Divisoria, at Meisic Mall, consumers will find good stuff, starting from screws, tools, bags, accessories, umbrellas, curtains, toys, gadgets, shoes, clothes and underwear. Best of all, the mall offers an extra treat to consumers by offering a day of pure entertainment wherein shoppers can enjoy the performances of featured artist for the day.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME DIVISORIA SHOPPERS:

• Do not go alone, bring friends.
• Do not wear any jewelry.
• Wear light clothing.
• Never flaunt all your money.
• Stay away from the really dark alleys.
• Refrain from bringing those huge DSLR cameras, bring something handy and simple.
• Always keep you bag in front of you.
• Cellphones and wallets, in your front pockets, and don't wear those baggy pants that anyone can pick your pockets without you even feeling a thing.

Most people said  that prices in Divisoria are no longer as cheap as before, but the fact remains that your P500 can still go a long way if you spend it wisely. When in Divisoria, always remember to haggle to your advantage. It's the smart thing to do.