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.

SHOPPING FOR A PEA COAT

It has been a year now that I've been obsessing over a pea coat, but every time I feel a bead of sweat runs down my forehead while trying it on to the confines of a dressing room, I suddenly and instantly reminded how my country can get very sunny. Sunny, not in a good way. It's a little impractical to actually own a pea coat. Today though is a different story, and who says fashion is all about comfort?!

Klaxon Howl Campaign A/W 2011 on the HSCS Haida Destroyer

Shot by Matt Barnes

The term "pea coat" originated from the Dutch or West Frisian word pijjekker, in which pij referred to the type of cloth used, a coarse kind of twilled blue cloth with a nap on one side. The Pea Coat was originally worn by sailors and members of the European Navy. It is known for it's double breasted fronts, wide lapels, vertical pockets and large wooden or metal buttons. A nice bonus of pea coats is that their collars can be turned up and instantly it gives you that mysterious look while buttoning it all up will give you a classic, manly look.