Rediscovering Divisoria, Chinatown and Tutuban

With the hard times now, one has to be resourceful. Who says we have to stop shopping? Even as we may be more conservative with our spending, women will always find an excuse to shop. Well, at least I would. I always say that when the going gets tough, the tough will still go shopping. My friends would make fun of me all the time because I’d end up discovering things anywhere I go. In a pile of junk, I would find something useful. Also, for shopaholics like me, the thrill of the hunt is as intense as the find. This Saturday was one of those days.

We started the day at 7:30 a.m. and ended it at the same time in the evening. As I mentioned before, I’m busy starting my new project, a store of jewellery and accessories at the Greenbelt 3 mall called Jô. My friends and I ventured to Manila for some of the things I needed. We went all the way from Divisoria to Chinatown and Tutuban. I needed to buy fabric for my staff uniforms, packaging for my products and materials for the production of my chairs. It was quite amusing that my friend and graphic designer, Yodel Pe, and I were looking at odd materials for what we needed. We ventured to markets, sports stores, second-hand books and paper stores. With patience, you will find many things there. It’s the small alleyways, the old buildings, the graffiti-strewn streets, the open markets, the decades-old stores, and the of vendors luring you to buy their wares that make these places so interesting.

Our first stop was Divisoria to buy materials for upholstery. Instead of looking at the foams, rolls of vinyl in colorful and bold prints caught our eye. We also discovered accessories stores with limitless options – from ribbons to metal accents and other hardware. Our idea is to make use of things not for their real purpose. All the salespeople looked at us strangely – like we were crazy! It was so much fun! Then we passed through a carinderia, then a small alley to get to the fabric market. The turns were endless but I was able to find what I needed for my staff uniforms.

Next stop: Tutuban. We went to a cotton knit store with all the colors you can imagine. There were also many choices for fabric stores. Good buys in jeans, belts, trainers and other fashion accessories can be found in this more modern setup. Think Divisoria prices inside a mall. Again, we rummaged through the fabrics for the chairs and other products for the store. At past 1 p.m., our stomachs were calling. Thanks to Yodel, we were able to taste real Chinatown food. In the past, her father visited relatives in Ongpin while he was growing up to master the Chinese language. Delicious, one of his favorite restaurants since the 1940s, is still serving the same food. Don’t leave Manila without trying this food joint. It’s just not for the fainthearted. Just don’t look at how they wash the dishes! The miki, machang, kekiam, deep fried squid and bihon are highly recommended at Delicious. We could hardly move. We ate to our hearts’ content.

As if still unsatisfied, we walked a few blocks to another best-kept secret of Ongpin, Salazar Bakery. The hopia with any kind of filling is yummy. The secret is in the flakiness of the dough. The tikoy and moon cakes are also top sellers.

We needed to burn this indulgence so we were off to Binondo again, this time for office supplies and paper. It was so odd that I ended up buying most of the things I needed at a fishing supply store. I even wanted to buy one of their office chairs! But the owner refused because it has been with him since the Sixties. Then we set out for the wet market where a variety of tins, bottles and other homewares are sold. The choice is limitless. But be prepared to walk a lot and to get your hands, shoes and clothes dirty. Wear sneakers and comfortable gear. Bring alcohol and enough tissue to clean your hands. I also suggest that you use a moneybag that you can hide under your shirt. The areas are very crowded. Better safe than sorry!

You have to let your creativity run wild. The best ideas are shaped when you least expect it. You realize that it’s really the eye that counts. Once you have it, you will find inspiring things anywhere. Enjoy your bargain hunting!

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