For a rich man, it may mean just a tip for a room service waiter who brings in his champagne.
For a poor man, it may mean food for survival for several days for his children.
But for a wise shopper, P500 can mean a lot of things: a timeless blouse or neckpiece, functional and beautiful home accessories, a gadget for health and fitness, and little essentials that bring cheer and happiness.
What’s your best P500 purchase? We asked people and here are their answers:
MYRZA SISON, editor in chief, Marie Claire, and editorial director, Summit Media: My best P500 purchase is this "Mod" necklace by Jeux. It brightens up even the most basic outfits, and I’ve gotten loads of compliments each time I’ve worn it. (Contact 0917-530-7136 or log on to jeux/" www.flickr.com/photos/i/love jeux/)
DIETHER OCAMPO, movie actor: I buy P500 worth of Bench Bytes gummy candies and jellybeans and keep them in my car. I munch them on the road when I’m hungry, and I also give some away to the kids knocking on my car window whenever I get stuck in traffic.
FRANCES YU, marketing consultant: A black leather cuff with brass accent and a brown leather cuff with stainless steel accent. Each cuff costs only P250 at Pinq Treasures at Festival Mall in Alabang.
SUSAN JOVEN, president, Visions and Expressions: The Zara spaghetti-strap tank top that costs P495. I use it as an inner blouse for my suits. I practically have all the colors, and it has become my uniform. I love it because the material is so smooth and cool.
JOY BUENSALIDO, president, Buensalido & Associates: My best P500 purchase is my orange leather cell phone holder from Via Venetto. It’s so handy and fashionably perfect for my Sony Ericsson P9901.
TRINA KALAW, president, First Orient Securities: I get high when I get to discover a new source of good desserts. That’s because I cook but I don’t bake. I love to send my family and closest friends this dessert that rates a perfect "10": buco pandan salad made with carabao milk. So delicious! This is bought only at Nathaniels at the San Fernando, Pampanga exit.
RACHY CUNA, artist: Special wrappers and ribbons as gifts to people so they won’t have to worry about wrapping their own gifts to give away. I buy them at Santo Cristo Street in Divisoria which sells unique, wonderful wrappers and ribbons, unbelievably, from P5 each!
MALOLI ESPINOSA, vice president-government, corporate affairs and PR, ABS-CBN: My favorite cake, which is only P500 at ABS-CBN’s Executive Restaurant 9501, is the Queso de Bola Cheesecake. I can finish the whole cake in one sitting!
RHETT EALA, fashion designer: My best P500 purchase? Pucci-print boxer briefs from Bench!
AGNES HUIBONHOA, Honorary Consul to the Republic of Gambia: An exercise ball at SM Shoemart Makati which I use every day. It keeps my body balanced and toned. A one-time P450 purchase, a lifetime of physical and mental fitness!
FE RODRIGUEZ, president, Burger Machine Holdings Inc.: A complete set of summer throw pillows for my pool deck chairs from Landmark. They are in stripes and leaf prints in various shades of green.