Divisoria!

For many Filipinos, Divisoria is the ultimate in bargain hunting experience. Neither Baclaran nor Carriedo is no match when it comes to the rowdy crowd of shoppers, bargain hunters, vendors, pedestrians, and hangers-on who inhabit this crowded part of Manila.

The allure of Divisoria to many is the infinite diversity of items that one can bargain for, and most of the time, the clever shopper is successful in his or her bidding, never knowing that in the end it is the seller who ultimately wins in the bargaining game. Most Divisoria vendors knew every tricks of the trade, and the first-time shopper may not have the slightest notion of it.

But then, comparatively speaking, Divisoria indeed has some of the lowest prices everywhere in the metro. A shirt that goes for, say, 150 pesos in the malls can be obtained in Divisoria for half the price, or maybe even less. It all depends on your ability to haggle. In case you didn't win the haggling game, walk away and try another stall, at which time the original seller will shout at you and give it at your desired price. Takutan lang naman yan.

Divisoria is not for the faint-hearted, though. It is just too crowded, especially at this Christmas season. And like any other crowded place in the world, it is a place where the bad elements of society thrive on, like the pickpockets and snatchers, and you know who else. It is strongly advised to keep wallets and purses protected and well-hidden before plunging in the jungle that is Divisoria.

Divisoria is also the most dreaded pit in all of downtown Manila. The traffic of both vehicle and humanity is just too forbidding for the easy shopper. Indeed, traffic congestion is one of the main reasons why many people abhor going to Divisoria. One cannot just hail a cab to Divisoria. The jeepneys, on the other hand, are stuck for hours on end in the whole length of Claro M. Recto Avenue, so that the street has resembled a long parking space.

Last December, I myself have been stranded for two hours in Divisoria traffic. Inside my car, I was cursing myself how in the world I allowed my car to enter the Divisoria zone. But I was so naive then. So what to do in traffic, where vehicles move inch for inch for hours on end? I wasted my precious time, while my feet became sore from alternately pressing the brakes and gas for two solid hours. I was cursing the driver in front of me, while I was also being cursed by the one behind me. Duh!I learned from my experience, and I will never drive a car anymore in Divisoria!

Anyway, as a seasoned shopper in Divisoria, I have had my share of good and bad experiences in Divisoria, so I would like to offer some practical hints to the first-time shopper before going there:

1. Make a list of what you will buy. There are so many bargain items in Divisoria that will lure you into spending money for things that you actually don't need. A list will protect you from compulsive buying and consumerism.

2. Remember that the less time that you spend time shopping in Divisoria, the better. Don't window shop, don't hunt for items not in your list.

3. If possible, shop in the morning. It is most likely you get a little more tawad because the sellers are eager to make a buena mano.

4. Do not bring small children. If they are children aged 50 or more, then it's okay.

5. Keep your wallet and purses well protected inside your body. If you want to put some money inside the bra (like what my Lola usually does), then it's safer and acceptable and not bad etiquette in Divisoria.(Besides who cares about Miss Vanderbuilt's in Divisoria?)

6. Carry smaller bills: 50s or 100s. This will lessen your time in Divisoria and make life easier for the sellers.

7.Bargain for items, but be reasonable. There are no tag prices in Divisoria, and the sellers adjust their prices by judging their buyers' appearances. Therefore, be sure not to wear jewelries or expensive apparels.

Meantime, here's some pictures for those who have not been to Divisoria yet. You might want to look at them so you can decide if you really want to go there or just spend shopping in the city malls.