Welcome to our Drive Around the City of Manila Series #05.
In this series, may I present to you, Divisoria!
Crowded with people coming from different places in the Philippines. Some went to buy goods, some went to get to work. Divisoria is part of Tondo, Manila, which Filipino knew as a place of bully people. In our country, when one was known to be born or live in this district, she/he must be brave or bully who always into the fight or gang war. But that is just a misconception because of our history, I have a lot of friends and workmate who lives in the place but they are the kindest.
November 30, 1863, Andres Bonifacio, one of our national hero, was born here. He is the Father of the Philippine Revolution. Fought against Spanish through the use of bloody war to free our country. During those time, the place is a disaster, with different killings and kidnapping.
Divisoria, the same as Intramuros and Binondo, is a relocation area for non-Christian Chinese traders during Spanish colonial era. Since they are not allowed to do business near the first 2 districts of Manila.
But nowadays, it is still a disaster, but with a crowd of people and cheap price of different goods.
Divisoria is the biggest commercial center in the Philippines. Ask one Filipino where to find rare items but in cheaper price, one of the answers will be this place.
Upon entering the district, different goods will already welcome us. The same as Quiapo, but more option. The place offers raw materials and finish product.
Just prepare those feet and legs for a long walk. Yes! With this series, again, I have to park my bike and take a walk in order to feature this place better.
Every Filipino Entrepreneur knows Divisoria, with success, sure thing that one of the keys is Divi. Bidding is the key, if you found an item that you need for business, always ask for a discount if you are buying bulk. In order to have a better profit, do not hesitate to ask.
Divisoria was once the biggest street of bargains, as in no coverings at all, all the products are spread on the floor and almost stepped by people rushing to get the best buy. But since the year 1993, malls have been established to provide a better shopping experience for everyone. Situated by some of the entrepreneurs that found success in their business. Though, most of the raw materials are still present outside.
Tutuban Center, the first ever mall established in Divisoria, once known to be the place for toys and clothing. But due to several fire and hold-up incidents, the place is seldom visited by consumers anymore. But security was made better now, it's better now that the security guard prevented me to take a picture of the said feature.
The feature is that the entrance is now equipped with metal body detectors, not just in the entrance of the mall, but in every entrance to the center they own. Even parking attendants are not just in parking lots, but in every entry point of the center. Secured it is than before.
999 Shopping Mall, just standing in front of Tutuban Center. Believed to be named 999 because it is a lucky number. Since most of the owners of a business in Divisoria are Chinese, most of the names are connected to their culture. Connected to 999 shopping mall through a bridge is 168 Shopping Mall.
168 Shopping Mall has the same owner of 999. The place is more convenient because of an air-conditioning system.
The last two malls had gain popularity for online sellers. With the help of the traders here, online sellers doesn't need to own a storage of their offered products. They just ask for the item and take a picture of it then post in their pages.
As a testament to that, while exploring the place, different sizes of bags are being carried by whole-buyers for their online businesses. While some are sitting in different corners of the mall, either to take a break or wait for their partners searching for the product they need.
It was amazing to see an opportunity here for a business. Yes, I am currently thinking of starting an online business. hmmm.
If you are not into business, and only need to purchase some stuff for personal use. Don't you worry, you are also welcome here. Actually, every Christmas season, the whole Divisoria is as crowded as you cannot even drop a needle (I hope I'd say it right in English.).
These items available for whole buyers are also available for personal use, just kindly haggle with the price. My wife way is to ask for price 50% lower until they settle in between. lol. To be honest, I can't do it on my own.
Just be patient, because once you've flocked in together with the whole-buyers, most definitely you'll be the least of their priority if you are only buying one. That's the deal, but being kind, politely ask someone from the store and you'll get what you need at a reasonable price.
My tip, in every purchase, ask for a receipt, and most importantly, take note and never forget the stall number. The malls are crowded that it is hard to remember the stalls.
I almost lost my way out because I keep on circling the place, because of these...
I just do not know if these are real or just a bootleg. But they were beautiful, so I might come back to get those toys. Damn! Wow!
Aside from the toys, there were other things as well that might interest you. For me, aside from those, toys, The band shirts were the ones attracted me, for only 7USD, hmmn.. But which one, "Cowboys from hell" is cool, so as that Beatles one.
Yeah! Rock on! effing metal, right?, Aside from those cool shirts, there also shoes, which they will say "Class A" but these are still a copy one, but some say it has a better quality than other fakes. According to some fanatics of Divisoria, if one is lucky enough, OEM (Original Equipment Material) can be found here, or those overrun. I don't know. I didn't find one.
Even different kinds of bags are available here, even the cutie ones.
During my exploration, I found another mall that has been there all this time but I never heard of, or even visited.
D8 is just in front of 168 Shopping Mall but never heard of ever since we are going in Divisoria. As I went in, I found the reasons why.
This place is for tailoring businesses. This the perfect place when in search of different fabrics. And not only that, they also offer finish products. Wedding gowns, Suits, Costume, name it. Just don't forget to follow it up from time to time. I heard stories of product not being finish on the date of the event. But since it is cheaper than other bigger names in tailoring. It's fine to take the risk, Bring a picture of the gown from a known designer, sure they will make it in a cheaper price, just don't expect to be of the same equipment.
And if you are thinking of putting up some fancy lighting inside the house like the one that is being featured on MTV Crib. Come and Visit D8 Mall.
Whew! that trip was exciting and tiring. I didn't notice that it's already lunchtime. Fortunately, I found my cravings for over a week now. And it is so satisfying.
Grilled corn cob, I am the happiest. I took a seat and enjoyed my lunch for today.
If you are worried that going to Divisoria need a ride, don't worry, the city of Manila already had an ordinance of putting up another public utility vehicle, an electric tricycle traveling from Intramuros to Quiapo to Divisoria. An environment-friendly vehicle will make the trip easy and convenient.
I hope you'd enjoyed our ride today, Come and join me again on our next ride. And don't forget to check on our last rides.
Don't forget to check on our past rides.
- Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #01 - Rizal Park
- Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #02 - The Walled City
- Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #03 - Quiapo
- Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #04 - Chinatown
Thank you for the opportunity and get a chance to be part of #sndbox, 
All the information shared in this post are mostly general knowledge of the writer gained through researching and questioning. Some words that used were not meant to harm other people. Some dialogue used is just an expression to have an enjoyable read.
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