MANILA LESSONS: DIVISORIA 101

People go here and get out barely alive from the experience - welcome to Divisoria, a shopping heaven in what seems to be a little corner of hell in this City of our Affections. And yet, from what seems to be an eternity in walking the length and breadth of C.M. Recto, braving the roads which Philippine laws have given up ever controlling, side by side with sweaty people and cargadors on your left and moving(!) delivery trucks and passenger jeepneys on your right, we still come out happy from finding something we thought we'd never find, with bags of goodies on both hands, and a little braver from the trip. Welcome to Divisoria!

For firsttimers (Filipinos, and most especially foreigners), listen up:

1.) Divisoria isn't a mall. There are, however, many malls in this area, with 3 or 4 very popular ones you can visit.

2.) Always come with someone who knows the place very, very well. I cannot emphasize this well enough. For foreigners, go with someone who speaks Tagalog very well. This will help you haggle for discounts with the store attendant. If your companions speak Mandarin, so much the better! You can haggle directly with the Chinese owner.

3.) Make a list and check it twice. You wouldn't want to walk aimlessly alongside thousands of people in the midday sun. I tell you, you wouldn't last a minute.

4.) Know where to go, and know what you need. Divisioria is transected by several streets, each with its own specialty products. Ask friends who know.

5.) Bring a knapsack or a huge shopping bag. You wouldn't want to burden yourself with plastic bags. Help keep them off our rivers, seas and streets.

6.) Never buy something that you aren't too sure will fit you. Filipinos think that measuring a pair of pants by bringing the waistline around their necks will mean it will fit their waists. More likely, it won't.

7.) Just because it's cheap, it doesn't mean you must get it. Ask, ask, ask questions like "Do I need it?" or "Will it last long enough?". Since Divisoria is swimming in products made in - and smuggled from - China and Korea, you may want to review your buying options.

8.) Wear lite clothing. Lite shirts and shorts and comfy walking sandals or shoes. Bring a face towel if you're the kind who turn into a mini-waterfall of sweat. Need I say that you need to bring water, as well?

Get a bag first thing.You never know when you'd need it.



Know where to go. Every street has its specialty. Ilaya, for example, specializes in heavy draperies and bargain fabrics from China.


Bring an umbrella or wear a cap. It's very hot any time of the day. Stick to the sidewalk (or whatever is left of it) if you don't want to walk side by side with vehicles.