I have been frequenting Divisoria countless times since I settled in the Metro 10 years ago.  My friends used to take me there as they scan items they deemed worthy to buy.  They taught me how to make a good bargain from different stalls offering wide arrays of goods you can name. Now, I can manage to wander around by myself through Divisoria’s main boulevard to its narrow streets.

There is absolutely nothing you cannot find in Divisoria.  I never get tired of touring the place the entire day as it is a good way to make fun with friends, a cost-free fitness center to exercise and best of all, to find the best and real shopping deals.  Vendors along the streets often offer thirst-quenching drinks and tasty food morsels perfect for those hungry shoppers from the hot crowded place. You can grab a slice of watermelon, pineapple, a corn on a stick, a bottle coconut juice from the cart vendors while scanning the busy streets. Who can resist those familiar streetfoods like tukneneng, balut, fish balls, and what not?  Well, cleanliness is a different thing. Since the first to settle the area for their trade are the Chinese, Chinese restaurants are everywhere which offers the irresistible dimsum, succulent noodles, and their famous black tea. I have just teased you with just the tip of an ice berg, the truth to the matter is, when you’re in Divisoria, almost if not all you need is readily available.  Mind you, people not only offer tangible items here but countless kinds of services you could imagine. You really don’t need a fortune to shop here, a thousand pesos is enough for a shop-till-you-drop splurge.

On the downside, there are things you should be ready on when visiting Divisoria.  One is the bunch of notorious snatchers and pickpockets just hanging around.  They are not just operating on a small scale; they are an organized modus operandi played by large syndicates. Another thing to mind is parking, it might be best to just commute when visiting here as good parking spaces are miles away from the vicinity of the area. Another thing to consider is the temperature.  Humidity and the scorching sun may make you easily tired, so bring a towel with you and a bottled water. You may also want to wear your most comfy travel shoes as you have to walk around never-ending streets. Overall, Divisoria is worth visiting.  I doubt if crazy-shopping lovers will not be in love with this amazing place -heaven or a hell in a good way.

Since Divisoria covers vast vicinity and has no known marked boundaries, I will wander each of the most popular streets surrounded by various stalls, shops, malls and sidestreet vendors. The first part of this journey features the most crowded streets like Juan Luna, Ylaya and Santo Cristo.

I decided not to take the beaten track by choosing the PNR headed to Tutuban Mall.  History has it that Tutuban Center Mall was formely the Tutuban Central Station of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) which was the major drop-off center of goods traded from various regions north to south of Luzon.  It was my first time to hop in and enjoy a real train ride. It was an awesome ride.

The rustic and turbulency train ride…

Just in front of the PNR is the Tutuban Mall.

And as early as 8am, I was tempted by this carcinogenic thing plus an iced-cold 7-up! whew!

A’was entertained by the sight of this hard-working member of the LGBT team.  And this watery Del Monte Pineapple drink. 🙂

After just 2 hours of searching what I need, I came upon all of these items for just a total of P860.  Please do the math as i rather walk around than to count my changes, the list includes piece of broccoli and 2 bundles of asparagus for only P100, a pack of turones -P25, cotton buds P10, a set of needles P5,  8 Pieces of apple for P50, 3 undies for P20 each, Bedsheet P100, 3 pieces of Drapery P550.

And finally, while heading home, I spotted a glimpse of my lunch. hahahaha

Kidding aside, please  stay tuned to my next posts about Divi; Part 2 which will mainly feature the malls and street to go to, and Part 3 for the tips you should remember when venturing  amazing Divisoria.  See you.