Apr 20, 2013

DIVISORIA Guide Series : Do's and Dont's (Part1)

The idea of shopping in Divisoria might overwhelm most people. It's easy to get lost in this busy and buzzing with lots of activity shopping mecca but if we can be guided accordingly, Divisoria is certainly the best place to get the most value of our hard earned money.

On Getting There

Traffic around the area can really get crazy most of the time. So planning your trip is the key to a successful visit to this bargain haven called Divisoria or Divi to some.

    DO's
  • It's always a good idea to ride our light rail train system to avoid the traffic, just access the nearest station in your place and alight at Recto station. LRT1, LRT2 and MRT are somewhat interconnected so getting to Recto will be a breeze. From Recto, take a jeep bound to Divisoria.
  • Go there mornings on weekdays to avoid throngs of shoppers and commuters that get heavier in the afternoon.
    DONT's
  • Avoid visiting on rush hours and its always best to just commute rather than bring your own vehicle.

Wear Comfort

     DO's

    • Flipflops, T-Shirts, Shorts ... anything that makes you feel comfortable
    • Safeguard all your essentials and put them inside a sling bag you can always place in front of you.
    • Bring your shopping bags and be eco friendlier
         DONT's
    • Don't wear jewelries or you make yourself a prey for the snatchers and pickpockets
    • No high heels please, I've seen some people wearing them and I can only smirk in amazement.

    What and Where To Buy

        DO's
    • Make a list of things you'll buy and know beforehand where to locate the stores that sell it.
        DONT's
    • You know how time flies easily and how huge Divisoria is, so don't waste your time and your energy roaming freely without a fixed direction. Check the map and my street guide below.
    • Knock offs abound but avoid fake cosmetics and drugs and food items that might contain harmful ingredients.
    Divisoria Map
    Click to enlarge

            1. For Vegetables, Fruits and Meats
                - Locate CM Recto St., M. De Santos St, Fulgeras St, Sto Cristo St and Divisoria Mall
            2.  Raw Materials and Ingredients for your Food Business
                - Find them at Asuncion St and Elcano St.
            3.  Cookwares and Bakewares
                - Check it out at Sto Cristo St.
            4.  Clothing Goods, Sundries, Textiles, Accessories
                 - Head out to Tabora St. and Ilaya St.    

    HAGGLE

       DO's
    • Always ask for the last price and make sure to canvas the price of the items first from other  merchants before making the purchase. You'll be surprise how some sellers jack up their prices.     
    Now, that you are aware of the DO's and DONT's in Divisoria shopping, the next article will tackle in detail where to shop in Divisoria. Find that article here.

    32 comments:

    1. Be ready to go to Divisoria if you are ready for some tips like this... Thanks for this blogpost it's so meaningful to me and all people out there... :)

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    2. Thanks for sharing this. I honestly cannot remember the last time I went to Divi. Will consider going there before the month of May ends.

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    3. Your post is so timely and it makes me more excited to see our country. By the way, these tips are so wise, practical and informative.

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    4. Very helpful tips for those newbie to Divisoria. If I may add, DON'T argue with the street sellers. Baka mapa-away ka.

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    5. My husband always reminds me to bargain by half the price because it will really work sometimes when shopping in DV.

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    6. It's really a shopping haven but you just have to bargain.

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    7. Great Tips!! divisoria is definitely a very crowded place that's why it really important to be careful because there are lot's of bad people there.

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    8. I've been to Divisoria and its surrounding areas a couple of times before. It is really a hectic place where droves of people walk around. It is best to be on guard at all times while shopping there. Thanks for these tips.

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    9. oh! I am a regular Divisoria goer and thanks for these tips. Going there I also make sure myself is safe and just go direct to the place where I need to buy my stuff.

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    10. I agree with most of your tips. But bringing a vehicle isn't necessarily a DON'T. Since my family and I frequent Divisoria, we would always drive very early and leave Divi early as to avoid the rush hours (we have a short-cut coming from QC). We see this more efficient rather than taking the LRT with a lot of bags in tow. Then again, that's just my experience. But of course, if you're not going to shop for much, then taking the LRT is always a good option.

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      Replies
      1. I agree with the car...my wife is a master at shopping at "Divi" as we call it. The LRT is perfdect is you only shop a little or are first timer to Divi..but for the Pro-Divi shopper a car /van is best and you can always have the boys that hang out there carry your heavy bags to you car for like 50 or so pesos....have fun that is what shopping Divi is all about.

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    11. I've been there i think twice now, it is really a mistake to go there during xmas or new year. hahaha.. you cannot imagine the people flocking their way to the same destination, it was a riot! but it was fun though. :D

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    12. Yeah, I agree! Divisoria is indeed one of a kind costumer friendly store where you can buy stuff in a cheapest price.

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    13. Oh wow! Thanks for the map! I love buying vegetables here since they're way cheaper :)

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    14. My colleague and I had a very bad experience when were still in college at Divisoria. She was robbed. Her braceless got lost when we were in a mob of people.

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    15. i've been wanting to come here for so long now! its like night market in the other countries! Sure is i need to practise how to make tawad! xx

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    16. I usually wear an old worn-out tee and and a pair of distressed rubber shoes when doing to Divisoria. This will keep me safe from the eyes of holdapers.

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    17. the last time i went there, i was wearing a decent clean clothes, fresh and really smell awesome but after i got through with the shopping , i was like a smelly rags. I learned my lesson the hard way... .

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    18. It's actually alright to get down at Central Train station first and explore around a bit before heading off to Divisoria :) Or UN Avenue, then another jeep. For the more adventurous, of course.

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    19. Complete with street map..
      I love this.. Personally, I try to avoid Divisoria if I can help it..
      But friends do like to go there from time to time, it can be fun shopping with friends in Divi.
      When I do visit, I make sure I go low profile and normally bring a small backpack that I can place in front of me.
      In this way, I have a palce to keep my loots, that it wont be obvious I'm out shopping

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    20. The map will come in handy. We are about to visit Divisoria this month and this guide can truly help out.

      I am more concerned with the safety when visiting this place which is known for hold-uppers and pick pockets. Been a victim of both incident and yeah, I am quite having second thought of going to the place. Thanks to your tips though, it might help out for real.

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    21. I do appreciate these do's and dont's tips/guides in going to Divisoria. They're indeed very helpful.

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    22. very informative and the map is really a big help especially for first timers.

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    23. Nice tips actually and its true! I guess, people needs to be aware of the do's and don'ts in the area.

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    24. sis coming from lrt recto station i'll take a jeepney ride going to divi right? then can i tell the jeepney driver to drop us off to ylaya or tabora st. i'm planning to shop for my baby's stuff next tuesday...thanks a lot for this very informative blog :) i now have the guts to brave the streets of divi! :D

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      Replies
      1. Sis, the jeepney ride is until 999 mall only. You really need to walk to Tabora to get there or you can ride a pedicab. I hope you'll have fun shopping :)

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    25. Hi good eve ms.shie,ask ko po kung ano street sa divisoria makikita ang mga Costumes esp.,national costumes and headdress?

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    26. Hi.. I Like your article here.. May I add in haggling.. Buying in bulk always an advantage so when shopping bring a friend with the same need as yours.. I always end up at much lower price, my technique... I first ask for the last price for one item.. then I ask what if I buy two.. It's always cheaper than the last price :),

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    27. hi! i am planning to organize a 7th birthday party of my daughter on august this year. where can i buy all party favors and other needs for tinkerbell theme party? is there a one stop shop for that? thank you ;-)

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      Replies
      1. Check Bodega Sales Center 2/F (Sta. Elena St. corner Tabora St.) - however nagkasunog sa area na ito dati, Im not sure kung nadamay ito.

        Or go to LUCKY Chinatown Annex bldg, maraming wholesalers ng mga party favors na doon lumipat from Divisoria Mall

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