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The Divisoria Malls - Defining Shopping in the Philippines

They call it the 168 Mall. It is one of the busiest places in the Philippines during shopping days like Christmas season when longing for enjoyment and relaxation is on the air once again. From Cavite, my home place, going to Divisoria, it will take you about an hour travel under normal traffic flow.

What is in this place? Well, Divisoria is the Bargain Shopping Capital of the Philippines. This is where wholesale and retail prices make shoppers say “WOW!” on delight. Visiting this place will definitely give you a realization about shopping on a different dimension. Find out why on the next paragraphs.

On the Photo: The Popular 168 Mall in Divisoria, Manila, Philippines



Divisoria is located in Binondo, Manila. It is accessible via Quiapo(where the famous Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church is) thru Recto Avenue and via Lawton near Manila City Hall. Divisoria has been there since the early 90’s. As it is near the North Harbour, Manila’s main seaport, the freshest and cheapest products usually land on this famous shopping place. Name it, Divisoria has it.

The Tutuban Mall, the New Divisoria Mall and the progressing 168 Mall are the top 3 big shopping malls where shoppers can buy anything to almost everything. In addition to that, there are many other stalls and “tiangge” or mini-boutiques outside these malls. What will really amaze you are these things: cheap prices, endless variety of products to choose from, and lots of people of different life status and even races.

On the Photos: Inside the Divisoria Shopping Malls





Bags, shoes, clothes, toys, curtains, sports wear, decorations, linens, utensils, tools, perfumes, mobile phones, gadgets, fruits, foods, wedding attires, costumes, jewelries, print ads, collectibles, accessories, school supplies, office supplies, hardware, jeans, remote control cars, kitchenware; goodness! Have I repeated a word? As what I’ve said, Divisoria has it all. You’ve got to condition your mind and prepare well your list as your one day tour would probably be not enough to collect all those items. Go here, up there, eat there, sit over there, or simply walk; you’ll be tired for sure.

On the Photos: Products on Bargain Sale









However, you have to consider several things before you go to Divisoria. This is an economy class shopping center. What does it mean? It means that the very crowded hallways and escalators can make your wallet and other personal belongings be gone in seconds. You have to be very cautious, not only alert. The police authorities will always remind shoppers to be very careful, like on the typical malls where the paging system always instructs shoppers not to leave their personal belongings unattended. At Divisoria, you must be extra careful. Shoplifters and snatchers also blend together on this place.

On the Photos: Busy Shoppers Everywhere Inside 168 Mall







I had been shopping at Divisoria in the last five years already. Bring your one thousand pesos and you will go home in chaos. What?! Kidding aside, it’s chaos because of the too heavy shopping bag that will almost pull you down on the ground. Yes, your small amount of money can buy many things. Ask a discount for a dozen, the sales lady will give it.

Though it is common in the Philippines to plea to the seller for a bargain price, Divisoria’s style is a way of life. If you can make it 100% off, go ahead. Well this situation actually happens if you purchase huge amount of products, probably on wholesale. They call it “Buy-One-Take-Two” and sometimes three.

On the Photos: Cheap, Cheap and Cheap Products





Shopping is a part of our life that's why Filipinos loves SM. Wherever are we, it’s our instinct to go for a shopping galore whenever we have ample amount of cash; and even when there is none - using our credit cards. Sometimes we don’t even care whether a product is cheap, if it’s fake, if it’s of poor quality or if it’s a China product.

At Divisoria, shoppers are there because they want to save money out of buying cheap products. After all, it is still about enjoyment and fulfillment of one’s desire. Whether it is Christmas or just an ordinary day, Divisoria never runs out of shoppers.

It is up to you to find out more why Divisoria is such a very popular place in the Philippines. I had given you some of the clues. Happy Shopping!

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About this Blog

Did you enjoy reading the Divisoria story?

You've just read a blog courtesy of Noriel Panganiban of Project Noriel Online Marketing Group. Visit our website at www.knowriel.com and learn more about shopping online and establishing your own business. We can assist you on your business needs!

Email the author at norielpanganiban@gmail.com if you have inquiries about this blog post and other articles on this blog site. Explore more this blog site to get to know more about Philippines! Here are some of our recommended popular blog posts:


Why Filipinos Love SM?

A Visit to China Town in the City of Manila

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Location: Binondo, Manila, Philippines

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    I been this place last November and I could say this mall is really interesting. Why? Because a lot of people are always been there to buy things and the price is very cheap so that they love shopping in Dividoria Mall. But one thing I don't like this place is when people slow moving, I call them "traffic people". Anyway thanks for sharing this information.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 21, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    I been here in 168 mall. You could buy a something that you want in a cheapest price here. I really love this.

    Check this mall in the Philippines that would surely love it. http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/malls-philippines

    ReplyDelete

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