Goodbye Heartbreak...
Dealing with breakups - Pinoy style!

Forget about your broken heart for a while and take out your most comfortable shoes. Let’s burn some hard earned money! Spend time with yourself, spend some for yourself! :)

If you’re not very particular about brands, and are the type of person whose heart would skip a beat upon hearing the words “dirt cheap”, then Divisoria may just be your (shopping) heaven on earth. Getting there is fairly easy although admittedly, braving the crowded streets of Tabora and Juan Luna isn’t. Taking public transportation is very much recommended, for as long as you can still carry your bags by the time that you’re done. Otherwise, bring your own car but you’ll need lots of luck searching for a very good parking space. Personally, I have always ridden a Divisoria-bound jeepney which you can take anywhere along Taft Avenue, but one can also take the LRT and alight at the Doroteo Jose station. You would still have to ride a jeep though. :P

Dress down. Look poor if you must, or at least try your hardest not to attract unwanted attention. I would usually go wearing a plain shirt, jeans, and a pair of slippers, bringing nothing but a coin purse and a small bag that converts into a huge one if necessary. Cellphones are optional. Wallets too. If you’re going there alone, just leave it at home. Bring just enough cash and perhaps an ATM card just to be sure. And don’t drink too much prior to your Divi adventure. You can’t be too sure about the availability of clean restrooms. It’s better to be safe than sorry. :)

I would often visit certain areas when I’m there: the Divisoria Mall, the Tutuban Centre Mall and the 168. These places are airconditioned which is a relief for restless shoppers. All of them are within walking distance of each other and of the three, the 168 is my favorite. Although the prices are cheaper outside 168, the products are nicer and have more variety. Their topmost floor, which also houses its foodcourt (it has improved significantly, by the way) have boutique-inspired stalls and are more spacious.

Wherever your two feet may lead you, always make sure that you haggle at around 30-40% of the original price. Buying in bulk which usually means buying more than 6 pieces would even earn you a higher discount. A little acting would help too. Make them feel that you have seen other choices and that you have more options. Take two steps after and most probably, they’ll be calling you again to ask you to name your price.