What's the best place in Metro Manila for complete yet very inexpensive shopping? Do I here Divisoria? Did somebody say Tutuban? Oh well, I know each of us had somewhat different experiences to share about this densely crowded, noisy, risky, market place. But if you want to experience clean, convenient, air-conditioned and safe shopping while you make all your "tawad" or bargaining with the stall owners/ tenants or sales attendants :D do shop at Tutuban Mall located at the heart of Claro M. Recto Ave., Manila.
Tutuban has three major malls...
Tutuban Centermall
Tutuban Prime block mall
and the Tutuban Cluster mall
Plaza Bonifacio
Trivia: The
seven-foot monument of Bonifacio depicted as a thinking man, is built infront
of the Tutuban Mall to pay respect to the country’s national hero. The Plaza
Bonifacio has a flooring design of a sun with its rays embodying the provinces influenced
by Bonifacio to join the revolution against the Spanish regime. (www.tutuban.com.ph) Hmmm... a one-stop shop to a historical place huh, "'san ka pa?" :D
Since it's "back to school" mode once again, I always make it a point to shop at Divi (divisoria), in Tutuban mall, particularly. For my shopping gear, I am wearing my most comfy outfit ;) be sure not to bring huge bags and other accessories with you. As for me, I feel secured wearing my sling bag placed in front and my comfy flip flops...with my complete shopping list inside my bag, I'm all set to go!
My first stop, Tutuban Prime block mall
Tutuban Mall’s Prime
Block is definitely cater to the need of the whole family. It carries the
latest trends in fashion, accessories, bags, wallet and other personal care
products. It also houses the widest array of toys that every boys and girl will
surely love. Tutuban also carries home care items like home furnishings,
kitchen utensils and gardening tools. (www.tutuban.com.ph)
For a budget of 1k, my first purchase were 2 St. Mark's polo (medium, without slits) of course, for my unico hijo. I got those for Php130 instead of Php150, that means to say, I still have Php740 cash on hand.
with my shopping buddy Janese
Php130 each
2 down, more to go... :))
Me and the rest of my blogger/ friends proceeded with our shopping until we stopped by at Lorenzo Marketing located at 10A Podium level still at the Prime block mall.
Ate was very accommodating and she really seeks what we're looking for...
Hmmm... double checking the zipper, buttons, linings, hook and eye or any flaws
Checked! Got this black Well-off pants (size 32) for only Php230 instead of Php280, good deal right? :))
Ate's so camera shy, her only regret- she wasn't able to put on some lipstick for the photo op hihihi :)))
I still have Php510 on my budget
Btw, they accept made to orders with specialization in Wedding full entourage and all kinds of gowns, barong, coats and accessories.
You may reach them at these nos.: 256-3145; 0915-6567312
Only few steps away from the previous stall, we've found Unico Hijo located at MS-03 still at Podium level with contact nos.: 0918-2636134 and 0916-5033923
Got 2 medium sized Kentucky sandos for only Php80 each instead of Php90
Still got change! Wanna know how much? Php350 :)) I know I can still buy a lot more with my remaining budget, trust me, we're at Tutuban, right?
While we were walking towards Cluster mall, we passed by several stores which had really caught my attention, here are the photos I've hastily taken hehe
Just to give you a hint, the cost of this full outfit is Php4,500, then you can make your "tawad" na lang if you're really interested. :)
Gowns...
more gowns...
even accessories...
and bags on sale!
The Tutuban Mall’s Cluster Building is filled with wide
array of products. Other than ready to wear products, Cluster building also
carries various designs of gowns and accessories for all occasions like
wedding, debut, and Sta. Cruzan. The buyers also have the option of buying
their choice of garments and related products for the particular design.
Tutuban also offers novelty items ideal for corporate give away like wallets,
calculators, pens, umbrellas, and flashlights. Party related products like
invitations, stickers, balloons, loot bags, are also available in Tutuban. (
www.tutuban.com.ph)
Still at Cluster mall, we've found NC Photoshop and dry goods at the ground level where I bought again 2 polo for my son (this time, the brand's name was St. Anthony). no offense to St. Mark's :)) but its textile is much thicker and th eprice is also a little lower, that's why I didn't skip the chance of buying 2 more.
with another shopping buddy and blogger/friend Rain
Bought the 2 polo for only Php120 each instead of Php130, meaning to say, I still have Php110 cash on hand.
I'm pretty much sure I could still buy few more school items with my remaining Php110. Now we're heading towards Tutuban Center mall.
What's in store for us? Tutuban Center mall serves as the flagship of Tutuban mall.
It is a four storey shopping arcade which is the hub of activity in the entire
shopping center. Tutuban Center Mall houses specialty shops, branded boutique,
fast-food chain, fine-dining restaurants and various personal care and
government services. (
www.tutuban.com.ph)
Our last stop for our "back to school" shopping in Tutuban, was hunting for school supplies at Papermart located at the ground floor of Center mall.
Checking out! I must commend that the Papermart peeps were so friendly
See? I still have change! Thank you ate... :))
This is so amazing! With my Php2.50 change, may pang-candy pa ko hihihi
Mission accomplished!
This is where our real last stop...of course dining! hihihi Thanks for everything Ad & PR dept. of Tutuban Commercial Center and to Ms. MJ and Mr. Don Melo. We'd also like to thank the Security dept. for the assistance. Thanks Rain De Ocampo of www.raindeocampo.wordpress.com for this photo. :))
It's definitely "More Fun in Tutuban!"
Please do like and visit Tutuban Commercial Center's
Facebook page and hope you could follow on
Twitter.