Another (Divi)ne Day!

With our sons out on sembreak, my Southern girls decided it would be great to head on to Divisoria for some well-deserved bonding and shopping time.  They all rode with me going to our meeting point in Magallanes.  From there, we transferred to Bernadette’s (another co-parent/friend) van. She’s the resident DIVI DIVA and we were all looking forward to her touring us around.
BINONDO BOUND
Lest I forget, every year we also go on a pilgrimage.  Inside the van we prayed the rosary. Soon, we arrived at our first stop – BINONDO CHURCH.  The church was very  beautiful! We prayed the rosary again and offered our intentions at the end.

Vickie collects ‘belens’ from here and abroad. She found a very cute sitting nativity set and haggled for a good price (P800).  Our mantra for the day was “If you want it, buy it!”  I bought a wooden rosary for my son (P25).

FIRST LEG
Along Juan Luna we found all kinds of kick knacks. The girls got P20 purses at BONBON (bag outlet). A little further down the road, we saw a cart selling cutie vanity cases. Since we bought 50 pieces, we got a good discount!

In Search Of Yuletide Decors
Rina wanted to buy Christmas decors so she went ahead of us to ART TOE. This is a haven of Christmas trees, wreathes, holiday decors and lights!

The House of Ribbons
Then we made our longest stop at MORNING GLORY.  This is the mecca of ribbons, buttons, flowers and Christmas decors too. Since we were a group of eight ladies, it’s quite difficult to be finished with shopping all at the same time.  I was already seeing double from hunger  (it was almost 2pm).  Mara, Rina and I decided to go ahead to 168 to eat lunch at MITZI’s ( Bernadette’ s recommended dining place, where Imelda Marcos “daw” eats also).

Wrap N Go!

 
MEAL AT MITZI’S
I could literally eat a horse by the time we got to the foodcourt of 168.  The food is ridiculously good ha! DO NOT MISS OUT on the LECHON MACAU, SALT AND PEPPER FRIED SQUID and the FRIED TOFU! The fried crabsticks on a stick are delicious too.

 
LAST HURRAH
It was raining outside by the time we finished having lunch.  We just decided to stay in 168 and buy whatever we fancied.

END OF THE ROAD
It was dusk when we made our way to the parking lot.  Although we had so much fun, it’s really better to have a solid game plan the next time around.  I must warn you that traffic is bad already.
My advice:
1. Make a list of the things you want to buy. This way you know how much money to bring and the exact places you need to go.
2. Wear the appropriate attire! Comfortable shoes, a body bag, a change of shirt and NO jewelry please!
3. Go early and leave early. Most shops are open by 9am.
4. Learn the art of haggling. Rina said “They’re giving it to us mahal kasi makinis tayo.” 🙂 MAGTAGALOG and TUMAWAD by fifty percent initially.
5.  If you really want it and can afford it, BUY IT!  Make the hassle of going to Divisoria worth your while.
6. Enjoy your adventure!
I hope everyone had fun reading this post!
Until my next shopping gig!