It’s no wonder that the Philippines has earned such a distinguished title when it comes to retail like Bangkok. Whether you’re shopping for grocery goods to souvenirs or novelty items

, Metro Manila is definitely the place to shop ‘til you drop. But have you ever wondered where locals buy items in Manila at very low prices? They’re not in malls but in places scattered all over the metropolis. I can say that Pinoys, in general, are frugal shoppers regardless of society class. You’ll haggle side by side with all kinds of shoppers, from Class A-E fashionistas to the street vendors patronize these shopping spots. You wouldn’t be surprised bumping into a former first lady in Divisoria or Baclaran. Filipinos in-the-know flock to buy things at low prices, big discounts, and cheap items around Manila.
Here’s a sneak peek at Manila’s shopping Mecca which offers fairly decent (at least by price) shopping:

Jewelries (Gold and Silver)- Ongpin St, Binondo (Manila Chinatown)

Chinese Medicine- Ongpin St, Binondo (Manila Chinatown)

Pearls and Jewelries- Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan; Market Market, Taguig

DVDs and CDs (mostly pirated music and movies) – Quiapo (Bautista St and other sidestreets), Makati Cinema Square, Makati

School and office supplies – Yuchengco St (formerly Nueva) Binondo, Sto. Cristo St., Divisoria

Computers, PC accessories and gadgets - Gilmore and Hemady Streets corner Aurora Blvd, New Manila (near LRT 2 Gilmore station)

Cellphones and gadgets- Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

Car parts and accessories – Banaue St, Quezon city; Evangelista, Pasay City

Art supplies – Avenida/Recto area in Sta Cruz, Manila

Flowers - Dangwa area on Dos Castillas St, Sampaloc, Manila

Camera and Photography stuff (lenses, tripods, filters et al) and photo printing - Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila

Pets- Cartimar, Pasay City

PX goods- Cash and Carry, Filmore Street Makati City

Antiques - Ermita, Manila and Bangkal, Makati (Evangelista, Hizon and Apolinario Sts)

Toys – Tabora St, Divisoria

Fabrics/Textiles – Ilaya St in Divisoria, Manila ;Kamuning Market in Quezon City

Ukay-ukay (used clothes, shoes, bags) – Bambang St. Sta. Cruz, Manila

Vegetables - Balintawak Market

Garments- Baclaran; Divisoria; Greenhills

The list may be endless…. Like what was mentioned earlier, Filipinos are frugal shoppers. Some may have their own “secret mecca” of shops selling clothes, fabrics, toys, kitchen ware, home décor and almost everything else at dirt-cheap prices.

No doubt that the above-mentioned places are the best for the cheapest of the cheap. The markets and stalls here are for the more adventurous shoppers. But then again, security will always be an issue on some of the places mentioned. Some are notorious for crime so keep an eye on your valuables or it is best if you will visit the place with someone who is more or less familiar of the area, otherwise you’d end up lost and almost surely gypped. And lastly as you go shopping, you need to have a discerning eye for quality and authentic stuff.:)