Pinay Shopper

STEAK ESCAPE!

nmvillarete — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:33:09 +0000

Craving for steak? Don’t know where to eat? Looking for the perfect place to dine? Good food is one of my weaknesses and there are several resto that I have visited which I believe are worth the review.

HOUSE OF MINIS- this is a sit down full service resto. This is one of those few places that managed to bring back a sense of nostalgia once you step in. I have been to their branch along C5 and the place is pretty neat. With dim lights, wooden panels and red plaid tablecloths, it feels like you’ve just stepped back decades ago in a Cowboy county (YEEEHAA!). I feel like I am warped back in time when I ate there as if I was in the 1980′s or even way back. Two thumbs-up for the place! If you are that someone who needs a steak fix but don’t want to spend too much, House of Minis is the best place for you. Food may appear to be pricey but reasonable enough. I can say that this is a very affordable place to get well cooked steak that is served on a sizzling platter and then smothered with gravy at tableside. I have tried their soup and salad, umm.. well.. just ok.. Just like any other regular soup and salad. Nothing to be excited about. Bread rolls are tasty but somewhat small.

RACKS- Definitely, this restaurant tops the list of the restaurants that I’ve been to. Not to mention this is where me and my boyfriend had our first unofficial date (hope he remembers hahahaha- asa pa!). They make their steak as tender as possible and the price is pretty fair. My boyfriend usually orders baby-back ribs and chicken macaroni as side dish and it seems that he’s satisfied. When they say their baby back ribs falls off the bone, it really falls off the bone (literally). Their dishes seem so tasty and appealing. I think it is because of their yummy signature sauces. The Fish and chips meal is also great. Serving size is ok and the service in this restaurant is very prompt (waiters won’t make you wait that long). Most of their branches (particularly the one in Magallanes) have a cozy ambiance. The interior of the restaurant is very pleasing.

TENDER BOB’S STEAKHOUSE- Whenever one craves for quality steak, Tender Bob’s is the place to be. First of all, its red and white (American flag) old school theme is very attractive. The place is clean and the whole room is bright with all the lights and plasma TVs hanging on two corners of the room. Menu is placed outside so it is easy to decide whether a customer should enter or not. Upon browsing their menu, I can say that foods were all fairly priced considering the location of the restaurant (Greenhills branch). Although I would say that customer service is not that excellent. Service is not prompt though waiters seem friendly. It took more than half an hour before we were able to get our bill after dining. In general, I can say that dining at Tender Bob’s was good since my partner looked satisfied with his Tenderloin steak. I’ve heard that their potato skins are to die for. Might try this one of these days

TEXAS ROADHOUSE- this resto starts you out with a bucket of roasted peanuts while you browse their menu. All of their dishes were tempting, but my partner still went with the beef. The place really does look like a roadhouse of sorts, with all the cowboy stuff and memorabilia hanging around the place. Food was awesome, although some may find it pricey considering its location. If you just want to chill out after a hard day’s work, this is a great venue for hanging out. Sit outside to enjoy cool evening breezes & for good people watching (remembering SJ walk days in DLSU.hehe!). Have heard several comments about the food and most were saying that food was not so outstanding. So is the customer service. Nonetheless, my partner, friends and I will definitely come back. We still ought to try other menu. Diba Shernee?

Ray and Pete’s Texas Smoke ‘Em- This one’s located at Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center and man.. it took me 3 flaming months to recall this resto. I hardly remember anything until I went to GB3 and had a glimpse of the restaurant. Have been to the place twice so I promise to give justice to my post ( I just wish I remember everything in detail). Like the other steakhouses mentioned earlier, the place reminds me of the Cowboy county, because of the homey atmosphere. The servers as usual are pleasant looking (and efficient) and the place is clean and not intimidating. I guess you can wear your comfortable clothes here and enjoy the finger licking goodness of the savory dishes. The restaurant’s interiors had a Western theme going on as mentioned, which was fun, but the actual dining area is small. The tables were closely spaced together and I remember feeling cramped while eating. One thing I like most about this resto is that they include Mexican dishes such as burrito, tacos , fajitas and more. Their burrito is surprisingly good. Lastly, for me the best part is… major credit cards are accepted. Haha!

AMICI: Bringing Italian taste to Manila!

nmvillarete — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:47:53 +0000

Ever heard what most people are raving about nowadays? It is no other than Amici. Any true-blue food lover would have heard about this resto. It offers nothing but original taste Italian resto in Makati City. It is authentic Italian cuisine brought to us by one of the entrepreneurial Italian Salesian Priest, Fr. Gianlugi Colombo, SDB. Amici is an Italian restaurant specializing in pizza, pasta, panini, and gelato. Now, having said that it is “original”, it means that its not the Italian food that we grew up in Manila — Spaghetti that is sweet with red meat sauce (Pinoy-style spaghetti). If you haven’t eaten in Amici yet, then I suggest that you watch a movie at Walter Mart Makati and walk towards Amici right after. Amici is located at Arnaiz Ave., Makati City beside Don Bosco.

Place- the resto has a cafeteria ambiance wherein pizza, pasta and gelato are ordered from their respective counters. It is actually self-service where you have to pay as you order and get your own utensils and condiments. This may be a little confusing for first time customers. The whole feel and atmosphere of the place is very casual. The place is big but lines are pretty long. Also, the location is not accessible (the ones beside Don Bosco). Parking will always be an issue.

Price- since food is authentic, it is expected that food may be a little pricey. Most likely some of the profits go to a good cause since this restaurant, as far as I know, is operated by Salesian priests. The restaurant accepts credit cards.

Food- I did not have the chance to try everything but based on the pasta, panini, pizza and gelato, it was “Simply Scrumptuous!” just like what it says on their brochure. If I was one of those lucky ones born with a super fast metabolism, I probably would have ordered everything. Everything just seemed so tempting! This may be debatable because there are Filipinos who would not like the Italian taste.

I haven’t visited the place for quite sometime now but I feel that it is worth the review. Overall, the food and the price would probably be justifiable because of the taste and authenticity, but Amici could definitely improve more on the food presentation.  I can say that Amici is another Italian place worth hanging out with friends and loved ones.

Amici’s branches are located at:

Bellagio Square, Tomas Morato cor. Scout Fuentebella

SM Megamall Atrium (Level 3), Mandaluyong

Don Bosco Compound, A. Arnaiz Ave., cor. Chino Roces Ave., Makati

LIVE WELL: EAT AND SHOP HEALTHY

nmvillarete — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:01:50 +0000

The trend nowadays is toward health and wellness. This trend is evident by the rising market on wellness wherein most people are becoming more and more aware of health. Here in the Philippines specifically in Metro Manila, it can be observed that there is growth in the number of gyms and spas as well as the number of health related products as observed in the market and in media. This marks the rise of the health- conscious Filipino consumers. There can be few people in the Filipino food industry who have failed to notice the importance of healthy food. One of the most important aspects of staying healthy is with the food that we eat. The food that we eat at each mealtime determines the kind of nutrients that we would be getting. There have been a lot of changes in food purchasing behavior of Filipinos in the recent years. It is evident that the awareness of and attitudes toward food attributes such as taste, nutritional qualities and convenience are the key determinants of food choice and these attitudes and perceptions are in turn influenced by a number of personal characteristics such as education, socioeconomic status, age and sex. The arguments for and against healthy foods specifically the organic ones have been well and widely studied. A number of claims including environmental benefits, improved animal welfare, healthy eating and higher quality have been advanced in favor of this.
Shop healthy and live well:)

The healthy food market in the Philippines is still at its infancy stage wherein the market is defined to be supported by higher-income, health conscious Filipinos. One of the market’s major constraints is the lack of awareness on healthy foods among Filipino shoppers. For instance, it was identified that organic food market has traditionally been a very specialist niche market and is now becoming an increasing focus in the major food retailers’ offer. A number of general issues identified such as the price of healthy food vis-Á -vis conventional food wherein generally the price of organic food has been higher than those of its conventional counterparts. Well an organic cabbage would cost more than a pack of noodles in our case. This for the reason that generally within the retail trade, the conventional wisdom has been that the price premium on organic food reflects the fact that it is more expensive to produce and that all the handling, distribution and marketing costs do not enjoy the economies of scale associated with conventional high volume food lines. The high price or price premium is one of the crucial issues identified here since consumers would often assume this as a guarantee of quality and safety. But through the years, I have observed that with the improving mindset of our kabayans, healthy food market has been moving from a specialist niche market to a much more mainstream position. Organic food retail marketplace is clearly a varied one and quite a number of players are looking to meet growing consumer demands. But then again, access to this type of food is still questionable. As far as I’m aware, only organic vegetables are available in the market. Organic meat however is not yet readily available. But there are very few stores which offer these specialized gourmets and products. Here’s a list of healthy establishments that you can visit around the metro:

Dr. Tam’s Vegan Haus
433 F. Legaspi St. Maybunga, Pasig City

Bodhi (food chain with branches inside shopping malls)
SM Foodcourt, Tutuban, Glorietta 4

Evergreen
Glorietta 4

Corner Tree Cafe
150 Jupiter Street, Miladay Building, Makati City (at Saturn St, Metro Manila)

Greens
92 Sct. Castor Street, Quezon City

Happy Veggie Health Food – Binondo
958 Masangkay St, Binondo

Manila Adventist Medical Center
45 Donada St, 1st floor (corner of Taft Ave and Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Buendia LRT station, Pasay City)

Healthy Kitchen
141 C Serendra Place, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Chimara Neo-Vegan Café
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City

Soy Yummy (kiosk)
SM MegaMall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

My Happy Veggie Health Food
958 Masangkay Street (at Soler St, Manila)

Healthy Options (Rustans)

Veggie Boutique
532 Camia Street, Palm Village, Makati City (near Rockwell)

Country Vegefoods
161 Luna Mencias St, San Juan, San Juan

Legaspi Weekend Market
Legaspi Village, Makati City

BF Paranaque Organic Weekend market
P.Banzon St. BF Homes, Paranaque

The list is quite short. As what has been mentioned earlier, this type of market is still on its infancy stage. True enough, I had a very hard time compiling a list of these recommended stores. Rather than worry about following a fad diet, think about your health and your lifestyle instead. Start by learning which foods are good for you. We are aware that the closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is. Healthy food shopping is a huge challenge for people with busy lifestyles as well as healthy eating. It may even hurt your pocket a bit but at the end of the day, we will all agree with one thing: HEALTH IS WEALTH

SPOTTED SHOPPING SPREE: UKAY-UKAY!

nmvillarete — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:51:39 +0000

Ukay-ukay – means ‘to dig,’ because folks would dig into a pile of clothes for that hidden gem of a find! In a country where the prices of gasoline, flour, oil, diapers, milk and other basic needs are skyrocketing, an average Pinoy is left with only a few pesos in the pocket to buy for basic things for himself like shoes, bags and clothing. Ukay-ukay has become a popular shopping spot. This makes you realize that your precious pesos were actually worth something. Gone are the days when second-hand shopping was a no-no:)

Being style-conscious also means spending a lot on your wardrobe, but the allure of vintage shopping is that the clothes are ridiculously cheap. Wearing ukay-ukay has practical and stylistic advantages too. At Philippine vintage stores, also known as ukay-ukay, I have never paid anything more than P150 may it be a bag, a pair of jeans shoes or other rare (but cheap) fashion finds. The ukay-ukay has grown from just clothing to bags, shoes and even curtains, blankets, comforters, office equipment, toys and sporting goods.

Surprisingly, at the ukay-ukay shop there are also affluent-looking individuals and even fashionistas who also sweat their butts out looking for that perfect fashion find. But when you go shopping, look casual and discreet—most ukays are in dodgy locations so it’s best to blend with the crowd.
GET THAT UKAY-UKAY FASHION!

Looking for that PERFECT clothing in an ukay-ukay is a test of one’s patience. Some people might feel weird about the idea of wearing secondhand clothing, but there’s something timeless and ethereal about ukay-ukay. If you live in a style-conscious city, this guarantees that you won’t look like everybody else. Pretty much items found in ukay-ukay stores are one-of-a-kind pieces. Here is a list of the ukay-ukay stores I’ve visited:

• Baguio (there are a lot around the city, it is locally known as WAGWAGAN)
-Hilltop
-Baguio City Market
-Bayanihan
-Session Road

• Bambang

• Harrison Plaza

• Cubao (near Ali Mall)

• Makati Cinema Square

• Ortigas (across Robinson’s Galleria)

There is fun in ukay-ukay. It is a journey that should be enjoyed in bits and pieces. But then an ukay-ukay shopper must always be vigilant. Just as you are busy browsing through the pile of treasures, who knows someone might also be busily browsing through your bags. So it is best to go hands-free—an oversized sling bag is perfect. Not only can you put your other purchases inside but it also lets you scour the racks with ease. Okay sa ukay-ukay! Happy shopping!

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING A CREDIT CARD

nmvillarete — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:15:43 +0000

Credit card is a very convenient alternative to paying by cash. It is a simple form of plastic card that has become the most common payment tool accepted at 30 million locations worldwide.
VISA OR MASTERCARD?
It can be an asset to your lifestyle, but if not handled carefully it can become a liability. Shopping and credit cards: an exemplary combination that can lead to big trouble. So read on to help you maximize your shopping and charging experience — and avoid some common dangers of owning one.

In recent years shopping has become part of everyday life and competes head on with more traditional ways of shopping for everything from groceries through to travel. The main advantage of having a credit card is convenience but if you’re not good at budgeting and managing your finances, the over-use of credit cards can leave you with a debt that you’ll surely regret.

Advantages

* Allows flexibility since it is more convenient to carry than cash.
* It offers free use of funds (obviously), provided that you will pay your balance in full and on time.
*Allows accurate record-keeping by consolidating purchases into a single statement (in a way helping you consolidate your expenses).
*Cheaper for short term borrowing.
*Convenient for remote purchasing – ordering/shopping online or by phone.
* Can be accessed 24/7.
*Most cards offer additional incentives such as reward points, cash back, free miles etc that you can redeem.

Disadvantages
* Its convenience can cause one to become an impulsive buyer and tend to overspend because of the ease of using it. It encourages one to go beyond the budget like purchasing items that one cannot really afford.
*Introduces an element of risk as lost or stolen cards may result in some unwanted expense and inconvenience (one is exposed to fraudulent transactions, identity theft etc.)

BARGAIN SHOPPING IN MANILA

nmvillarete — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

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
LET'S GO SHOPPING!

, 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.
divisoria street
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.
SHOPPING MADNESS!
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.:)

CHRISTMAS BAZAARS IN THE METRO-2009

nmvillarete — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:14:25 +0000

Christmas is just around the corner and November is almost done. During this time of the year, bazaars are a hit since a lot of people will buy gifts for their friends and loved ones. Avoid the Christmas rush in malls, go to bazaars instead!

“BER” months are usually the season for bazaars, and this year and upcoming years, it will be no different. As early as August, I’m sure many entrepreneurs are already quite busy preparing and joining the forthcoming bazaars all around Metro Manila. For many Filipinos, the -ber months is the start of the long Christmas season. For many, Christmas means shopping shopping and some more shopping!

So if you have anything to sell and would like to earn some extra income this holiday season, then I suggest you get in touch with the organizers as early as July to reserve your area. As for me, I’ve already partnered with a friend the previous years to sell some girly stuff (bags, dresses, accessories, novelty items etc) in a few bazaars. I’ve been doing this for 2 years and I must say, the profit is good. But this year, I’ll be going shopping instead of selling.

Here are some of the bazaar schedule from mid- November onwards. Remember that items you find in bazaars should be reasonable than those you find at department stores. So be wise and do not forget to HAGGLE and HAGGLE!

October- December 2009
Christmas Bazaar at Manila Ocean Park
Behind Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Manila

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday starting November 14, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Green Market Bazaar
BF Homes Quezon City covered court

Nov 13-15, Nov 27-29, 2009
Grand BAZAAR ‘09 @ the BIGTENT
Holy Spirit Drive, Don Antonio,Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City
10am – 10pm; Fully airconditioned venue

November 3, December 1, 2009
American Women’s Bazaar
World Trade Center,
Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

November 13-15; 27-29; December 11-13; December 18-20, 2009
Fab Finds Bazaar
Eastwood Central Plaza
Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City

November 6 to December 6, 2009
Tianggesitas
Delicacies Village, Tiendesitas
Frontera Verde, Pasig City

November 7-8, 2009
Yuletide Souk: The Big Red Bazaar
The Rockwell Tent, Rockwell, Makati City

November 13, 2009 to January 10, 2010
Christmas Bangketa Sale
Center Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center
San Juan City

November 14-15, 2009
Global Pinoy Bazaar
Rockwell Tent, Rockwell Makati City

November 14, 2009 to January 11, 2010
Greenhills Night Market
Parking Lot, Greenhills Shopping Center

November 25-30; December 18-20, 2009
Noel Bazaar & Christmas Shop Expo
World Trade Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

November 27-29, 2009
St. James The Great
Christmas Bazaar
Cuenca Community Center & St. James
Parking Lot, Ayala Alabang Village,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City

December 4-16, 2009
The 9th World Bazaar Festival
World Trade Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

December 4-6, 11-13, 18-23, 2009
Grand CHRISTMAS BAZAAR ‘09 @ the BIGTENT
Holy Spirit Drive, Don Antonio,Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City
10am – 10pm; Fully airconditioned venue

December 5-6, 2009
Noel Bazaar: The Special Edition
A.Venue Hall, Antel, Lifestyle City
Makati Avenue, Makati City

December 10, 2009-January 10, 2010
Christmas Flea Market
People’s Village, Tiendesitas
Frontera Verde, Pasig City

December 11-30, 2009
Christmas Bazaar
Glorietta Park Tent
Ayala Center, Makati City

December 19-20, 2009
Holiday Madness Bazaar
Cubao Expo, Araneta Center
Cubao, Quezon City

GOT AN EXTRA PHP100? GO THRIFT SHOPPING!

nmvillarete — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:44:40 +0000

Being the shopaholic that I am, I have discovered several items and activities one would surely rave for with your extra bling. I am all about frugal fashion here even if I know that it’s always fun to wear a high-end, luxury item from a trendy designer. That’s why I have been on a mission to find the best deals that you can get for a hundred pesos. Get the coolest fashion without breaking the bank.

1. COOL SUNGLASSES. Be fashionable with a new pair of sunnies for a hundred bucks! If you want a brand new pair, but don’t want to shell out cash, here’s the best deal for you. There is a HUGE range of sunglasses (from wayfarers to shuttershades), and whilst there are plenty of online stores offering nice shades, you can also buy a pair of these colorful and funky sunnies in Divisoria (Particularly in 168 Mall), Greenhills (Tiangge Area), Market Market, Tiendesitas to name a few. You might even find a pair at the nearest bazaars or order online at your favorite online store. I found several online sellers in Multiply that offer a wide variety of sunnies: www.colorsandshades.multiply.com and www.juicyred.multiply.com.

2. THAT PERFECT FUNKY TEE. You will definitely find something you love with your extra hundred pesos. Even your favorite celebs are spotted wearing these great and funky tees and you can sport that look for less. The question is: Where do we get these lowest-priced tees? Answer: Nearest tiangge, APT8 at Tiendesitas and 168 mall, Greenhills Tiangge, Market Market and try searching online.. You might click on a site that offers a better deal *wink*

3. A SHIRT FOR MY BOY. Vintage shirts are a hit! It’s surprising to know that you can get one for your guy with your extra cash. I would suggest Market Market or your nearest department store (Robinson’s or SM) for a wide range of vintage shirties that your boyfriend would love. Being thoughtful need not be expensive!

4. SAVVY SCARF. I have never used scarves as an accessory, but I love the look. I just don’t know where to begin. Anyway, a decent scarf for that savvy look can cost a hundred bucks or even less. Find one at the nearest department store or even at the nearest tiangge. Pashmina scarves may be costly but you will definitely find an alternative for that. Same look but half the price. Get one for yourself and for your girlfriends this Christmas!

5. A FEW GOODY ACCENTS. Its Christmas season and festive dressing is all about sparkle, shine and glittery glam! May it be a neckpiece, pair of earrings, a cocktail ring or a bracelet; you can never go wrong with these pieces. The best part is, you can get each or a couple of these for a hundred pesos only. Unbelievable right? Go visit the bazaars and department stores and you’ll be convinced.

6. 20-MINUTE MASSAGE. Notice those lazy boy like chairs with that “Massage for Less” tag inside the malls? Get an invigorating massage for only a hundred pesos and feel relaxed after that long tiring walk at the mall. Hop in one of these cool chairs at Market Market!

7. SMASHING NAILS. Your hundred pesos can give you a basic manicure or pedicure at your nearest affordable salon. The service usually costs PhP80.00 around the metro but then it would be nice if you’ll give your manicurista a little tip for the spic and span nails. Do good, feel good and look good for less!

Your extra hundred can still go a long long way as far as shopping is concerned. This list is endless for wise shoppers. For me, thrift shopping is an incredibly fun thing to do. I love shopping , and when I can shop well without hurting my pocketbook at all, I’m always in! and lastly, there is no shame in thrift shopping. Many people seem to believe that only “not so well-off people” would shop at such a store (KURIPOT as what we call them locally), but it’s simply not the case. The people that shop at such a store are people who care about their financial well-being, and that includes both you and me.

SERIOUSLY…SHOPPING IS JUST A CLICK AWAY!

nmvillarete — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:55:33 +0000

As Internet is becoming more widely used, online shopping is also growing tremendously. E- Commerce is becoming more and more famous as many businesses are attempting to go global. In this case, Internet becomes the primary means of advertising and selling their products or services worldwide. In my opinion, one of the million doors that the Internet has opened is online shopping, an activity that many have become addicted to. Shopping is a necessity for all of us, some of us really enjoy it (like me!), but then there are others who try to keep it as simple and short as possible (like a few good ladies and gentlemen I know). Well, online shopping is the best solution for both: those who consider it a chore that they try to avoid and for those who do it on a daily basis. When it comes to shopping, more and more of us are letting our fingers (and our mice) do the talking, haggling and even walking. But sometimes people are a bit apprehensive about shopping online for the first time. Once you try it, however, you will find that you love it and will make it a regular part of your shopping routine.

There are 3 reasons to love online shopping:

VERY CONVENIENT. It is more convenient than going to the mall or other stores, driving around to try to find a parking space, only to discover that what you went there for is sold out which is quite stressful and time consuming. Shopping online lets you avoid all of that by providing a relaxed shopping experience free from pressure and stress. So much of the vast variety of products and product information is easily searchable. Plus, there is no traveling, parking, and walking involved. An online store allows you to shop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So you can shop till you drop at your leisure, regardless of your time zone rather than trying to fit shopping at department stores into your busy schedule. Cool isn’t it?

LOW LOW PRICES. Saving money is always a good idea and that is possible through shopping. How? Well, online stores specifically the local ones (found in E-BAY and MULTIPLY) have very minimal overhead costs wherein no cost for rent, human resource etc and this can translate to lower prices for you. Also, these online stores allow haggling (locally known as TAWAD) which is quite an advantage for us shoppers. As for me, I think the best deals are always found online such as free shipping, freebies (especially during Christmas season) and online discount coupons.

EXPANDED SHOPPING RANGE. Online shopping usually offers you much more information, including user product reviews, which can be helpful as compared to when you are at a store wherein you only have access to the product information that comes on the box or plastic. Let me reiterate the beauty of the Internet… The Internet allows you to easily compare products and prices (with no cost involve), so you can be sure that the item you purchase is the exact item you want.

So the next time you go shopping, you might want to allow your fingers do the search for the best deals and great products.. Make the most out of the beautiful opportunities the Internet is making available for our society. Seriously, shopping is just a click away!

METRO SHOPPING MADE EASY

nmvillarete — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:38:06 +0000

Many people who feel that Bangkok and Hong Kong are the shopping destinations in Asia will be pleasantly surprised to find out they are mistaken. Manila in my personal opinion is the mall capital of Asia. Almost every city block or two of the Metro has a mall and most of these close very late at about 10:00PM. Where else can you escape from the intense humidity or from the tropical down pours of the typhoon season? Tada! you guessed it right.. in the shopping malls around the Metro. During “BER” (September-December) months, bazaars are all over the place. Even the most high-end subdivisions in the metro have their own bazaars (talk about Ayala Alabang, Forbes Park, Green Meadows, La Vista to name a few).

Shopping Malls in Manila has it all and I don’t mean just that, whatever you want, you will find it in the numerous Shopping Malls and Plazas that abound throughout the Metro. Manila boasts the third largest, by floor size, shopping centre in the world. The humongous Mall of Asia at Roxas Boulevard defies explaining. SM Mall of Asia is the largest in the Philippines and third largest in the world, at least by floor area. It is right on Manila Bay in downtown Metro Manila. One day is probably insufficient to visit all its stores.

The Metro’s business district, Makati, offers a wide range of malls. Ayala Center is a sprawling shopping area consisting of two major developments – Glorietta and Greenbelt that offer shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Glorietta Shopping Mall is shaped like an octopus and is located in the CBD area of Makati and is rather upmarket. After all it is surrounded by 5 star hotels, if that gives you an idea of its clientele and prices. The most upscale malls are in Greenbelt (4 and 5) at Ayala Centre and Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, where there are famous brand shops like Gap, Armani and Bulgari(to name a few). Greenbelt is a more recent development, where the high-end stores (particulary in GB4) and the exciting restaurants (GB3 and 5) are located. Rockwell Powerplant Mall has it all and offers a wide range of choices. It may be a bit too pricey though but I cannot complain about the choices and ambiance. This is where you find your top end, high quality, expensive clothing and accessories. Do not expect bargains here, but do expect to spend lots of your money.

Located at the heart of Manila’s historical places is Divisoria, a mecca of pure shopping experience. Bargain hunting in Manila would not be complete without a visit to Divisoria commonly known as “DIVI” where items are sold in bulk(wholesale) or jaw-dropping prices. You can find almost anything here, from cookware to lingerie to toys. But everyone who wishes to shop here should be a little cautious of pickpockets and snatchers. Divi is a mixture of street stalls and shopping malls so make sure you wear comfy shoes/slip-ons as you haggle, because you are definitely going to need them. The most popular mall near Divisoria Market is 168 Mall, which is almost like Divisoria Market, but with the advantage of being more orderly, secured and air-conditioned. Since Manila is one of the most historical places in the Metro, there are other things to do besides shopping. You can drop by Intramuros and Binondo to learn more about Philippine history and culture.

Some may not think that shopping would be a fun thing to do but with all these and more shopping centres in Manila, it is easy to see how shopping has become a favorite activity for most of us. Name it, they have it. Don’t miss the shopping capital of the Philippines, Metro Manila, it is a haven for those of you who can sniff out a bargain or can pick value when you see it. Enjoy!