This day, I've planned to go somewhere else other than staying here at home. I've been stuck here in the house for quite a long time now. Also, I was tasked by my sister to buy gift for my little cousin. Since I've been missing the Manila area, I was thinking of Divisoria!
LRT - Katipunan Station
This is my first stop from our house after a jeepney ride. Since second year college until during the review days I was patronizing the LRT services when I go to the part of Manila. Now, I still prefer this route of course because it's the fastest way to go there plus the comfort of riding in an air-conditioned vehicle at a considerable price.
I noticed one thing inside the train, there were no Christmas songs playing in the background! Too bad, it was boring!
LRT - Recto Station
It's the terminal station. I only alight in this station when I go to places farther than school. Nothing's changed. It's still the same.
Hidalgo
Pirated CD, DVD, HD DVD, Blu Ray galore! This is where I usually double-up my own security. Here are my reasons why I think a precautionary measure is a must in this place.
First. You must protect yourself from snatchers who might take the chance of doing their craft while searching for your stuff. It's better to be proactive than be sorry later. You might feel a little nervous. Well, it's a good thing! At least you're aware of the worst scenario and will try to avoid that to happen. Just don't over react. Instead of keeping away from them you might easily call their attention.
Secondly, I have never been good in avoiding these annoying people whom I call "X Pushers." As long as you're in their zone, you'll never escape their marketing strategy of promoting their products right infront of your face. So weak people, beware! You might just give in to temptation.
And finally, the VRB "Hakot Group." Wag ka na magmalinis.. you know where you put yourself into when you dropped by that place. Anyway, they seldom do their job. Just check up your luck before you go there. And don't stay too long in searching for your stuff especially in confined areas. You don't wanna own a moment of ill fame or be locked-up in there 'til the "Hakot Group" has gone. Take it from me. I did not have that chance of fame though, well.. luckily, but I was one of the people who got locked up. Traumatizing? Yes, but I've learned my lesson anyway.
Why I keep coming back to this place?.. Pretty simple.. just because.
Quiapo Church
Before I left Quiapo, I passed by the church. I rarely visit that place when I go to Hidalgo. That time, I don't know why but I just did. I was just standing at the back and said my prayers.
Divisoria
I've been to this place way back before. From the LRT Recto station, it's just a jeepney ride to the Tutuban mall. I had a thought that I could just walk my way there because it's only like several blocks away from the Avenida Ave. I was just too tired that time plus it was beginning to get dark and I don't mind spending eight pesos to get there comfortably. After all, when I reach the place I knew that it's gonna be like endless walking.
While I was in the jeep, I noticed this one situation between the driver and several vendors. When the vehicles were on a complete halt because of the traffic, these vendors took the chance to sell cigarettes or candies. The driver on the other hand had to buy at least one or to give at least a peso. It had to be that way to all who would approach because a threat comes along with the trade. I did not witness how the threat was delivered but based from I what I heard from the story of the driver as he was ranting when several vendors had already approached, these vendors threatened him before and it went.."Magbibigay ka ba o papatayin kita!" Poor jeepney drivers.. but it is the sad reality of the situation. At some point, life is just so unfair!
A few minutes after boarding from the jeepney, I finally arrived at Divisoria. It was actually a block more away from the Tutuban mall but I decided to just alight from the jeep because the traffic was very heavy and I was more eager to walk than to wait and watch how those hungry leeches suck out blood from their poor host.
There were so many people scrambling everywhere as it is the Christmas season. All coming from different walks of life. I even witnessed the demolition of the stalls and push carts of the illegal vendors around the place. My attention was caught by this running woman who cried, "Ba't niyo ba kami pinahihirapan nang ganito? Bakit di niyo kami hayaang lumamon katulad ng nilalamon niyo!" Then I saw the cart loaded with sinangag na mani that she was pushing hurriedly away from the authorities to save her only way to earn for a living.
A thought came to me.. "Why not let these people have the chance to sell their products and earn something more on Christmas season. After all, Christmas is about merrymaking. And having something more than what one can have on an ordinary day makes the occasion festive!"
That was just a thought anyway. There's nothing I can do about it.
It was a long and tiring search for what I need. I went to the Tutuban mall first to look for a gift but all that I immediately saw there were a sea of apparels and fashion accessories. I walked past those stalls whose items are clothes only. Well, those were not my need anyway. I had crossed the other side of the mall but still had not found what I was looking for.
I went to the main mall then I saw boutiques and shops that are also found in regular malls unlike in the other part where the stalls are like tiangges only. This is where I found the gift. I did not easily settle for the first possible gift that I saw. Instead, I still roamed outside to look for something better.
Just across the Tutuban mall, I saw a shop where the products sold are all toys for the kids. I didn't think twice as I was too tired and wanting to go home that time. I searched in every corner of the shop then finally, I found something perfect for my cousin!
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In Hidalgo, I bought the 8in1 Blu Ray Disc. It contains the Batman movie series and Iron Man. I failed to watch in cinema both the two biggest comic book adaptation of the year -- The Dark Night and Iron Man.
Also, I bought the Dream Match in DVD. I saw several of these in the stalls so I was tempted to buy it also. Collectible? Yeah, maybe. It's worth increases as years progress because it is part of history now. Well.. I think.
I bought a transformable robot and car. It's not that pricey. It costs 170.50 pesos but I got it for only 160 pesos.
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