Divisoria Facelift

I remember Baby, a colleague from Polymer Chemicals, a company where I used to work. Baby is a member of the Dating Daan religious group.
 

There was a time that they had foreign visitors from their church, who wanted to go shopping for bargains.
 

Together with some church-mates, they escorted their visitors to Divisoria. Whoa! Although they got the bargains that they wanted, it wasn’t exactly a great shopping experience.

There were literally seas of people shopping,. Thus, it was quite difficult to walk, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Plus, there was the wet and a bit muddy street – as if you’re in a wet market shopping for fish.

And not to mention, the danger of pick pockets.
 

She swore not to bring visitors for shopping to Divisoria again. That was during the 80’s.
 

Nowadays, Divisoria has a new image. One that people like Baby will surely like. There is the Divisoria Mall, Tutuban Mall, 168, Meseic Mall, 999 and recently City Place. 

The Aug 2011 issue of the Entrepreneur magazine carries another special issue about Divisoria. It also comes with a Pocket Guide to Divisoria that has a list of various suppliers.

The numbers 1-6-8 and triple 9s are lucky numbers for the chinese.

Here's a view of the 168 and the 999 malls. The 168 Mall was built first and people went gaga over it because of good bargains they got.

Not far from 168 is the City Place, the newest Mall at the Divisoria Area.
It provides commercial spaces and residential condos as well

Whoa! I didn't realize that there is a 698

Inside 999. For those who are interested, there are still stalls available.

More of the 999 Mall. Thereis even a SOGO inside

More interesting finds -- LEDs on your shirt. How about dancing lights on your shirt?
Help yourself to many designs

More finds at the 999 Mall. Going to a party? Getting married, anyone?

Need toys?  With the -BER months ahead of us, 
moms and dads are always scouting for toys

Remote Controlled Helicopter. Who ever said that only kids play

WOW, more toys for the big and small boys

Interesting find at 999 -- Bladeless fan. Price is written on the flying paper.
I recently saw a similar fan at SM Manila, and at an SMX Exhibit.

Food court for the hungry shopper

Move over 168 and 999. 

Let's take a look at the City Place

When you enter the City Place Mall, you are welcomed  by a brief history of Binondo

The rickshaw exhibit reminds shopper’s that they are in Chinatown

Human Maniquin -- for a few cents placed in his can, he'll move for you

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This mall is a part of the Mega World plan, which combines a chinese inspired shopping and residential complex

Entertainment at the mall. Tired of walking or simply window shopping, this band offers good music