naughty or nice?

I think its only proper to post Santa Claus picture today (photo taken from 168 mall at Divisoria), and it's only 24 days before Christmas!!! And my chance to greet you guys an early Merry Christmas!!! :)

I know Santa Claus is so over rated and another commercialized symbol of Christmas but am still a kid at heart so forgive me. Have you been naughty or nice? Have a Merry Christmas everyone and spend your Christmas bonuses wisely :)

ang pao

Ang Pao is a red envelope or red packet that contains a monetary gift which is given during holidays or special occasions. This kid peddles ang pao outside the 168 mall for 10 pesos/pack, each pack contains 10pcs of angpao. It is sad to say and note that mostly it is children who peddles ang pao, plastic bags, sampaguita garland, etc. and sometimes even cigarettes!

PS. i dint know why instead o fthe usual V sign most people pose with, the kid crumpled his hands like that, when asked why he just smiled :)

168 mall

168 mall is located t the heart of Divisoria, the place has been pretty popular especially to bargain hunters because they really sell cheap but cute items such as bags, shoes, clothes, accessories, etc. 168 mall is always crowded even on an ordinary day, and most especially now that christmas season is here, most shoppers try to find the best bargain in town. oh by the way, in case you want to know, former first lady Imelda Marcos "shop" at 168 mall, i even saw her at 168 mall shopping with her tons of bodyguard.

free cellphone charging station

Filipinos are crazy about text messaging or SMS and it isn't any wonder to see anyone busy typing/sending away SMS wherever or whenever they are., doesn't matter wethere you're walking or driving, it is a common scene here in the Philippines. It is a very influential and powerful tool in the Philippines, where the average user sends 10-12 text messages a day. The Philippines alone sends on the average 400 million text messages a day or approximately 142 billion text messages sent a year, more than the annual average SMS volume of the countries in Europe, and even China and India. It is said that the Philippines is the texting capital of the world.

And being addicted to SMS or text messaging, Filipinos always have these empty or low battery problems. Good thing most food chain stores offer free cellphone charging, these charging stations offer charger for different cellphone but you have to be responsible in keeping an eye on your phone.

Photo taken inside Jollibee store at Tutuban Center Mall, Divisoria

tutuban centermall

andres in tutuban

Here's the statue of our hero, Andres Bonifacio at the Tutuban center in Divisoria. Tutuban is not just a place rich in historical and strategic significance but also thrives as the hotbed of commerce right at the heart of neo-conservative Manila, to know more about its history click here.

On a funny note: dont you think Andres looks like he's checking the list of people he'll give gifts to next christmas? Yeah the christmas decors are still up until Sunday.

divisoria

Yep your eyes are not deceiving you, this is divisoria and that is the Tutuban Cluster Mall building you're seeing but it is empty (well not really empty but this place is usually crowded everyday). Photo taken yesterday when most people are still asleep after welcoming the new year and most malls are closed. New Year morning is the best time to roam the metropolis since i'll have the road all by myself, and mind you this is the only day and time you'll find this place empty.

I cant justify the diversity and color of Divisoria in this post but to those who doenst know yet, Divisoria or as what pinoys fondly call "Divi" is a big market place where you can find almost everything you'll ever need where the prices are lower (you can even haggle for the price). It is always bustling with activity and is easy to get lost here if you dont know your way around. Divisoria is best known for textile (at Juan Luna St.), fruit market (what they call "bagsakan" at Sto. Cristo), vegetables (at Asuncion), among other things. Divisoria is also a haven for wholesaler, recently malls have sprouted in the area such as the popular 168 Mall, Divisoria Mall, etc.