Digitally Transforming the Filipino Haggling Tradition

Yesterday, my sister and I went to Divisoria. We were searching for a certain curtain design for their bedroom. As you all know, Divisoria is the place to go when buying anything and everything at an extremely cheap price. The streets were lined with stalls that were filled with hanging Christmas decors, drapes, and--I repeat--anything under the sun.

The Divisoria Experience

After having to deal with the traffic from Recto to Divi, we maneuvered the busy stalls of Puregold to reach Tabora. In Tabora, we checked every single stall, kiosk, and selling space that sold curtains. To our dismay, we didn't find the particular design. Although a little disappointed, we got some great deals on a few yards of U.S. cotton textile. Yes, like any other Filipino, we ended up haggling for the 7 yards of Winnie the Pooh and some other cartoony-designed bed sheet-to-be.

U.S. Cotton sheets cost 85-130 php/yard

Haggling

Haggling has always been part of our culture. We always here phrases like "Last price?" or "No Discount?" or "I'll buy it by bulk if you give it to me at _____". Honestly, even online sellers from OLX/ Sulit, Ayos Dito, and eBay receive text messages like the ones I mentioned above. It's a typical behavior that's neither good nor bad, depending on the haggler's technique and style.

Selling on eBay used to be as easy as bidding and winning.

Filipino Online Shopping

Nowadays, a lot of us have enjoyed the benefits of buying online. For one, you wouldn't have to deal with the heat, the crowded streets, and the pollution of going to Divi. You also save on precious time and fare because the items get delivered at your doorstep (especially in the Manila area). Some online items are even being sold at a cheaper price than in malls. So, it's really no surprise that a lot of us are now going to websites like Lazada and Zalora.

My first Lazada purchase...

Can't Haggle When it's Sold Online

However, like buying an item from a mall or a superstore, all prices are fixed. There's no haggling allowed, because all prices are final. We don't get the opportunity to talk to the online shop's owner, and it can be a bit frustrating at times. Fortunately for us, we are a resourceful race. Some of us wait for sales or marked-downs; others end up using coupons (usually encoded prior to online checkout).

All it Takes is a Keyphrase

iPrice is a site for the thrifty, budget-conscious Filipino. When all the coupons are at your fingertips, readily available at a click of a button, online shopping definitely gets better. So why bother scouring every single blog/website via Google Search when you can go to a single website for the keywords that can slash a price down to a better bargain?

Is Using a Coupon the Same as Haggling?

It's not. However, these two techniques result to a single outcome. We get what we want at a bargain deal.

Some helpful links:

My Lazada Buying Experience
How to Commute to Divisoria
The EBAY Experience: Pros, Cons and some Tips in Buying and Selling

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Textile, Clothing and Accessories Shop: VC Trading at Farmer's Plaza, Cubao, Quezon City

VC Trading can be found at Farmer's Plaza. It's directly beside the Caritas Health Shield Clinic.

Here's my lucky find of the week... a shop of cloth, fabric, buttons, pins, needles, threads, crochet yarns, felt cloth and lots more.

Had we known VC Trading had this many colors to choose from, we wouldn't have needed to spend countless hours searching for it in malls. The price per half a yard is 60 php.

Back when my nieces had projects involving the use of felt clothes, we spent so much time looking for specific colors for their stuffed works.

I miss seeing textile shops with these many DMC Threads. I wasn't able to ask how much they were selling each thread for.

I also had problems trying to find a shop that sells cross stitch Aida cloth and other stuff. I was able to buy a yard of cross stitch cloth for 180 php. I forgot what the count was.... Maybe it was Count 11 or 14.

That's nowhere half the number of crochet yarn colors VC Trading at Farmer's Cubao is selling.

VC Trading has a wide selection of everything needed for textile works and projects- not to mention arts and crafts items rarely found in conventional shops.

From laces to ribbons to zippers... VC Trading is definitely my one stop shop... and I just dropped by there by accident.

So if you're looking for the place to buy textile merchandise and clothing accessories, VC Trading is a must-drop-by in Cubao. And no, I am not paid to do this post.

I don't think VC Trading's Facebook page and website are still available.

Farmer's Plaza Cubao is located beside Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

View Larger Map

Here's a Google Map for Farmer's Plaza. If you're coming from Gateway, just cross the footbridge (or overpass) that connects the two together along Araneta Center.

Some uniform colors and more to choose from.

I was hoping to have cutesy pajamas sewn for me but their cotton clothing cost 150 per yard. It had vibrant colors and adorable animal designs.

I couldn't resist buying some of their bear patches (18 php- 20 php). I love having them sewn on my pants.

This reminds me of a time back when I was in college. I had been wearing one of my favorite pants for more than a decade. After having been used by my brother, it had giant holes that sewing them up was hopeless. So what I did was buy a lot of bear patches and have it sewn on my pants. LOL. It was funny how people would stare at me thinking I had this crazy fashion sense (or perhaps I did).

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The Lazada (lazada.com.ph) Buying Experience

I was a little hesitant on doing my first online purchase. I've done EBAY and Sulit, but never before have I purchased from an online shop... so Lazada was a first for me.

The Lazada Shopping Experience

I browsed through Lazada with one thing in mind... the much-coveted Cherry Mobile Flare Android phone which they were selling at 3,999 php (discounted at 26% from the original price). Yesterday we came across a Cherry Mobile kiosk and much to our dismay, they were selling the Flare at 4,499 php (or was it 4,599 php). Fortunately for me, I had already done my ordering. (Product Status: Pending ^^)

I would've posted my invoice, but I forgot to do so due to the excitement.

The Lazada Shipping Experience

I ordered the CM Flare phone last Sunday, January 13, 2013 at about 9 or 10 in the evening. I received it at about 4 PM today (January 15, 2013).  Not bad for a 5-day waiting period, don't you think?

The box is sealed with a white sticker etched with the word "VOID". Once you remove that sticker, the word "VOID" will remain on box thereby giving customers the assurance that it was not opened or tampered with.

So mine was delivered at my door step and I paid upon delivery.

What's in the Cherry Mobile Flare box...

Cherry Mobile Flare at my Fingertips

I got my phone in good fully-functional condition (so far, so good). And I just love it (for its price, performance, and my online shopping experience, anyway!).

What you see is what you get! No hidden charges or issues with mishandling.

So just remember, to keep that tax invoice and consignee slip in case something "undesirable" happens (I dare not to mention!).

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K-Pop Stuff in CNA at Malate, Manila

It was a Christmas day and my niece had not yet received her present. We wanted to surprise her by bringing her to a shop that sold K-Pop merchandise here in Manila. Fortunately, I was able to come across CNA's well-updated Facebook page after Googling the term "K-Pop stuff".

Aside from the Korean Pop merchandise and products CNA is selling, they also  have tons and tons of cutesy stuff such as fancy rings, earrings, bracelets, clips and scrunchies.

I didn't have as many pictures to show since I was prohibited in taking them so please bear with these. Of course, that would've been probably my fault because I didn't mention how I wanted to post about them in this blog. And it's not exactly a blog when I hardly take care of it, anyway.

My niece's reaction was priceless. She was in disbelief... but we weren't able to capture it because picture taking was prohibited.

Which brings me to my next concern. Yes, I understand that the owner is just cautious to not let anyone take pictures of his products, but for bloggers it's perfectly fine. Nonetheless, it's possible that someone could come in their store, pose herself/himself as a blogger, take pictures and actually copy their marketing strategy. And besides, one simply needs to visit their Facebook page (or any blogger's page that features them) to take a look at what they're selling.

See what I mean about the sucky pictures? Of course, a true k-pop fan would probably be able to identify the faces on those notebooks/sticky notes

And another thing, since normal people cannot take pictures in the store, CNA also misses out on the opportunity of Facebook micro-advertising through tagging, don't you think?

Just another one of my sucky camera pictures. But it is evident that  CNA has a lot of  K-pop stuff to choose from. They even had phone straps for couples starring Psy.

One more concern, my sister mentioned that there was this really really "scary" young sales lady who watched her like a hawk (which is perfectly understandable) sporting a not-so-friendly face and "radiating" bad vibes (I couldn't help but laugh when she mentioned the latter). My sister talked to her and gave her a nice smile and she didn't budge at all!

Feel free to click on the photo to view its original size.
Total damage... 3000+ php.

Lastly, the time we went there, they were offering free gift wrapping for purchases above 200 php. So my sister asked whether it were alright to have the three K-Pop albums (EXO, BAP and TVXQ- U-Know + Max) costing 630, 700, 990 respectively wrapped separately. At first, the cashier lady objected but my sister told her that if that were the case, she could pay for them separately since they were worth more than 200 php anyway. She eventually agreed to the request.

Fancy earrings from CNA located in Malate, Manila, Philippines

Bottom line: There's no question that CNA sells some of the best K-Pop merchandise here in the Philippines. They have the latest K-Pop albums, K-Pop merchandise, and K-Pop poster and stickers freebies available. The prices are also reasonably cheap and affordable (equivalent to online prices based in other countries). 

In addition to their K-Pop stuff, they also have a wide range of cute women accessories (fancy earrings, rings, necklaces, wigs, clamps, scrunchies and more)  that it's quite a surprise to find out that the owner is a young Korean businessman. Heck, we were lucky that they were open in the 24th and 25th of December.

However, I couldn't help share my experience with them. Somehow, I am also bothered by the way bloggers and normal customers are treated differently.

Drop by C.N.A. at the G/F Unit D University Tower, Malate, 1004 Manila, Philippines. They also have a branch at Farmers, Cubao.

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Booksale in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philppines

I love buying dog books. Every time I come across a Booksale shop, I would go in, check out the dog book section (if ever there was one) and find something to add in my collection. A month ago, I was able to visit SM Mall of Asia's Booksale.

Inside Booksale located in SM MOA at Pasay City, Manila Philippines

One thing's for sure, the Mall of Asia Booksale has one of the largest selection of manga books for sale. I am still scouring the city for the rest of my personal collection.

SM Mall of Asia's Booksale is a little overwhelming in size... compared to most of its branches that is.

Once, I was able to buy a Boxer for Dummies book for 5 php. ^___________^ 

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Coco Fresco at SM Marikina

Thirsty? Need a refreshing, cold drink at an affordable price? Are you at SM Marikina? Drop by Coco Fresco and enjoy their Plain Buko Shake (Coco Shake) at 55 php.

The Coco Fresco logo is found in all their drinks.

No, this isn't a sponsored ad. But I sure hope it was. On Weekends and Fridays, don't be surprised if their little kiosk is teeming with customers. Their Coco Shake is delicious (and did I say cheap already?) and well worth the 55 php it costs.

Coco Fresco Kiosk in SM Marikina

Coco Fresco Prices (as of this post's date):
Coco Shake Venti (22oz) - 55 php
Coco Shake Grande (16oz) - 45 php
1 L Coco Water (Buko Juice)- 70 php
500 ml Coco Water- 40 php

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Gaisano City's Newly Renovated Bowling Center

Gaisano's been renovating the place so as to attract more customers. It's definitely about time.

The Bowling Center's Entrance in Gaisano City, Iloilo City

The newly renovated Bowling Center is clean and inviting. It is located in the back most portion of Gaisano City's cinema area.

Enjoy a 10-pin computerized bowling game at 60 php in Gaisano City's Bowling Center

What's so awesome about this bowling center is it's computerized. So if you have no idea how to score... or how to bowl for that matter, this is definitely the place to start learning. They are currently charging 60 php per game and 20 php for the shoe rental (or it might have been 40 php).

Grandpa's on a roll!

Here's an interesting old man bowling his way to 4 consecutive strikes while we were surveying the place.

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Marymart Mall Iloilo

I have no idea what to say about Marymart Mall. It's been there ever since I've known how to surf the web. I recall the days when Concept was one of the sole providers of prepaid internet. I used to spend hours and hours staring at the CRT monitor using mIRC and surfing the web for 40php an hour (or as it 60php back then).

Marymart Mall Second Floor. This is where the newer Light Tops and Concept are located.

One of the places I kept coming back to was the food court. I recall the noon time band that used to play almost everyday. I still love eating at Merto's. Their leche flan and chocolate cake are one my favorite treats.

Ever wondered where the cellphone repair kiosks and shops went? Here they are clustered in the third floor, directly above Handyman.

I'm guessing the management had them transferred because it looked better when they stayed in a single area. This also meant that the garments being sold at the 3rd floor have a higher probability of being sold since more people are going there.

It's not the best camera but it will do in the mean time.

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Iloilo Bloopers: CD-R King Robinsons Iloilo

It's not everyday I catch something like this in the busy CD-R King Store located in Robinsons Iloilo.

Here are the lowest prices for USB Flash Drives that are currently available in CD R-King Robinsons Iloilo.

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Book Latte: Books and Coffee in a Cozy Little Nook

It had been months since I've first eyed this tiny nook in the corner of Robinsons Mall, Iloilo. It's not located inside the mall but rather outside where the bustling streets of the city are apparent. It's the type of shop people will barely notice.

Finally, I was able to find some time to visit Book Latte. It's a coffee shop with shelf after shelf of books- the ones avid readers love to talk about it book clubs. It was pretty obvious that this shop was created purposely out of love rather than profit.

Today's Special is conveniently situated on top of our comfy chairs. Their contact number and location is also written in the blackboard. Oh, did I forget to mention the UNLIMITED COFFEE at 65?

After scorching ourselves in the sun's blazing rays, it was refreshing to come into the air-conditioned establishment. The counter is up front which makes ordering a whole lot easier.

Kindly bear with my photos. They are the best I can come up with using the Samsung Galaxy Y.

I asked for their best-seller frappe. The person in front of the counter recommended Caramel Macchiato.

Served in a tall glass, Book Latte's Caramel Macchiato looked visually enticing. As for the price, I would've preferred it a tad cheaper than 95 php. Taste-wise, I have no concerns there. It was pretty good.

In case you decide to become a member of Book Latte, you'll be entitled to a 10% discount on their coffee and beverages.

Their annual membership rates are as follows:

STUDENTS: P180 / year

NON-STUDENTS: P220 / year

For their menu, we sampled their Hungarian Sausage with Hash Brown and Eggs Breakfast at 148 php.

Hungarian Sausage with Hash Brown and Eggs for breakfast, anyone?

So this wraps up my Book Latte experience. On a positive side, I've seen some Christopher Pike books that I haven't read yet which would probably be a good reason for me to visit them again. Their selection of books aren't as wide as a library but it could definitely be considered a nice hang out place in the city. 

For more information about Book Latte, kindly click this photo. They are open from Monday to Saturday at 9 am to 8 pm. You may contact Book Latte at 333-25-74.

As of now, I still do not find the need to be a member. However, I do think this shop is special as it is a first in Iloilo and should be visited by people who love books and coffee.

Please bear with these photos. I do not have a scanner at the moment and this was the best my camera could do.

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An Incident in The Atrium Mall's Iloilo Supermarket Regarding Laptop Backpacks

WARNING: I probably sound like a ranter in this post.

One of The Atrium Mall's Entrances

This was the first time my laptop backpack was not allowed into the grocery store. After multiple entries in different Iloilo Supermarts bringing this knapsack with my lappy safe and sound, a security guard (a young Mr. Lasanas) stops us in our tracks saying the backpack is not allowed inside the grocery.  Of course, I've read the rules and am willing to comply, but the fact is THE MOMENT YOU LEAVE YOUR STUFF IN THE BAGGAGE COUNTER, YOU'VE WAIVED YOUR CLAIM FOR ANY DAMAGES IT MIGHT INCUR.

I was shocked but not fully confrontational during that time. I told him that if he could assure me that my gadget was safe, I'll entrust that with them. But then Mr. Lasanas says, "Just take out the laptop and bring it with you in the grocery." It was one of those YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! moments. Why would I do that? Am I that stupid? There's a reason laptops aren't carried in ordinary bags. Imagine the following scenarios.

Scenario 1: I carry the laptop in my arms while I do my shopping. Okay... I'll just pretend I didn't hear that. Count the loud thud of the laptop dropping from my arms the moment it slips out of my grip.

Scenario 2: I put the bare laptop (without any kind of protection) in the grocery basket while I do my shopping. Aside from the crowds I have to maneuver my way through, I have to be careful not to place anything wet or heavy on top of it.

Scenario 3: I use the giant stroller to carry my laptop while I go through aisle after aisle getting the stuff I need. Sure, that sounds safe... until you hear someone bumping into your cart accidentally. With enough impact, there goes your hard drive.

Since it was my boyfriend who decided to talk to them, he went to the baggage counter where their so called "head of security" (Mr. Regene Gepana) was saying that it was part of their policy to not allow laptop backpacks inside. He even claims that he is the "head of security" in all the Iloilo Supermarts which sounded a little far-fetched especially when my laptop backpack has already entered the Molo and Villa branches of this said grocery chain without a fuss.

Mr. Regene Gepana laughs annoyingly upon seeing me take a shot of Mr. Lasanas, the security guard who told us to remove the laptop from the bag and carry it with us while I do my grocery shopping.

With all due respect to the age-old policy, electronic gadgets and important personal belongings should be secured and carried with you (but what about laptops? or CPUs? or God-forbid two laptops?). How I wish my laptop was as small, thin and light-weight as an envelope of 1,000 peso bills. Or at the least, as big as a tablet so it could fit perfectly in my purse.

Now, you must be wondering why in the world would I be bringing my laptop in a crowded grocery store? Well, for starters, I'm trying to save on fare and time by multi-tasking on a Monday. I had dropped by a friend who was helping me fix these BSOD issues I've been having.

From this day forward, this laptop backpack is banned from entering The Atrium Mall's Iloilo Supermart.

Anyway, to cut things short, my beau finally asked to talk to the manager. Mr. Regene Gepana never gave us the name of the manager, or whoever was in charge of the grocery store... which I'm assuming would probably be a Que.

Finally, my beau called me saying that he wasn't able to follow me inside because in order for him to get in, he had to take the laptop out of the backpack (surrender the bag in the baggage area) and carry it with him all throughout the grocery store. I proceeded with finishing up my purchases and met him outside. Of course, I couldn't allow to  leave this undocumented so I took some pictures and names.

Just to make things clear, I am not mad at Mr. Lasanas nor at Mr. Regene Gepana. I am, however, dismayed on the treatment of laptop backpack users who go into the grocery store. What if I'd been alone? In order for me to accomplish my shopping list, I had to take my laptop out of my backpack and carry it with me throughout my entire grocery ritual?

Moral of the Story: 

1. Don't bring your laptop backpack to The Atrium if you're to enter Iloilo Supermart. Moreover, if you're going to the grocery store, leave the laptop behind.

2. Don't raise your voice or be rude to Iloilo Supermart security guards if they stop you. They're just following orders. In fact, some of the guards there are actually nice. It's nothing personal.

Would you believe that I didn't raise my voice or scream at them the entire time we had this discussion? I didn't go Claudine Barretto- Santiago on them because that certainly isn't right.

3. If they tell you it's according to the policy, be sure to ask them to show the policy to you.

4. If you think the person talking to you isn't taking you seriously, demand for their manager NICELY.

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Saizen in AliMall Cubao

One of the things Filipinos are great at is finding shops with good finds at cheap prices. Saizen is a Japanese named shop where anything and everything you see is all at 85 Php. 

Saizen's Entrance in AliMall, Cubao, Quezon City, Manila

Although there's no assurance that their items are the cheapest there is of a specific product, Saizen saves us the burden of having to look at the price tag or having to ask a sales person how much an item costs.

I was trying to decide whether to choose the pink bunny or the brown bear for my dog. Brown Bear won my heart with it round cuteness.

They also have some dog toys but it's not a selection for someone who wants a large list to choose from.

A display solely for erasers.

I also took a picture of the cute erasers they had- for my niece. She really wanted the hamster looking one... Unfortunately, one pack also costs 85 Php which  makes it pretty obvious that Clipper was the better shop to choose from when it came to cute little trinkets.

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Pet Express- SM Cubao, Quezon City

One of the places I've always dream of going to was a pet shop with a large variety of items to select on. Pet Express in SM Cubao located in Araneta Center, Cubao,Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines is one of the best places to visit with your personal pet needs.

Pet Express in SM Cubao Store Front

Like any other shop belonging to SM, Pet Express is affordable- price-wise. Compared to Ace Hardware and Handyman's selection of pet accessories, toys and cages, it is definitely the better and cheaper store to go to.

Pet Beds, Leashes and Harnesses Galore

With pet beds, crates, cages and even littler boxes ranging from 300 php to 3000 php, with a little patient deliberation, one could definitely find  that perfect accommodation to suit their pet's needs.

A Wide Selection of Pet Food, Dog Treats, and Toiletries

Not only will you be overwhelmed with their toy selection, pet food and pet treats, different leashes and harnesses are also available for the avid pet owner.

Pet Bags, Carriers, Strollers and Clothing are also available,

Pet Express has its own clinic and grooming parlor. In short, this is a one stop shop for someone who lives near Cubao or Quezon City.

Store Hours are as follows:

Sunday to Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM

Friday & Saturday   10 AM - 10 PM

Clinic Hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday 12 PM - 8 PM

Saturday                10 AM - 6 PM

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