168 MALL/

Seems like a lot of folks have stumbled upon by wee blog by typing up 168 mall in divisoria. HAHAHA! (Wawa naman sila) They were probably expecting bubbly information about the hippest shopping dig, but instead they get depressing old me and my awful poetry. Since my blog is listed 5th in the search results, I might as well write about the place.

In all honesty, that place is a gold mine and the perfect place to shop for gifts. Unfortunately, it is getting way too crowded. In the spirit of Christmas, I will divulge info on 168, but promise not to share it with anyone else. I’m not being mean. It’s a safety concern really. Do we really want a stampede of mad shoppers running us over while we peacefully haggle for wares?

How to get there?
- For those who have cars, bring it at your own risk. The traffic is horrendous and parking a real bitch. If you don’t have a trusty and patient driver, the best way is to get into the LRT 2 and head to Recto. From their, you can take a jeep that will take you within walking distance of the place. As the driver or your friendly jeep mate to inform you when you should get off.

When to go there?
- Not now, for sure. Before Xmas, the place is sure to beoverflowing with people. It can get pretty claustrophobic for the inexperienced shopper. Just picture trying to shop at the MRT during rush hour. Also, the vendors know that there are plenty of customers eager to buy so they won’t let you bargain unless you buy things wholesale (meaning at least 6 items). If you absolutely must go, make it a point to go on a weekday and start early. Some shops open at 8 AM. Believe me, when lunch time rolls around, it’s about time you head home.

What to bring?
- Lots of money! They have anything you can think of. They have a wide variety of toys, clothes, shoes, bags, household items, kitchenware, bath stuff, baby stuff, books, decorations, gadgets, accessories, etc., etc., etc.!
- Bring a bag that you can keep close to your body. Think belt bag! With the hoards of people, you’re going to be rubbing body parts with… you don’t really have time to distinguish a snatcher from a shopper.
- Bring a big foldable bag to keep all your finds in. It’s not pleasant to be lugging around a dozen plastic bags when you go into battle for the last pair of cute crocheted shoes.
- A towelette, a bottle of water, a fan and a change of outfit. Shopping… exercising, same thing!
- Boyfriend/ bodyguard/ tough lola/ someone who can protect you. It’s no fun and unsafe going alone.
- A LIST! This isn’t gift gate dearie! You can’t dilly dally with purchases. You can find almost anything, but you gotta have an idea of what it looks like. Otherwise, you could leave empty-handed and that’s really depressing. It’s good to be fast about decision making because with all the stores and all the variety, shopping paralysis is inevitable. You probably won’t have time to go back and forth to the stores, so know what you want and when you see it, bargain like hell, buy it and leave.