Divisoria: The Mecca of Low Finds

You might probably (or probably not) know this but Divisoria is the mecca of low finds. When you need to buy something and you're in a tight budget, Divisoria is one of the places that comes to mind when you're in Metro Manila or somewhere near Manila.

When we are going to Divisoria, two of that essentials that goes into our list is to include fruits and vegetables. Vegetables are more cheaper at Sto. Cristo Street. It is the street near Jollibee Sto Cristo.

The highlighted part are the streets where vegetables are sold

Basic commodities that we use like garlic and onions are a must. I discovered that these items lasts more than the ones bought in your nearest palengke. I'm guessing that the palengke vegetable finds are already a month old or two. What's good about it is that you won't limit yourself and feel bad on splurging a little bit more on those onions that will make your dish more flavorful especially now that the prices of almost all goods had skyrocketed. The onion price today are too steep but we are able to get it at 180 pesos per kilogram which we usually got at around 100-110 pesos. But we're still okay with that because it would be almost twice or thrice the price per kilogram in the supermarket.

However, if you want the freshest produce of vegetables there is, you can try out your luck along Recto Avenue during the night to dawn market which is probably 6 pm onwards. Though some vendors will sell you at a kilogram minimum, business owners usually purchase by bundles and a bundle is around 10 kilograms or more.

When it comes to fruits, if you are  going to buy on retail, I would recommend the fruit stall near 168 mall. It is the first stall in the creek that you'll see if you're coming from Juan Luna Street. They are my to-go to for my fruit needs (apples and pears mostly) these couple of years whenever I go to Divisoria. They might command for a higher price that other stalls but the fruits they sell are in good shape and sweet so I think that in my end it's not bad at all.

There are also fruit stalls in the Carmen Planas Street but I honestly don't buy there as I find it more pricier and of lesser quality. Though if you want to buy in bulk which is per box, you can wait until 6 pm onwards near Divisoria Mall. Fruit vendors who sell wholesale (per box) usually set up during the evening. I remembered an instance pre-pandemic where my sister and I happened to experience staying there and saw them setting up. At that time, we didn't know these. We were curious so we asked a seller, he said that a box is around 1500 pesos. We actually wanted to purchase a box but then we discussed how will we be able to bring it home as we only rely on UV express? And we're two ladies. The seller chuckled at our amusing discussion.

Anyway, just be careful around Divisoria. It's -ber months already and expect that the crimes will rise. Dress simply as not to attract attention to pick pockets. Enjoy your shopping at Divisoria and hope this helps!