The Divisoria price tag we love comes with a bit of inconvenience. Not everyone can hop on a jeepney and spend hours haggling with the vendors at 168 or Tabora Street. Some of us are busy and just plain lazy (admit it!). Good news, party people: you don’t actually need to go on a tiring Divisoria trip to save money on your supplies. Where to get them, you ask? Here are our faves!
Decorations: Binondo Pabili
Quick! Follow Binondo Pabili on Instagram. Don’t expect artistic photos, though. It’s a super convenient online store, with cheap products in their inventory. As the name suggests, customers can ask BP to buy the stuff they need from Binondo/Ongpin/Divisoria (“pabili”). Once payment has been deposited, the items will be shipped. I once bought a chocolate fountain, and it was a hassle-free experience. Highly recommended. Popular items: letter standees, disposable eating utensils, balloons, special paper. Instagram: binondopabili
Quirky, themed items: Daiso
Daiso is a treasure trove of stuff you don’t actually need, but in true Japanese fashion, they’re just too kawaii to ignore. Serving Japanese food? Grab chopsticks and sake cups. Flower-themed bridal shower? They have all sorts of floral items ala Cath Kidston! Kiddie party? Get educational toys. You might also want to check out their snacks section where they offer okashi that are difficult to find elsewhere. Oh, some branches have a sale rack too, so if you’re lucky, you’ll get your goodies for just half the price. 3/L East Lane Robinsons Galleria, EDSA corner Ortigas Ave, Bgy Ugong Norte, Quezon City; +63 2 3952053. Daily10am-9pm.
Food: Farmer’s market
From super fresh pako salad to salmon for sashimi, you can easily find fresh goods at Farmer’s Market, Cubao. Learn the art of haggling. Develop the patience to look for the best buys. Warning, though. You must come prepared for poor sanitation practices — the same vendors who gut and clean the fish are often the ones handling money as well. Bring a small bottle of alcohol. Lots of eco bags would come in handy too. General Araneta St, Cubao, Quezon City. Open 24 hours
Sweets: Comfoods Warehouse
Your seven-year-old self will go crazy for the crates of biscuits, chocolates and snacks in this factory. Your current self will be ecstatic because of the super low price. Downside? You have to be there early, or else endure long hours of waiting. Sari-sari store owners and retailers get their supplies from there too, so it gets crowded, especially after payday. Hot tip: Go really early on a random weekday. Or try calling their office to place your order three days in advance. They have an express lane for those who order ahead. Popular items: your childhood faves! Get the choco mallows, crunchies and chocolate chip biscuits. 130 EDSA cor Domingo M. Guevara St, Mandaluyong (note, the actual warehouse is behind the Ricoa building); +63 2 6315486, look for Nanding for express orders.
Everything else: SM Department Store (Megamall)
True to its tagline, SM really does have it all for you. If you look past the occasionally inefficient service, you’ll probably find something there that can make your party much more interesting. In the basement is their home and kitchen section where you can find nice serving plates, cupcake towers, nice pitchers. Just make sure to go on the first mall hour to avoid the daily crowd of shoppers. The bonus? You can use your credit card and SM advantage card in all your purchases. EDSA cor J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong; +63 2 633 5042. Daily 10am-10pm.
