In Divisoria, life goes on. Or more appropriately, commerce and shopping do.
Even with the threat of the pandemic, shoppers continue to flock to Divisoria, a commercial center in Manila, which is a shopping haven for locals and tourists alike. Known for its cheaper-priced goods (which gave birth to the now common term “presyong Divisoria”), it has become a sort of must-visit place for individuals who want to get a feel of real bargain shopping.
Riddled with vendors, bazaars, restaurants, and several points of interest, Divisoria is a term of Spanish origin, which translates as “divide” or “division.” The area spans about 0.5 square kilometers and is bisected by Recto Avenue.
Known for its clogged streets, Divisoria recently got a facelift when Mayor Isko Moreno assumed office, after years of neglect. Under his administration, the shopping mecca saw vast improvements such as lower crime rate, more walkable pathways, more passable roads. Overall, Divisoria became much decongested, which in turn, made it easier for shoppers to go around.
Aside from shopping, some of the attractions at or near Divisoria that makes a trip worth it are the Andres Bonifacio Monument, situated in front of the Tutuban Center; the Tutuban Center, shopping center that was acquired by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) in 2016; as well as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz – Binondo Church and the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz that fronts it; and the Manila Chinatown.
In terms of what kinds of goods can be found in Divisoria, it seems like the shopping place has everything. There are fresh fruit and veggies, pet fishes, garments and clothes, plastic wares, card board for packaging, and just about anything.
Traffic used to be a huge problem in Divisoria, but during a recent visit by the getaway.ph team, traffic was moving well, and finding a parking spot was easy.
Pro tip: As a safety precaution, avoid wearing any jewelry or bringing anything expensive when going to the area. Guard your cash. Wear something comfortable as weather could get hot.
