For most Filipinos, a good bargain is something worth the effort of having.  This is particularly true as Christmas once again comes caroling around the corner.  When you get to hear classic songs disco-remixed with hit novelty songs like Macarena, Dayang Dayang and Gangnam Style, you know that holiday madness is inevitable and swear that it was Christmas just yesterday. It may come off as strange when you are sure you have diligently worked away a whole year but come December you just can't find any meaningful amount of cash to your name.  And just when you need it the most too.  To put it bluntly, as Christmas is supposed to bring lots of joy and cheer, it also entails a lot of expenses, mainly for gifts.  As much as you want to give loved ones the most expensive gifts money can buy befitting all the kindness and love of that person, a meager budget simply cannot make such noble aspirations a reality.  The old saying, "It's the thought that counts," may be trite and overused and not necessarily true, but it is now in vogue considering the slumping world economy.  

This now leads us to looking for those elusive places where the average Filipino can get the most bang for their buck. Fortunately there are a number of destinations in the metro where one can still find amazing deals.  These places offer a wide assortment of products aside from gift items.  Just some friendly advice though.  For optimal shopping conditions, set aside a weekday morning to do your shopping to avoid the crowd and to have a more liesurely time to browse through the many shops.  Going to these places on weekends or holidays and approaching Christmas can be conidered a death wish as the holiday frenzy results in overcrowding, stress, fatigue and despair.  Also, although you can get significant discounts through haggling with the salesfolk there, and you should, always make sure to keep your valuables secure as one may never know when there are less-than-pleasant individuals around.  Be careful when walking around and always be alert of your surroundings, as hazards like porters and trolleys are flying around with heavy merchandise.  As much as possible avoid bringing children to these places because one never knows when heavy crowds appear and what crazed shoppers are capable of.  In short, be careful.  Always.

That being said, below are some of Manila's thrift shopping destinations. Fortunately, they're not only there during the Christmas season. They're open the whole year round and are much more pleasant to go to when it's not the holidays.  Just be prepared to part with your hard-earned money as some deals are just too good to pass up on..   

1. 168 Mall

The tried and tested place for shopping here in Manila. Different people from all walks of life still flock to this area, especially during the holiday season. Divisoria veterans and neophytes alike have been drawn to this mall with promises of great deals and allows one to shop big time and buy at wholesale prices,

168 Mall's two connected buildings can be found between Santa Elena and Soler streets in Binondo. At least a thousand stalls selling fashion items, footwear, accessories, novelty items, furniture, and other items can be found across the three floors of the complex, which also includes a foodcourt. The 25,000 sq m complex was named as such because the Chinese consider “168” a lucky number, and it roughly translates to “road to success” in Chinese

2. Tutuban Center Mall

Before 168 Mall, there was the Tutuban Mall where bargains for clothes, fabrics, toys, home decor and almost everything else could be found. This is the place for bargain hunters who do not want to scour the busy and crowded streets of Divisoria. The place is air conditioned and there are less people. You can also find shops here that accept credit cards in case you run out of cash. The adjoining cluster building is like a labyrinth of small shops and is a good place to find clothes at a cheap price.

3.  Greenhills

The best place to shop for overrun imported goods like A&F, Roxy, Billabong, AE and the like; not to mention their shoes, which are almost like the original. If you have expensive tastes with a tight budget, this is where you need to go. They also have cute swimwear like Roxy, which look really cool despite being faux copies.

4. Quiapo
                                                          Fascade of Basilika ng Nazareno

Native Products on Sale (Quiapo, Manila)

If you are into accessory making, then Quiapo is the perfect spot for you. They have raw materials for bead making and lots of gems and Swarovski crystals for body and clothing ornaments. The place is crowded, especially on Fridays; but the cheap finds are definitely worth the throng you’ll be getting yourself into.

Fortune Tellers (Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila)

Aside from accessories, near the tiangge is a building housing some of the country’s manghuhula (fortune tellers), hilot, herbal plants, and various anting-antings (amulets).

5. Baclaran
If you happen to be a devotee and are able to pay a visit at Baclaran church, you will immediately notice the swarm of people around the place. Devotees and hagglers flock to Baclaran to pay tribute to the Mother of Perpetual Help, with shopping on the side. Best time to go to the tiangge is early morning to scout out some sandals, shoes, bags and purses.

6. Tiendesitas

Located at the heart of Pasig, Tiendesitas has become a favorite spot for gimmicks and shopping alike.

Handicrafts Village

Fashion Village

Novelties Village

Antiques Village

Furniture Village

Pet Village

It showcases the best of Philippine products from art, antiques, and handicrafts down to the native food, fashion, pets, plants and novelty items.

Food Village

Tired of shopping? Then the food court, filled with Pinoy foods, would definitely make you drool. Plus, the featured live bands every night are a perfect way to cap the night off. With the various treats the place has to offer, Tiendesitas has proven that it’s a perfect place for family, friends and even pets.

7. St. Francis Square

If you can’t go to Greenhills, this is your best alternative. There aren't that many stalls; nevertheless, St. Francis Square Tiangge looks promising enough for all those shopaholics out there and surely, it will be the next spot for hardened hagglers.