Baclaran vs Divisoria: School Supplies Buying Guide 2013

It's school season once again, and that time of the year for buying school supplies. Since we moms are always looking for the best deals, we went around two of Metro Manila's most popular shopping districts -- Baclaran and Divisoria -- to see where you could get the best value for your money! Check out our comparison sheet!

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Getting there

Baclaran

For LRT commuters, the most convenient place to do your shopping is below the Baclaran LRT station. School supplies can be found a few meters from the northbound stairs. Across the street, stores selling uniforms are clustered at the side walk fronting the Baclaran Super Mall. A wide selection of bags can be found at the corner of F. B. Harrison and Taft Avenue Extension, including school bags and luggages.

The Boulevard side is a one-stop shop too. Stores at the FPC Building (corner of Roxas Boulevard and Redemptorist Road) offer a complete line of school supplies and uniforms, but you'll find the best price for white blouses and khakis further down the road at J. Gabriel street.

Divisoria

It's best to start your shopping here early in the morning. Many stores on the sidewalks of C. M. Recto (facing Tutuban) open at 7 am, and you might even get "buena mano" discounts if you're lucky. Another advantage of shopping early is that the place isn't as crowded as it gets from 10 am onwards, when stalls set up and occupy the streets. The crowd usually starts to pack at around 11 am and peaks in the afternoon. Stress days are weekends, holidays and the week before school opening so stay clear of those days.

C. M. Recto Avenue is presently under construction so expect it to be a dusty on a hot day and muddy when it rains. If you're looking to get your kids' uniforms tailor made, fabric is cheapest at the Yangco Building at the corner of Ylaya, Recto and Tabora, where you could also find a number of tailors and dressmakers.
 
Browse through the gallery to check out our finds!