'Till We Meet Again..

I went for a quick trip to Quiapo recently. I only had few things in my list but still was not able to tick them all. 1 of the things I was not able to buy from my trip was the casing for mi esposo’s phone. He was hoping I could buy him a clip type phone casing he’d been wanting ever since he bought his phone, but was not able to buy him. I was surprised that the vendors in Quiapo Arcade do not have a recall of his unit which is a Sony Xperia S. Since I could only stay there for a limited time, I cannot ask each and every stall, so I left the place empty handed. If only I could buy phone covers from Wireless Emporium, I’m sure it would be a no sweat feat for me.

Though I was not able to tick all that was in my list, I’m glad I was able to grab some good finds. Like the iron board cover and the summer sando for Dos. As usual, stalls from the Quiapo Arcade and Hidalgo Street have a wide array of items; you’ll grab a thing or 2 that you never thought of buying but you actually need. I promised myself I’ll be back there and next time with a vengeance.

Or, better be an iPhone user again. I'm sure the vendors there knows it like the back of  their hand.

Quiapo Day

In my opinion, Quiapo must be the busiest district in Manila. I remember my teacher back in HS said, “if you’re lost, go to Quiapo and you will surely find your way home”. Why not, every possible bound routes to that side of the metro. I technically grew-up in Quiapo, my school addresses there, it’s been my home for almost a decade, and it’s very proximate to where I work now. I love the place and proud of it, notwithstanding the bad impression people have on it. Quiapo taught me to be street-smart, it taught me brotherhood and camaraderie, to treat people with respect to be reciprocated. There’s beauty to that place if you only dared look at it.

But my teacher’s statement may also have different meaning. If you analyze it, it may also be read as “lost soul, pray at Quiapo Church and it will lead you back home”. As everybody knows, Quiapo is where the famous Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or simply the Quiapo Church, houses. Devotees visit the Church to offer their burden and pray for intercession. This veneration was said started with Filipinos who identified themselves with the poverty and daily struggles and tribulations of Jesus, which the Black Nazarene represents. Every Friday, the Church offers novena to all devotees, it is also locally known as the Quiapo Day.

Today, Friday, Flo and I went to Quiapo. Well, how do you know? We went shopping. Didn't I tell you Quiapo is a bargain haven? So, we shopped - with our hearts out and 'til the last penny dropped. =)

TGIF!