168

Everybody is raving about 168. My first trip about 5 months ago was rather short, with the objective of buying DVDs (not exactly a rave-worthy shopping objective), so I decided to give it another try today with my mom.

So off we went to 168. I would think a lot of people reading this blog haven't gone there yet but, just like the rest of the population, are itching to go see what the big deal is. So I've listed some tips to help you-- some I picked up from certain people I saw there:

1. Don't take your car all the way there. We left ours in my maternal grandma's house, which was about 5-8 minutes walking-time away from 168. No way were we taking the car through that horrendous traffic and even more horrendous streets. Should you insist on taking your car, prepare to suffer through an hour or so of mind-numbing traffic. Caused by cars, humans, or both.

2. Do not wear jewelry and watches, and definitely do not take out your cellphone throughout the entire duration of your expedition. In fact, my mom and I didn't even bother bringing our bags with us. Both of us spent a great deal of our childhood years in that area... which gives us plenty of experiences with pickpockets, snatchers and other similar thieves. Do not give them anything to steal, because believe you me, they will.

3. Take note of where you came from and how you plan to go out. There are quite a number of entrances and exits, which all lead to different parts of Tondo. So be careful, lest you come out in the direction totally opposite from what you want.

4. Ignore the horse shit. It comes with the territory.

Now comes shopping time:
5. Haggle. My gosh, only in a place like 168 can my P1,000 stretch like the biggest rubber band ever. And a place like 168 can make you feel like ditching the mall for any kind of shopping need-- EVER. Hehe :) Enjoy.

6. If you plan to buy clothes, wear things that you can easily slip something on top of. There are no dressing rooms in this place. Oh, and it will also help to bring a good sense of what fits you and what doesn't. Otherwise, you'll end up with cheap deals you cannot use anyway.

7. Do not walk around speaking in English. Period. Hay... I overheard these 3 girls talking in outrageously arte Taglish, sounding all naive and innocent... Haay...

8. It would be a good idea to bring a big shopping bag that you can stuff little plastic bags into. It's a hassle to have to carry multiple plastic baggies that only contain 1 or 2 shirts or other small things. It's more convenient because you only have to look after 1 big bag as opposed to loads... and it's also safer when you hop onto a sidecar or a jeep on your way out of Tondo.

9. Take your time when you shop but don't dilly-dally either. Items are sold on wholesale in this place, hence there are very small profit margins per item. Not a lot of vendors are willing to wait the entire day for 1 person to make a selection. Know what you want, check if it fits or if the price is right, then get outta there.

Net-net, I had a super great time. My legs hurt from 4-hours worth of walking, but it was well worth it. I spent a quarter of what I would usually spend on the things I got... and I'm very happy with them. I wasn't at all surprised to find people from Valenzuela and Malabon there-- as in they endured the 2-hour ride to get to 168.. because the goods really are worth the trip. I just think you need to be prepared and level your expectations with the kind of place you're visiting. And, remember that you're there to shop, not to admire the surroundings or relish the sights and sounds and smells... You'll come out happy (almost giddy) with hefty savings and a big bag of great finds. :)