Cheap Streets

1. BACLARAN
Baclaran Church is said to be the most attended church in Asia, so if you're not iffy about crowds, try going on Baclaran Day (which is Wednesday), when more goods are sold and more stalls are open.
~How to get there: Ride the MRT1 line and get off at Taft station. From there, transfer to the LRT1 line and get off at Baclaran station (it's also the last Southbound stop of the LRT1 line). Driving? Take Roxas Blvd. towards Redemtorist Rd. where Baclaran Church is. Park your car in that area and walk around to explore the many sidestreets of the Baclaran complex.
~Cool finds: tank tops (P75), minis (P200), sandals and sneakers (P120 and up), as well as other items like Barbie-like dolls (P35) for your 'lil sis or nieces.

2. DIVISORIA
If you don't mind braving little eskinitas for the best (and I mean cheaper than the rest) bargains in town, DV is the place to be. Here, you'll be inspired to start your own business with all the materials you can transform into masterpieces, as well as ready-made goods at ultracheap prices.
~How to get there: Exit Recto station of the LRT2 line and board a jeep along Claro M. Recto Ave. towards Juan Luna or Tutuban. When bringing your own vehicle, drive Northward along Roxas Blvd. in Manila. Drive past Park 'N' Ride and over Jones Bridge into Chinatown. Drive through Chinatown along Q. Paredes St. and towards Juan Luna into Divisoria.
~Cool finds: tops (P65 and up), skirts (P180 and up) and sandals (P90 and up)

3. QUIAPO
Shopping in Quiapo isn't as scary as you think. For one, the vendors keep to themselves and are used to the churchgoers of Quiapo Church. Have your fortunes told by manghuhulas stationed at the side of the church or score an anting-anting. Foreigners wander about--with its variety of shopping stops, this has become quite the tourist spot!
~How to get there: Get off at Carriedo station of the LRT1 line and walk along Carriedo St. towards the church. Or, try the bus lines that go from the CBDs to Manila: G-liner travels from Ortigas to Quiapo. If you're driving, go towards Manila via España and park before the Quiapo bridge, near Mercury Drug on your right. Parking slots are rented out by the hour (P30/hour).
~Cool finds: Sunglasses (P50) at Plaza Miranda Mall and accessories (P35 and up) at the underpass

4. SHOPPING MALL 168
With ample parking space, clean hallways, and lots of cheap stuff, it's no surprise that no less than former First Lady Imeldo Marcos came to check out this fun, and extremely convenient shopping place.
~How to get there: Exit at Recto station of the LRT2 line and board a jeep along Claro M. Recto Ave. towards Reina Regente or Soler. Shopping Mall 168 is walking distance. By car, pass the same route or ply down Roxas Blvd. until Jones Bridge. Drive along Q. Paredes St., past Binondo Church towards Divisoria and Juan Luna. Once in Juan Luna, take a right on Reina Regente and you'll see 168. Parking is available at eh side of the mall and the basement.
~Cool finds: tees (P100 and up), hip caps (P50-P150 at stall 1C-28), shoes and sandals (P150 and up at stall 1E-15), chic hefty totes (P400 at stall 1B-25), shades (P60 at stall 1C-40), bead necklaces (P180 at stall 1C-30), and beaded flip flops (P100 at stall 2D-20).

5. BINONDO
Since Binondo lies by the coast, many migrants settled here. Soon, it became the center of Chinese culture, history, and shopping. Discover one-of-a-kind Mainland products, traditional medicine, "whole-sale-only" deals, and imported fruits. Are you ready for an Oriental adventure?
~How to get there: Exit at Recto Station of the LRT2 line and board a jeep along Claro M. Recto Ave. towards Juan Luna and towards Binondo Church. From there, you can work your way be foot to explore our local version of China. If you're going by car, drive down Roxas Blvd. and go over Jones Bridge into Chinatown.
~Cool finds: Haw Flakes cubes for only P50 and supercheap Chinese treats like canned bamboo shoots unique candies.

6. CUBAO SHOE EXPO
Many Marikina-borne shoe manufacturers found their home in the busy center of Cubao. Drop by if you're looking for that particular shoe--or a cheaper version of it. Also, there are specialty sotres that sell knick-knacks, kitschy collectibles, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind artwork at non-mall prices. Fun!
~How to get there: Exit at Cubao station of the LRT2 or MRT1 line. Coming from farther places like Southern Manila (Zapote or Makati) or Northern districts (Monumento or North Ave.), you can easily board a bus to the Cubao bus terminal. Once there, walk towards the Cubao Shoe Expo (near the Cubao bus terminal and Pure Gold). If you're bringing your own car, find your way to the Araneta Center and to the Cubao Shoe Expo. You may park in slots in the Shoe Expo rotunda.
~Cool finds: with familiar brand names like Janylin, Rusty Lopez, and Centropell at more affordable prices, you'll find yourself in shoe paradise. Plus, there are also some stores that offer made-to-order shoes. Check out Solimann for knee-high boots (custom made from P4,000). The specialty and antique stores are around the rotunda had unique items to spurce up our living spaces. Check out Vintage Pop, Chunky Far Flung Gallery, and Grand Thrift Shop for novel stores like you haven't seen before.

SHOPPING GEAR TIPS:
-Bring an umbrella or rainjacket and be prepared to shop through a downpour or a sun- beaten day.
-Leave your wedges and heels at home and opt for shoes that'll both protect your
feet and are comfortable to walk and commute in.
-Wear something light and functional, maybe with zippered pockets to keep some of
your money safe.
-Don a belt bag or sling on a mini-messenger that you can keep close to your body.
(Aside from the cash you'll be needing, stash some hand gel, wet wipes, a bottle of
water, and maybe some mints in case the crowd and heat make you dizzy).

Enjoy Shopping!!! ;-)

*source: Cosmopolitan