5 Reasons to Make a Beeline for Great Deals in Revitalized Tutuban Center

I haven't been to the Divisoria area for years so when I had the chance to visit the place last week, I excitedly looked forward to the trip, knowing quite well there will be shopping involved. After all, the area is known for its really affordable merchandise items.

the revitalized Tutuban Center

That morning, my husband and I went straight to Tutuban Center, the bargain hunter's paradise. It recently underwent a number of renovation work and building improvements just in time for the coming Christmas season and the changes are really good!

Here are five reasons why you should go there to do your Halloween and Christmas shopping:

1) Re-live history at the Tutuban Center Main Station, a heritage building with the Bonifacio Shrine across its entrance. This is where the original Tutuban train station built in the 1800s first stood. I love that steps were taken to preserve its history, which included repainting based on the heritage color palette as well as improving lighting for its facade's details. The building has also retained features like brick walls and century-old wrought iron pillars that lead all the way to the food court.

in front of the heritage building

2) Enjoy a wide variety of snacks and refreshments at the food court. It features some of Divisoria and Binondo's best food brands like El Presidente, Kikiam in Ilaya, King's Bakeshop, and Eng Ho. There, hubby and I enjoyed flavorful dimsum, some churros, takoyaki, and even bought various kinds of yummy bread for pasalubong. Shoppers who need to take a break from all the walking would appreciate the spacious area dotted with numerous picnic tables.

a variety of dimsum from El Presidente 

3) Shop in comfort. Both the Main and Prime Block buildings have air conditioning and spacious aisles so there's more room to get moving. Too, the security personnel present are good deterrents against bad elements that usually roam around stalls located on crowded sidewalks. Outside are enhanced pedestrian and vehicular circulation plus an additional 150 parking slots built into the Center's CM Recto Avenue paid parking area.

walk along spacious aisles and in an air conditioned environment

4) Go crazy over pure bargain buying pleasure. While the Main Station holds the mall's retail shops, restaurants, and service stores, the connecting Prime Block offers Tutuban Center's revitalized shopping experience featuring three floors filled with a shopper's dream of having wide choices.   

According to Norie U. Raniel, Tutuban Center Deputy General Manager/Operations Head, the cluster of stalls in level 3 of the Prime Block focuses on improved merchandise zoning "so that shoppers will find everything they want and need in each area."

cool Halloween decorations

The Prime Block Clusters is anchored by Anding's Toys and Flowers, Inc., which actually offers so much more than its name because it carries everything from party favors to garden accessories, and holiday decor. Having been in business for over 20 years, Anding's counts large malls and merchants among its clients due to its wide variety of merchandise such that the store takes up about 317 sqm. or around 18 stalls.

I was able to buy a number of toys and decors at Anding's and was really surprised at how low some of the prices are. If you have a lot of godchildren, this is the place you should go to for your Christmas regalo shopping! And in case your kids still don't have costumes for Halloween, this is also a great place to go to.

inside one of the stores selling general merchandise

5) Find something for everyone in the family as well as friends and colleagues. Stores in the Prime Block sell practically everything from clothes for every occasion, the latest RTWs, costumes, and sleepwears to footwear, bags, fragrances, personal care products, and fashion accessories. Love DIY fashion projects? There's a huge store called Michelle's Ribbon and Lace Center where you can find affordable fabrics, patches, beads, and other trimmings! 

Likewise, there are general merchandise stores offering an array of home, office, and personal items. I was able to score a few great deals on stuff that I plan to give as gifts for Christmas as well as some home and office supplies.

a vintage choo-choo displayed in front of the PNR Tutuban Station

Since the Center is walking distance to the Tutuban PNR Station, I asked hubby if we can ride it all the way to Alabang so I can finally experience it for the first time. The fare costs P25.00 per person and travel time took around 1 hour and 15 minutes with 15 stops until we reached our destination. 

How's the experience? Well, let's just say it was definitely an unforgettable one that I won't be repeating any time soon :p However, I'll definitely be coming back to Tutuban Center to do more shopping one of these days but via car, bus, or jeep again next time! :)