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Bags are one of the accessories most often used by women. We seldom leave without them. Aside from being an accessory, it also serves the purpose of carrying our cellphones, wallets, and of course, our ‘kikay’ stuff such as mirror, comb or brush, lip gloss or lipstick, makeup, eyelash curler, mascara, perfume, etc. A lot of women - whether employees or students - carry small handbags or shoulder bags, while there are also some who prefer carrying backpacks.

But surely, it is not only the women who use bags, but also the men. Nowadays, a lot of men also bring bags when they go to work (they usually make use of backpacks).

Athletes also find bags useful for it is where they put all their things - from extra clothes to their towels.

Bags are ‘important’ accessories, and finding one that’s cheap, or affordable, seems like a fulfillment.

Bargain hunting in the Philippines
The Philippines is known for its bargains. It has a reputation as a shopper’s paradise not only because we have a proliferation of shopping malls but also because of the cheap prices offered in tiangges or bazaars. The items sold on these bazaars are valuable finds with an economy like our country.

Most shopping malls also have tiangges since this is where people can find good buys at very low prices.

Areas known for cheap prices include: the ever famous Divisoria in the city of Manila, a wholesale market which has everything up to wedding dresses; Tutuban Center, found in the Divisoria area and sells ready-to-wear (RTW) clothing, jewelry, and basic houseware commodities; and Baclaran in the boundaries of Parañaque and Pasay cities, which gives us a wide range of bags, clothes, and even gowns and costumes. Harrison Plaza could also be a place for cheap finds of branded items.

An experience of bargain hunting
One weekend we went to Baclaran to look for bags that are on sale. It was late morning of Sunday, and of course there were a lot of people, most of them had just attended the mass. There were a lot of bags for different purposes and occasions, and for various personalities of people who are going to use it. At one store, they have bags in which the prices range from 50 to 85 pesos; and school bags for only 100 to 150 pesos. The most usual types of bags cost 50 pesos, while those which has quite unique designs cost a few pesos higher, from 75 to 85 pesos. I was able to buy two bags and spent 125 pesos for it. But of course, one can still haggle for a much lower price.

I also went to Harrison Plaza to check out the bags there. Bags sold here are more expensive than those that can be bought in Baclaran but of course this is due to the fact that they are selling branded bags inside a mall where stall rental is definitely higher.