It's That Time Of The Year

At any given time of the year, I cringe at the slightest thought of going to malls for any reason. This means ANY of the hundred or so malls in Mega Manila (pop: 12,000,000). I guess I just outgrew that stage in my life, even though I never really considered myself as being a mall rat, for, under no circumstances have I frequented those places in order to socialize with others. But once upon a time -- from high school to college that is -- I always made it a point to see the latest movie, which was at least once a week (this means cutting classes).

Now, my dilemma is that once a year I simply have no choice but to brave the inevitable hordes of shoppers for the purchase of gifts for our once-in-a-year gift-giving during Christmas Eve. No matter what we do, there will always be Christmas. And there are two things I hate about Christmas.

First is, of course, the mad rush to the malls where one finds himself among a sea of humanity, looking for the best gifts to buy, and eventually ending up in the middle of a virtual parking lot called EDSA on the way home. Second is the mere thought of what to buy for your loved ones. It has become sort of a chore these days.

So, this year, to save some cash, I made the extra effort of doing this annual binge in 168, a mall at the busy market district of Divisoria with Dada in tow. I must admit, the place sells the cheapest Christmas presents one could buy for every member of the family, cheaper compared to the shopping districts of Wan Chai or Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. However, I still encountered the same problem: bedlam. And there aren't as much toys for kids here than that of malls in Makati, or the like.

And although it was already getting chaotic as early as 8 o'clock in the morning, I didn't really mind it since the variety of goods compensates for the narrow crowded passageways.

168 Mall has three levels: the first and second levels are dedicated to apparel and such goods as picture frames, scented candles, jewelry, imitation watches, shoes, toys, assorted bags and leather goods, etc..., while the third level is where the food court is. Now why do I sound like an endorser of this place? Anyway the foodcourt offers a lot, too, notably the ones that sell authentic Chinese cuisine.

Actually, you might mistake the place as another Greenhills, the only difference is that there are more choices here and the stalls are organized in a way that you won't dart from one place to another when looking for a certain item (unlike in Greenhills), but still expect to feel like a sardine inside a can. After my day at 168, I felt some assurance that my family would love what I bought for them for Christmas, one way or another.