Hit up Dapitan Arcade on a random Saturday morning last month looking for some cute plates to…read morespruce up my dinner parties, and holy crap, I walked out like a kid in a candy store. The place is this chaotic maze of stalls bursting with everything--gorgeous ceramic plates in patterns you won't find in malls, stacks of mason jars for peanuts (grabbed a bunch at like ₱40 each), quirky little gnomes, funky lighting, and even those trendy gold-rimmed teacups that make instant coffee feel fancy. Prices are stupidly low, so my ₱800 budget turned into three full bags of treasures I didn't even know I needed. Haggling was half the fun--smiled, asked nicely, and knocked off a good chunk every time. Yeah, it's hot, a bit crowded, and smells like the wet market next door, but that's part of the charm. Left feeling like I scored big and already planning my next trip for Christmas lights. Absolute treasure hunt heaven. 5 stars, no contest.

If you're a person who loves cheap finds, gets kilig when you see unusual stuff, and doesn't mind…read moresweating when you're bargain-hunting, the Dapitan Arcade is a place that you should visit. Situated along Dapitan St. and Kanlaon St., the arcade is a collection of small stalls and kiosks that sells glassware, murals, ceramic plates, lighting fixtures, decorations, and a multitude of home furnishings at very affordable prices. There are some stuff here that will make you say, "hmm.. I don't really need this thing but it's cute and inexpensive, might as well get it." By the time you leave, you'll have two hands worth of shopping bags. I frequent Dapitan Arcade whenever I need ceramic and wood plates, mason jars and other glasses, and other things that I might need for my cooking and plating. They have a lot of plate designs that are not available elsewhere. When I use them for plating my dishes, it makesmy food feel more sosyal, meaning I can charge more haha. The very trendy mason jars are available here. The normal size ones go for around P50.00. They sell per piece and by bulk. The latter will always get you an ever better price. As early as September, the arcade takes on a more festive look because they start selling Christmas decorations and lights. You want to have a miniature Santa Clause swinging from a light post? Or a robotic St. Nick jiggling his merry booty to some Christmas tunes? Well, they got 'em. And a whole lot of other fun stuff too! When you visit, make sure to bring your "kapal" face so you can ask for discounts. Take away: unusual finds and good deals. Your P1000 pesos will go a long way here!

Popped into this garden center last weekend just to browse, and ended up leaving with three new…read moresucculents and the biggest smile! The place is like a little green oasis right in the city--rows of vibrant flowers, healthy starter plants, and that huge succulent corner that had me geeking out for ages. Picked up a couple of gorgeous echeverias and a spiky little cactus for only Php 75 each because they had a surprise 20% off on pots that day. The staff guy was super chill, gave me quick tips on watering and sunlight without making me feel dumb, and even threw in a free tiny bag of soil mix. Everything looked so fresh and well-cared for, no wilted leaves in sight. Already planning my next haul--definitely my new favorite spot for plant therapy! 5 stars

Popped in on a random Tuesday after work, craving some plant vibes to brighten up my tiny…read moreapartment, and this spot totally delivered. The succulent selection is insane--plump, colorful echeverias, quirky haworthias, and these adorable little aloe pups that were calling my name. Snagged four beauties for under 400 pesos total, including a cute ceramic pot that was already on markdown. The guy working there was so genuinely helpful, no pushy sales vibe at all; he just chatted about which ones would thrive on my east-facing windowsill and even showed me how to propagate one of the offsets right there. Plants were all super healthy, nice and firm, no sad droopy ones hiding in the back. Left feeling like I'd just had a mini nature escape in the middle of the city chaos. Already counting down to my next visit--this place is pure plant heaven! 5 stars

JC Construction Supply has been in business since the 1960s, and has built a name for itself as one…read moreof the most reliable source of hardware and construction materials in the Binondo area. It is now run by Ms. Carolina Chan, the wife of the late Mr. Johnny Chan, founder and owner of the store. 2JC Construction Supply, located in Mayhaligue St., is a second branch run by their daughter, Janette. There are many construction and hardware businesses in the area, but their longevity and expansion is proof that they have a pool of loyal and new customers who are satisfied with the quality of both the products and services they offer. Divisoria businesses live because of loyalty or "suki" and their suki know that the store owners and management is very easy to do business with. Try them for your construction needs!

Looking to exercise your green thumb? Then head on over to White Plains Avenue in QC. This avenue…read morehas been known as one of the best places to go to for all sorts of gardening or planting needs. Lots of plant and landscaping shops actually line up the street and if you can't find what you're looking for, you can just easily hop to the neighboring store.

I've recently discovered a new love for gardening. Because of this, I've become a frequent visitor…read moreof the gardening centers in White Plains. My favorite store is Angel's. They have plants, flowers, plastic pots, terra cotta pots and spray bottles. Sometimes they have citronella and my most recent favorite, the bacularis. Risa, the shopkeeper, is very pleasant to deal with. I love her. When I buy a lot, it's easy to make her throw in something for free or to give me a discount. Other shops are landscapers. We don't have a big garden, but if you do, they have trees and even koi for ponds.