Saturday, May 3, 2008
Cheap Thrills Away From Manila
One learns new things when in an unfamiliar place, when in a (rather) strange land.
I was taking a stroll in Gaisano Mall, Davao City
Finding this out was quite a big surprise to me, considering that in Manila where I live, one would have to shell out a minimum of one hundred and twenty pesos for a movie at most theatres. Make that a hundred and fifty (or more, exclusive of excessively salty popcorn) if one is a posh moviegoer who cannot not watch in upmarket cinemas such as in Greenbelt, Shangri-La, or Eastwood City. Three hundred if one were to go to the IMAX Theatre in SM Mall of Asia.
While one can argue that choice, variety, and legroom all constitute the premium amount we all have to pay for in Manila, it is still rather astounding that there are places outside of the nation’s capital where movies cost only half as much. Well, movies and other commodities. As I continued to explore Davao City, I had the chance to examine the price tags of pirated DVDs, rubber shoes, imported magazines, nylon guitar strings, haircuts, and brewed coffee
But that wasn’t the last surprise. At precisely three o’clock in the afternoon at the department store of another mall, all the salesladies stopped what they were doing to perform a five-minute choreographed dance – from wherever they happened to be standing. It was Broadway over at the Men’s Underwear section!
Away from Manila, I learned that despite being a city rat, I’m still prone to enjoying the cheapest thrills in life. This is the Philippines
Related Posts:
Nothing Will Be StrangeBird’s Tongue
The New Wave in Baler
About Migs Bassig
Manila, in Theroux’s Kowloon Tong
# 1 john said:
Be aware my friend . It has been my experience that some of the films I have seen here do “seem” to be unofficial prints.
# 2 rick b said:
Migs
good to meet you the other day, hope you prosper in “the provinces” and take advantages of some of the cheaper prices available here in Davao….me i had a 25 peso hairct the other day, i was very happy with it, so, gave a 25peso tip and we were both happy (me and the hairdresser)
best regards
# 3 Bob said:
Hi Migs - OK, I admit, that I pay more than P25 for a haircut! The place where I go charges me P30. They have great aircon, though, so I don’t mind the extra p5!
# 4 Migs said:
Hi John: Unofficial prints? I should be a more “discerning” viewer. The first time I watched a movie in Davao, it wasn’t that obvious!
Hi Rick: It was lovely to meet you as well, Rick. Hmm, maybe I ought to go for a P25 haircut too before I leave for Manila. That’s one way I can take advantage!
Hi Bob: That’s too expensive! P30 made me drop my jaw. Seriously, though, it is quite amazing how cheap the haircutting services are - such that they’re making me think twice about the prices in Manila.
Cheers!
# 5 Klaus Doring said:
Hi Migs, thanks to you and John for meeting me (and Rose as well as my mom) the other day. Hahaha, funny, we talked about hair cuts. I always get mine free… Guess, who is my hairdresser
# 6 Migs said:
Hi Klaus: It was such a pleasure to meet you the other day. Thank you for your hospitality, and for touring me around your beautiful house. Now, should I ask your hairdresser for a free haircut? (Kidding.)
Cheers!
# 7 Klaus Doring said:
You are very welcome MIGS. I was also a pleasure for us. Sure, contact “my hairdresser”…
. See you, before you are leaving and see you then in Manila… 
# 8 Klaus Doring said:
It should be: IT was also a pleasure for us… SORRY!