IF only Andres Bonifacio were around today, he would have been proud of what has happened to his birthplace. It has been dubbed many ways?Tutuban, Divisoria, even Rue de Divi (a play on chi-chi Paris)?but there is no denying that this old Manila district is a melting pot of shoppers.

What used to be the final stop of the railway system of the last century that ran all the way to Bicol is now a bustling shopping mecca.

Welcome to Divisoria, birthplace of Andres Bonifacio, the great plebeian; and of plebeian shopping?the tiangge.

Tutuban Center Mall/cluster malls

The edifice has stood the test of time. The iron inner beams of the old railway station are still in place, the exterior basically the same, but gone are the trains. In the place of a train station is an air-conditioned mall.

Tutuban is the upscale version of Divisoria. For those who loathe the heat and the smell of street shopping, this is the place to be.

Composed of the Center Mall and the adjoining Cluster Malls A&B, the place is for those on a budget.

One finds outlet versions of popular brands Adidas and Levi?s and a mix of low-end shopping stalls.

I was lucky to buy a Stella McCartney for Adidas yoga mat at 40-percent off. I still check out the outlet for a good buy now and then.

Expect mayhem during December. As early as October, night shopping on the outskirts starts at 7 p.m. and runs through midnight.

The back of Tutuban turns into the food hawkers? paradise at night.

In Tutuban Cluster Malls, wedding dresses, barongs and other wedding essentials abound. If one does not mind getting married in simplicity, this is a one-stop shop. From textiles to beads, Tutuban has it.

For the fashion-conscious, stores such as Push Thru Marketing and Mura Dito have the latest streetwear, such as BAPE (Bathing Ape of Japan)-looking hooded jackets, slogan shirts, skinny jeans, camouflage shorts and accessories.

Divisoria street shopping

Brave ones looking for a real bargain can explore Ilaya, Soler and Tabora for their Christmas shopping.

From fruits to gifts, Divisoria and its outlying maze of streets is a wonderland. One can find fashion knockoffs starting at P50 for tops and P200 for sneakers.

Just be really careful, Divisoria will never be Divisoria without the pickpockets. Dress comfortably for the heat could be unbearable, considering the crowds.

Parking is a nightmare. Park at the Tutuban multi-level parking, then walk to Divisoria.

168 Shopping Mall/Meisic Mall

When Imelda Marcos launched her accessories line a few years back, she made sure that she visited 168 Shopping Mall, even if only for PR purposes. She claimed that she had sourced most of the items here, thus making her line affordable.

I check out the place and see stalls selling real Swarovski crystals and home decor that?s really expensive-looking yet very affordable.

Plastic watches in Kool Aid colors sell for only around P100 a piece, wholesale.

That is why some friends make sure to include 168 Shopping Mall in their itinerary, especially to shop for their kids? birthday souvenirs. The options are irresistible. One can easily fill up a backpack of children?s party giveaways.

A stone?s throw away from 168 is Meisic Mall, a smaller shopping mall that sells similar items and electric supplies and power machines, perfect for gift-shopping for dads.

Right next door is the 168 Residences and Megaworld?s City Place Condominiums, upscale residential places for the Binondo crowd.

Binondo

Mention Binondo and a foodie?s eyes would light up. Here, you can have President?s and Manosa?s in an authentic setting, with the trademark Binondo style. Eng Bee Tin and Ho-Land?s hopia in various flavors are in every corner.

But Binondo remains a wonderland for shoppers. Shirts and sandos are available by piece or in wholesale. You can even have them silk-screened for your personal design. Fruits in crates and boxes, such as oranges, apples and grapes, line up the streets leading to Divisoria, perfect Christmas corporate giveaways.

Castañas or chestnuts are roasted along the alleyways. Expect prices to rise before New Year, given the Filipinos? penchant to collect 12 kinds of fruits, especially round ones, for good luck.

In the face of global recession for 2009, Filipinos remain optimistic and shopping-happy. Ours is a Christmas spirit that seems to be there all year round. That?s also the ?Divi? spirit.