Grow Your Business

Check out some of Metro Manila's most affordable supply sources from the often exasperating streets of Manila's Balintawak, one of the country's bargain capitals, then onward to the bustling fresh seafood markets at the Navotas City Fishport and to the heady profusion of low-priced blooms at the Dangwa flower market in Manila's Dimasalang district.

1. Balintawak

What: A conglomeration of 11 markets along EDSA, right on the Quezon City-Caloocan City border

What to buy: Fruits and vegetables. Since this is a major drop-off point for produce from both the north and the south, the discounts for fruits and vegetables here could be anywhere between 10 and 50 percent.

Why: Balintawak offers great bargains and it is easier to get discounts here than in Manila's Divisoria market.

When: Bagsakan is from 5:00 to 6:00 a.m.

Tip: Dress accordingly and be ready to sweat it out

2. Navotas Fish Port Complex

What: The three ports of the Navotas Fish Port Complex

What to buy: Fresh sea produce 

Why: The NFPC is the country's premier fish center and is one of Asia's largest. About 80 percent of Metro Manila's fish requirement comes from the NFPC.

When: According to traders, more than 20 commercial fishing vessels unload at the port complex at least 800 tons of fish and other marine catch daily. Originating from Laguna de Bay and from Zambales and Palawan, the shipments are delivered to the NFPC's pundohan between 6:00 A.m. and 12:00 noon.

Tip: If given the choice between buying frozen fish or one that has not been frozen, get the latter to assure that it is a recent catch. However, if you decide to buy frozen fish, check for clear eyes and glistening scales. The cold water in the basin holding the fish should also be clear.

 
What: A fresh flower market in Sampaloc

What to buy: Flowers

Why: It is justifiably called "the flower capital of Manila" because of its abundant selection of affordably priced fresh flowers. The cut flowers are mainly from Northern Luzon but there are also supplies from Tagaytay, Cotabato, and Bangkok, Thailand.

When: The market is open 24 hours daily, with peak hours from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Tip: Every February 12 or two days before Valentine's Day, the price of flowers go up to as high as P200 a dozen due to the huge demand