Christmas List #5: Dapitan Arcade
We pass by dapitan everyday… since this is very near our office. This has been our secret store for decorative boxes that would range around Php 25-40 each, native boxes for files around php 200, Unique Christmas and home decors at very low prices. Most of the items here are native and are for export.
When we were decorating our new home back in 2005, we have Zen as theme. Daptian arcade was one of our some sort of “home depot”. We bought native blinds here for an average of Php200/blind, gold napkin rings Php 5 each, hanging lamps Php 120 each, wooden tray Php 70 each and a whole lot more that compliments our crib. 
This is a good Christmas shopping destination if you’re looking for Christmas inspired serving plates, gift baskets/boxes, and other home decor. Your Php 1,000 budget would go a long way. Just make sure you haggle
Tips in going to Dapitan Arcade:
1. Go on a weekday (No Holiday Shopping - if you want to get good prices and to avoid the crowd)
2. They’re open as early as 7am and closes around 7pm. Go there either 7-9am or 4-7pm if you don’t want to get all sweaty.
3. Bring a fan.
4. Wear something comfortable because it’s sooo hot here. If you’ve been to Chatuchak Market in BKK they have similar shopping conditions
5. Dress down so you could make “tawad”.
6. Prepare to carry big bulky stuff, since this is a place for home decors.
Happy Shopping!
How to get there?
From Quezon Avenue (going towards Welcome Rotonda), turn right at Kanlaon (Burger King).
Straight ahead, dapitan would be the 3rd st from Quezon Ave.
If you’re going there by Public Transport, go down at Burger King then take the jeep (Kanlaon - Del Monte)