As much as everyone loves online shopping, you have to admit, it also has its pitfalls. Delayed deliveries, not being able to check products firsthand, collecting so many plastic wastes, and sometimes forgetting to support local.
As quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila loosen, it would be a good break from all of those to explore (safely, of course) other physical shopping alternatives. In the streets of Manila, you’ll find plenty of these alternatives in the form of informal street vendors.
One such vendor is an elderly woman selling colourful hand-crocheted items or essentials. According to a Facebook post by a user named Jose Aran, you can find this certain “Nanay” at a sidewalk just below LRT’s Central Terminal near the Old GSIS Building and SM City Manila.
Also read: What’s It Like to Start a ‘Quarantine Business’ for Filipinos?
Among Nanay’s crocheted products are wallets, bonnets, and water bottle holders, which are priced at ₱150 per piece. “Medyo pricey pero effort naman sa pag crochet yan for sure,” Aran also said in his post. “She’s legit happy! Ako daw buena mano nya.”
Nanay was often previously seen in front of SM San Lazaro close to a jeepney terminal. Besides there, other users commented that she has also been seen in other places before her current location in the bustling Philippine capital.
Based on the photos taken by Aran, which show her rolls of yarns on a laid-out mat, it looks like Nanay also makes her products on the spot. This way, you can really see the effort she puts in to create her hand-crocheted items.
Also read: Philippine Souvenirs: 21 Trendy Gifts and Tokens to Take Home With You
Buying from her likewise entitles you to her free repair service. This is on top of letting you support local and other benefits of physical shopping. Simply bring your damaged item to Nanay and she will take care of it for you.
Featured image credit: Patrick Roque | Wikimedia Commons
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