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We arrived at Manila during lunch time where I was greeted by Bernie and Eric, my travel blogger friends, and my sister. Our first destination was Hidalgo St., in Quiapo – The mecca of anything that has to do with photography in the Philippines. The whole street is lined with camera shops selling cameras, equipment, and accessories at a price far lower compared to those sold in malls. If you’re interested in knowing more about Quiapo, the Digital Photographer Philippines Forum is a great resource that can help you.
I bought my first cam (Canon Powershot A700) at Henry’s Photo. I trust the store because my powershot has survived despite several years with me during my travels. Henry’s was my first choice for the new purchase but I also inquired at other stores like Avenue and Watsons, which also gave me a good deal. I’ve read about Mayer’s in DPP but I wasn’t able to inquire beforehand because I wasn’t able to find their email address.
While we were already in Quiapo, I was standing in front of Mayer’s and pointed out that I’ve read about the owner (Mang Ramon) being hot tempered and, at times, rude to customers. My sister insisted to inquire inside but I was hesitant because maybe Mang Ramon would unleash his temper at me for some reason. I finally sucked up my fear and took the courage to go inside. I saw a man behind the counter and knew right then that it was indeed Mang Ramon, while my lips were still shaking, I asked him for the prices. To my surprise, he was very friendly and accommodated us well. Maybe he already knows if a customer is a serious buyer or not, I read that he’s not very receptive to those who are just “canvassing”. Vince was able to buy a D40 with kit lens for P20,000 and I was able to buy my D40 with 18-105mm VR for P32,500. So cheap! and it even has a free camera bag and 4GB SD card. I was able to walk out of their store as a happy consumer :)
The next day, we returned to Hidalgo because Vince wanted to replace his bag but all the stores in Hidalgo were closed because it was a Sunday, totally forgot about that. I was able to read in DPP that there’s a stall near Henry’s that sells delicious siomai, the poster adds that the “siomai is worth the trip to Hidalgo.” Indeed he was right, the meaty goodness sold for only P20 / 3 pieces was indeed worth the trip to Hidalgo, I even ate two orders that afternoon.
On Monday, we went to Quiapo yet again and visited Henry’s to look at their bags. They were quite expensive so we checked out the store next door, Watson’s. The guy behind the counter showed me a Tamrac bag that was just perfect for me. It costs twice the money I planned on spending for a new bag, but I was attacked my impulsive buying so I bought it anyway. After walking out their store, I felt very guilty because I really didn’t need it and I used up all the money in my wallet (an ATM machine was just nearby). I could have bought a UV filter instead.
During our Manila trip, we toured the old streets of Quiapo, Binondo and Intramuros to try out our new cams. It took me a lot of time to adjust in using an SLR, most of my shots were not as good as I wanted them to be because I was still not familiar with the controls and stuff. I’m also not used to looking through a viewfinder and a wide angle lens so I didn’t pay to much attention to detail. I’m hoping to fine tune my skills in time for the Dinagyang Festival.
Self-portait at Lord Stow’s in Binondo
Next purchases would be a handy tripod, flash unit, and a set of filters (67mm) specifically a UV filter, ND Filter, and Polarizer
More about my Manila trip in future posts!
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My name is Marcos. I'm an off-beat explorer who loves to experience and capture the beauty of the Philippines and Asia. I started making a living online to support myself financially through my university degree. I've been living a location-independent digital lifestyle ever since. 
Congratulations, Marcos! Finally you got one of the items from your wish lists. Can’t wait for the shots out of your new D40, will watch for it patiently. Have fun with your new toy, you must be pretty excited about it!!!
Thanks Lee. Huo man, at last :) Just got back from Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan and I’ll post some shots of it later.
Welcome back, MC! You must have enjoyed your stay in Manila, bought you a new camera and back in time for Dinagyang Festival. I must be nice. Now we can view photos of the celebrations next time around. We understand how it comes out. But you are very good if not excellent in taking pictures. So enjoy taking good pictures, stolen shots perhaps, have a very good time and well have a good time viewing with the photos you have taken.
Thanks. Yeah, it was fun. Now, I have lots of pictures to share.
sana gumaling na din me sa pagkuha ng pic…. dami ko pa dapat matutunan….
magaling din u, nakita ko sa blog mu. hehe
Congrats! ^^ Wow nong, cool ang lens mu ba. And all those for only P32,500? Cool! I saw a lot of your photos with your D40, specially those of Dinagyang ’09 and the fireworks. They’re awesome!
Thanks Maxinne, at last may ara man ko :) Mas prefer ko tani Canon but oh well, basi destined ako sa Nikon. Photowalk man ta bi sometime.
[...] was also planning to buy his first SLR. During the first day, we headed straight to Quiapo for our primary agenda. And then we set out to tour the walled city of Manila, our tour guides were Eric, Bernie, and [...]
Wow congrats! You deserve the DSLR. Saw your shots and they’re really good.
thanks gd gladita ^_^
Nice, was in watson and got my Canon 40D…
Hi,
My Name is Gary. I’m an ex-OFW and opting to sell my camera in a brand new condition (although it’s used) for a very low price.
I was about to open an event business in the phil but got diverted to something else. Now I need some cash to improve it.
You can contact me on my number 09272194466, or e-mail me at gringomistah@yahoo.com.
Thanks and regards.
Canon EOS 50D SLR Digital Cam used personally in less than a year accessorized with battery Grip, 3 pcs battery pack, canon leather handgrip.
Includes:
Canon 70-300mm lens
Canon 17-85mm lens
Canon 50mm lens
Sigma 24-70mm lens
Sigma 10-20mm lens
Canon Speedlite 580 EX II PRO Flash
Delsey Pro Cam Bag
8GB SD Card
Total price (new) Php 216,000.00
Rush Sale Price: Php 130,000.00
[...] of Western Visayas because of my busy school schedule. I started traveling in baby steps, my first non-school related trip to Manila early in 2009, my first time to ride a plane alone, my first trip abroad to Hong Kong and Macau, [...]
nice to heard some goody news like that. coz im gonna do of buying some same stuff you got the for next time i stop manila next month. thanks for having with your ideas and agenda on how to deal with a man like mang ramon. thanks alot. I enjoy having buying experience in manila.
I got my new d5100 for 35k from watson’s and enjoying my first photoshoots. Well, I must admit that digital photography has a very complicated stuff for me since I just got out my analogue cameras in 1962. Anyway, I’m happy now for the big improvement of digital photography.