C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila Survival Guide

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Map of Recto by Google Maps

Recto is a popular shopping destination for those looking forward to save on buying books. Conveniently located near Divisoria, one of Philippines' bargain capitals, and also adjacent to Quiapo, home to the Quiapo Church, the Black Nazarene and plenty of flea markets. 

Landmarks: Isetann Recto, LRT2 Recto Station, FEU, UE

Chris Villarin, Isetann Recto, Manila, Panoramio.com

How to go to Recto by commuting?

From the South (Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa)

1. If coming from Parañaque or Pasay, LRT would be your best bet.  Board at Baclaran, EDSA, or Buendia and alight at D. Jose which is a stone's throw away from Recto.

2. If coming from Las Piñas, ride a bus to Manila, and you could either ride an FX/Jeep to Quiapo and hail a kuliglig or pedicab to Recto. Just be careful with dealing with kuliglig and pedicab drivers because some of them would insist on overpricing fares.  Alternatively, you could also alight at Baclaran, Buendia or Vito Cruz and board the LRT there and alight at D. Jose (see #1)

3. If coming from Muntinlupa, chances are you would be riding a bus to Lawton. You could ride a jeep once you're in Lawton to Quiapo, and walk to Recto or have a pedicab or a kuliglig. Just be careful with the route you're going again, jeeps passing through MacArthur Bridge will lead you through LRT's route, and jeeps passing through Quezon Bridge will lead you through Quiapo.

From the East (San Juan, Makati, Pateros, Taguig, Pasig, Quezon City, Marikina)

1. LRT2 would be your best bet. Alight at Recto. Alternatively, I think there are jeeps plying the San Juan-Divisoria Route.

From the North (Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela)

1. Jeepneys and buses would be your best bets. There are lots of bus stations from the north that have their last stops at Sta. Cruz, which is near Recto.

From within Manila

1. Jeepneys, taxis, and the LRT would be your preferred choices.

What should I remember before going to Recto?

1. Always leave expensive jewelry at home (e.g. dangling earrings, gold necklaces and pendants, etc.) . It's an eye-catcher for snatchers in Manila, of which it is infamous for. Stay simple just for a while!

2. Always wear comfortable clothing. You do not want to be wearing a gown or a tux in the summer heat and amid the dirty streets of Manila.

3. Always watch your belongings. Bring a body bag for maximum security and be wary of pickpockets.

4. Try bringing "medium" denominations of money like 200-peso, or 100-peso instead of a 500-peso or a thousand-peso.  I think it would just show the vendor that you're someone who is someone "deserving" of discounts since you saved these amounts of money gradually.

5. Always haggle.

6. Always bring an umbrella.

7. Always bring a guide, a friend or a map with you if you insist on traveling alone and especially if you are not familiar with Recto. It does get tough if you are alone and lost.

Where are the books in Recto?

1. Just across the LRT station, there are small huts selling books already. If you would ask me, I would still pick those near the "prime" district, since it is much messier here and the surroundings are less safe(even though safety isn't nearby to be seen anyway)

2. Across Isetann Recto, after the overpass bisecting Quezon Boulevard, you could see dilapidated buildings with bookstores inside and with vendors and stalls offering books too outside. The stretch spans from almost Recto LRT up to probably Mendiola, but I've been only to UE's.

A simple map of Recto

3. There are also branches of popular brands here. Near UE is National Bookstore, flanked by the small bookstores. There is also a branch of Corona Supplies nearby. Additionally, there is a Rex Bookstore and the Conanan Bookstore, which are both near UE. The popular Mang Vic's Pocketbooks is also here, and a shopping arcade named Orient Pearl is beside National Bookstore.

Buying Tips

1. Always haggle. There is no harm in trying anyway. As a rule of thumb, upon asking the price of a certain book, ask if the vendor will consent to half the price - say you are buying an accounting book for 200 pesos. Try for a hundred! If he or she agrees, good for you - and if the vendor doesn't, maybe give a slightly higher figure, but never settle for face value.

2. Always bring an eco-bag or those sturdy grocery bags made of fabric if you are buying plenty of books. Chances are, the vendors would use cheap plastic for packaging your purchases.

3. Always check the pages if they are complete and not tampered with.

4. Always be on the alert for pickpockets and snatchers. As I said earlier, leave jewelries at home. If it would also be possible, try to leave your cellphone or bring a "snatch-proof" one, like those early versions of Nokia.

5. As much as possible, do not buy from the stalls outside. They get some books from the people inside the buildings - and it turns out they are putting their own mark-ups, thus jacking up the prices.  Just buy from the people inside the buildings.

6. As much as possible, commute. Parking space is a bit tedious to find and settle with here.

7. As much as possible, bring water. The environment is a bit dehydrating especially during this summer weather.