SOLER

Every designers, architects, engineers and contractors knows where to go if they would want to have the best price for all their lighting fixture and other construction needs, aside from depots that is. Soler.

photo from engrmoks

I’ve been in Soler many times since I’ve been doing designs, sourcing for my project requirements. But I always go there with someone. And I always rely on that someone for directions. I’m not really good with places and streets. Para kong pusang madaling iligaw. Hehe. Yesterday was my first time to venture Soler on my own.

photo from Philippine travel blog

I came from Cubao and took the LRT 2 going to Recto. From there I didn’t know which way to exit so trusting my instinct I went to the direction going to Doroteo Jose LRT 1 station and as I hoped it is the right exit.

Happy and a little nervous to go on, I was thinking of taking a jeepney or just walk going to Soler street. I saw the big TOSUY hardware sign and I thought its near, saying 8 pesos (umatake nanaman ang kakuriputan), and knowing me, I’d rather walk. 


I went on walking when I felt something snapped suddenly on my foot . Then I realize gosh, nag hello ang sandals ko.  I don’t have a spare sandals or a glue or a tape. I searched for a nearest tiange store for slippers but there’s nothing in sight. All I can see are stores selling papers and inks, chargers and second hand cell phones. I’m on the verge of asking one of the tinderas if I can ask for a little tape, but I hesitated and I just ask if they are selling double sided tapes and if there is a nearest bookstore. Bad news is they are not selling double sided tapes, good news is, there is bookstore near but I have to cross the street. I stepped on my own swelas a a lot of times while I was crossing the street. 


And finally I saw it MIRIAM WEBSTER BOOKSTORE. I bought double sided tape and used it to tape my swelas together. I didn’t care if the staff was looking at me while I stick my swelas together. Truly double sided tape is one of my best friends.

Going back to my story , I walked going to Soler street and passed a couple of stores selling hopia and gold and jewelries, (what a combination). I was also a little skeptical to walk on the side walk because it was a little crowded and knowing these parts of manila, baka masalisihan ako ng snatcher. And I didn’t want to walk on the side of the road because it is crowded as well, baka naman masagi ako ng sasakyan and it is not a place for pedestrian, kaya nga may side walk. I chose the side walk na lang and just walked straight and a little fast, putting aside my demure aura and wearing my astigin walk (hehe). But first I need to go to T. Alonzo street to check a shop where my client said a friend of hers found a good set of shower fixture. So where is Alonzo street? I was clueless. Good thing T. Alonzo street has an intersection at Recto and has big sign that says ALONZO ST.

photo from sealdi calo flicker site. (peram po)

 Indeed Mackenzie hardware has a shower fixture that hat has a rain shower, a telephone shower and a spout in one, just what we need. And not to mention its all brass.  The price, well, not bad for a P14,500.00, but honestly having my kuripot character, I was expecting a lower price. (hihi).

sorry for the image I used my phone camera lang kasi e..

Now for my second agenda. Look for Gold Jade to purchase lights for my other project. Walking. Walking. Looking. Looking. I passed lots of stores, some selling herbal medicines, some Chinese/Korean music and movies, some power tools and other construction materials. Finally I saw A&S I thought I was near so I walked on but then I realize I was going in circles. I went back to where I came and finally found soler street again. Yey! Walking. Walking. 

I decided to walk away from recto ave. then I saw this Chinese restaurant GOLDEN FORTUNE restaurant, 

may masarap na food dito na nalimutan ko na ung tawag.. hehe..

and realize this is the way we use to take when we came from Soler then we decided to go to 168 to shop. Oops wrong way. So I went back again and found the lighting fixture shops when I came near Recto. And the Gold Jade. Horay! 

I went in to purchase all I need but before I go I went first to the nearest shop that sells tile grouts. Bought 1 bag for P 80.00 and waited for eternity to get it. Hay. So I went back to Gold Jade to test and pick up the lights. Initially my plan was to walk to Recto avenue since it was just a block a way then ride a jeepney going to LRT2 then alight it at cubao station, transfer to MRT going to Shaw and from there either I take a cab or an fx. But when I saw the package of the drop light I purchased. Whoa. Laki! So I asked the clerk if there are taxies passing at soler and they told me they’ll just assist me and carry the package for me until Recto avenue and help me get a cab. (thank you very much kuya. for that you get a tip.)

It was a long ride from Soler going to Floodway pasig, (with traffic). But good thing the taxi driver agreed to take me there for one condition, I must add P 50.00 to the final bill. Okay na un. And the taxi is brand new so the aircondition are still good and the seat are still comfy.

I delivered the goods at the site and head home.

It was a nice experience going to Soler alone. I hope I bought a camera with me to take some pictures and try my photographer side. Next time. Maybe I will.  

O.o