June 27, 2022
I've been living independently for more than four years here in Hong Kong, and I could say that it isn't easy. Budgeting my monthly salary is the hardest. So most of the time, the needs are always placed on top of priority, next to my family's monthly financial support, before buying my wants.
Another month ended, and another monthly shopping for my needs. I'm lucky enough not to worry about my daily food since it's covered by my employer. I hope the daily needs are covered too š¤£. Unfortunately, they are not.
Each month, I would always go to Central Hong Kong where a lot of Filipino stores are located inside a mall called Worldwide. It's the busiest, especially on weekends and special holidays as that's the only time Filipinos could go shopping or meet their friends.
The day was perfect to have a stroll. Very good weather, isn't it?
Before I started my shopping, of course, I filled my empty tummy with this yummy food first. This was actually a brunch (breakfast + lunch) already since I didn't eat my breakfast š . I'm always in a fasting mode the whole morning on my holidays.
Selfie mode after eating š. Let's go to Central!
From my place, Kowloon City HK, I need to travel either by bus or train to get to Central. I am more comfortable traveling by train, so I went to the station after eating. Moreover, the train is faster as there isn't traffic on the railways š . This is one of the things I like here in Hong Kong, the easy transportation access wherever I go.
Waiting for the train š. There were lesser passengers that day.
Prior to getting out of our house, I listed down the things I needed to buy as I might end up getting unnecessary stuff in the stores.
In the middle of Central Hong Kong, is Worldwide Plaza. A one-stop shop for Filipinos in Hong Kong.
This place is always crowded and busy every weekend and public holiday. There aren't covid restrictions and social distancing here š .
All kinds of goods from the Philippines can be found here. There are a lot of sari-sari stores inside this plaza. (Sari-sari is a Filipino term that refers to different kinds of items sold in one place)
Small eateries are selling Filipino dishes and I feel like I am in the Philippines every time I am inside this plaza.
My favorite Dunkin doughnut, hopia, and ensaymada are also sold here.
Ready-packed food, puto, slice breads, and other Pinoy delicacies.
Chicharon, dried fish, longanisa, hotdogs, banana, and more.
Some fruits from the Philippines.
Bottled salted fish and shrimps (some Filipino side dish).
Canned goods, noodles and pancit canton, biscuits, chips, chocolates, dried mangoes, and other Filipino snacks.
Aside from Filipino goods, there are remittance centers and Philippine Banks inside, so Filipino can easily send money to their loved ones abroad.
A shipping center LBC is also available in this area for Filipinos who wants to ship pasalubong/balikbayan box and presents to their families.
And also a Filipino business venture, Boardwalk, sells different merchandise made in the Philippines.
Different items for pasalubong boxes can also be bought inside this plaza. From bags, clothes, shoes, toys, curtains, and housewares.
Even jewelry, accessories, laptops, and gadgets.
Filipino loves ukay-ukay (preloved items) and bargain stuff, they are available here too.
And who doesn't know Jollibee? A famous Filipino fast food, best for its chicken joy and Filipino spaghetti.
Another reason why I like staying here in Central is the bargain stuff once five in the afternoon came. Illegal vendors would come out and would lay their cheap items down on the footbridge.
People would eventually swarm around and buy those items before police officers came. All items are cheaper compared to those in the stores. Some are brand new, some are pre-loved, and some are imitations, but lucky you are if you found an authentic one.
Does it make us illegal buyers? š
I did buy one Champion shirt with good quality, lol.
It was such a long day and I went back home before eight at night.
And here are the items I bought today.
This stashed more than HK$200 ($25) from my wallet š¤£. I better not visit Central again this month. This place really has a lot of temptation that could ruin one's budgeting, lol. My plan was just to buy the daily needs I want for personal hygiene. But ended up buying some unnecessary stuff (shirt and yoga pants). Budgeting is really a struggle without self-discipline š . I'll think of it as a reward to myself, lol.
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