Cheap Thrills (aka what I do with less than Php 100)

This is the blog post that is refusing to be written. And it’s a list. Lists and I usually go great together but, somehow this one doesn’t want to cooperate with me.

Sigh.

You win some and then, the others just laugh mockingly at your face while you beg at their feet.

Well anyway, I’ve been wandering around the supermarket for the past few weeks so I had the great idea to ask Soc that we write about our favourite cheap thrills (this article is my fault, yes). I think it must’ve been just the cravings I had while walking through the grocery hungry.  Trust me when I say that you shouldn’t do that. It’s either you’d end up buying more than you need or, walk out crying and feeling sorry for the Nutella jars and Ruffles bags that didn’t come home with you.

Living in Manila means everything is a bit expensive so finding anything good that is below Php 50 (roughly $1) is considered a treasure. I’ve been out of college for many years already so the Php 15 ($.35) mango shakes and Php 20 ($.47) siomai sets are not included in my list. But, they are a must try if you find yourself anywhere near the University Belt (the ones in Asturias St. near UST are especially good).

So, here the list, in no particular order, of my best cheap finds:

#1: KFC Gravy

KFC gravy in the Philippines costs about Php 15 for the large one (take out), and it’s free refill if you’re dining in.

It says gravy there, in case you think it's unicorn blood.

Give me gourmet gravy and KFC gravy and I would most definitely choose KFC’s. I think it’s made up of rainbows and baby smiles and glitters, but I think it’d be funnier if there’s an urban legend about it having tears of virgins or something. Buuuu—t then again, I think it’s most probably because of all the MSG in it that makes it taste so good. Sorry McD and Jollibee but I don’t think you’d compare to this, you have your charms however, KFC had me at first grease.

#2 Shin Ramyun

Comes in packs of 5 and costs about Php 145 ($3.37) but can also be bought individually at Php 30 ($.70).

 Don't be fooled by the gourmet Shin Ramyun picture, 

it takes too much work to make it look like that.

I don’t care about the music and the dramas and the what-have-you’s but I think this might be the best Korean import ever. It’s spicy, unhealthy and above all, delicious. According to some internet recipe I chanced upon, eating it plain as a noodle soup is not enough, so put in some vegetables (I just put in Chinese cabbage), egg, and some meat (er... I don’t exactly know what. Should I be cooking some meat beforehand? This instant noodle thing is becoming more tedious) to experience a gourmet Shin Ramyun.

Side story: The influx of anything Korean here in Manila is no joke, I sometimes become confused because there are times when I find myself the only Filipino in a coffee shop.

I’d have to admit that I love Nissin Seafood Cup – the original Japanese one – better than this one but that costs Php 130 ($3.02) so, boohoo.

Gratuitous picture of my original love.

#3 Waffle Time

A waffle stick for less than Php 20 ($.47).

You'll not be able to see fully stocked carts at whatever time.

They sell like hot pancakes - er, waffles.

I seriously love this thing. Get a hot dog (or some sweet syrup) stick in a waffle and BAM – happiness on a stick! I don’t really know what else to say but it’s good to eat while walking around the mall. I’m getting my fill (actually, just giving in to a craving) and at the same time, instant calorie burn.

#4 Daiso

Everything for Php 88 ($2.04) and below and they’re from Japan!

I don't have a nice Daiso picture, so here's a GIF representation of me when I enter the store.

I don’t know how to choose between my favourites in this place so, I’ll just put the store in the list. This is not a store, I meant to say paradise. Who wouldn’t consider this a paradise? Awesome keychain-stuff-thing-that-probably-shoots-lasers? Check! Awesome organizer-that-can-transform-to-probably-Megatron? Check! Awesome bathroom stuff shaped like bunnies? Check! Transparent Umbrellas (everybody needs one)? Check! I’m waiting for the Instant Boobies to be available here because only the Japanese could think about making instant boobies. God bless you, Daiso.

#5 ... and finally, I don’t really have a finally. Er... right. I’ve been thinking about it but nothing comes into mind that can be as awesome as Daiso or KFC gravy. Or free pizza. Free pizzas are always great. Speaking of pizzas, 3M pizza almost came close to making the list but I don’t see any more places that sell it.

It's like a mythical mermaid, it doesn't look much but it'll seduce your ass before you can even beg for mercy. 

3M pizza probably is the cheapest pizza I’ve ever bought. From way back, I think it only costs around Php 35 ($.81) for a personal size (10”) pizza. It’s made of chewy (read: tough) bread dough crust thing, tomato sauce that suspiciously tastes like catsup, and pepperoni (or ham, I still don’t know what it is) that is probably made from god knows what meat, but anybody who has eaten it will agree that it is lovely just the way it is.

So there, I hope you got something useful or hopefully, understood something. Most of the stuff can be found in your friendly, local SM mall (except for Daiso – they can only be found in Ayala malls) so they are easy to find. And, if you ever come across a 3M stall, please tell me, it’s been so long since I had that.