Penny-Pinching at the Tabo sa Banay

​Cebuanos are known to be a budget-conscious bunch. While they enjoy the best things life has to offer, they are normally very practical when it comes to spending. This is quite apparent with the number of budget-friendly stores all over the city. These stores can be found in just about anywhere in the Queen City of the South. 

Tabo sa Banay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

There is actually one place in Cebu where people can find a line of stalls where residents and visitors can buy apparel, shoes and other items at very reasonable prices. The name of the place is “Tabo sa Banay.” The place is similar to Divisoria in Manila but at a smaller scale. 

Tabo sa Banay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The items you can find at the Tabo sa Banay are similar to the ones available in major malls around the city. The difference is the price. A pair of jeans priced at PHP1,000 at a mall can be bought at around PHP400 at the Tabo sa Banay. There are even instances when you would find signature items at the place. All you need s a little patience and some knowledge on what brands to look out for. 

Tabo sa Banay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​You can also get these items at lower prices if you are a good negotiator. You can probably get another PHP50 off the price of the items. And if you are a good enough haggler, you may even get a much bigger discount, especially if you buy more than one or two of a similar item.  While many of the items available at the Tabo sa Banay are secondhand items, there are also some instances when you can find brand-new items at the place. 

Tabo sa Banay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

Tips when going to the Tabo sa Banay

• The place is situated along a street parallel to Osmeña Boulevard close to Gaisano Metro Colon. From Gaisano Metro Colon, you have to walk to the next corner where Best Buy Mart is located and walk into the side street where some fruit stands are located.  The Tabo sa Banay is located along Balintawak Street, which is right behind the Best Buy Mart building.
• The Tabo sa Banay is not the best place for you to show off some bling. Do not bring any expensive jewelry when going to the place to avoid attracting the attention of snatchers and pickpockets. 
• Just bring enough cash for the things you need to buy at the place. A budget of PHP1,000 or even PHP500 can go a long way at the Tabo sa Banay.
• Know how to haggle. If you are good at the art of haggling, you will definitely find the best deals at the Tabo sa Banay.

Tabo sa Banay – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon

​The Tabo sa Banay is just one of the places residents and visitors can find the best bang for their buck. There may be other places in Colon and even the Carbon area, but the Tabo sa Banay is much easier to find due to the landmarks one can find around the place. 

Have you been to the Tabo sa Banay already? Tell us about your experience on the comments section below.