A house that isn't a home

The last time I posted a picture of Bookay-ukay, a used-books store near our house, a couple of people commented that all they need now is to offer coffee. I don't think that'll happen any time soon, but can I offer you beer instead? No? Then what about some pizza? Flowers? Haircut? How about an hour or two of network games? Bookay-ukay is only one of several shops crammed into this converted house. There's a restaurant that turns into a watering hole at night, an inexpensive pizzeria that delivers, a flower shop, a salon that offers facials and massages aside from the usual hair and makeup services, an internet café, a review center, and even a graphic design studio and printing service. It's like a tiny strip mall. Except in exclusive subdivisions, Metro Manila's cities aren't very strict with residential and commercial zoning. Oftentimes, even light industrial activities are allowed in residential areas.