December 20, 2008

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.

house converted into a strip mall

13 comments:

  1. EkiDecember 20, 2008 at 10:05 PM

    What a one-stop convenience! It sounds like a perfect place to me ... :)

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  2. AnonymousDecember 21, 2008 at 12:24 AM

    So this is in a residential area? It's a good idea, but I'm not sure I'd want it as a neighbour!

    Thanks for putting me right on the manuscript on the Sibiu blog (sorry for my ignorance!) - I'm glad to have been the bearer of an early Christmas gift :)

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  3. Laurie AlleeDecember 21, 2008 at 2:21 AM

    I'm with Eki! One-stop shopping is always good!

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  4. GeorgeDecember 21, 2008 at 4:38 AM

    It's hard to imagine all those businesses inside of what used to be a house. But on the other hand it reminds me of some of the 'restaurants' I saw in China

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  5. Maria VerivakiDecember 21, 2008 at 4:52 AM

    i love places like these - a home away from home

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  6. LoisDecember 21, 2008 at 9:02 AM

    What an efficient use of space. I would really like this because I could park my car once and get everything in one place!

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  7. TashDecember 21, 2008 at 12:02 PM

    It actually looks very much like some of the shopping corner areas in the Vietnamese, Cambodian, or Chinese neighborhoods. I was driving thru the City of Carson on the way to work, which seems to have a large Philipino population since I came across 2 Manila named businesses. One restaurant had a very stylish sign & unbelievably, I had left my camera at home!

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  8. JoyDecember 21, 2008 at 12:29 PM

    It's very convenient to have those shops close by.

    Thanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo. Enjoy your weekend!


    joy
    A Pinay In England
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  9. gogouciDecember 21, 2008 at 2:52 PM

    That's interesting. Looks like space for marketing banners is a hot commodity.

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  10.  gmirageDecember 21, 2008 at 6:02 PM

    Lola converted our place to one like this, with a doctor's clinic, pancitan, few apartments and on top, a small reception area for people to hire (me videoke pa!)

    Thanks for always posting stuff that reminds me of home, though I cant visit as much as I want I always enjoy my stop here. TC!

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  11. robDecember 21, 2008 at 6:06 PM

    Hello Hilda, check my blog, please. There's an award waiting for you. Ciao ciao!

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  12. escapeDecember 21, 2008 at 9:52 PM

    i dont even know if there's really such thing as zoning in manila. hehehe... i hate wires the most. it's almost everywhere.

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  13. PatDecember 22, 2008 at 2:35 PM

    Hi, HIlda! Thanks for visiting Belgrade today. I've seen you "around," but haven't visited, but as you see, I did today, and like what I see!

    Re: your question, technically people need a permit to see stuff at street stands, but I think, though am not sure, sales are tolerated free at this location.

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Thanks for visiting and letting me know!