Convenience stores of the Japanese persuasion aren't the most common of sights in the Quezon City…read morearea. It really is surprising, considering how large a chunk of land QC covers. There've been countless times where I've been put in a situation where knowing where to buy Japanese ingredients could have been a lifesaver. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get miso from regular groceries? Fuji Mart has been open for decades, purveying an eclectic mix of Japanese goods. Everything from katsu sauces, bottles of sake, instant ramen, and frozen fish are for sale. If you plan of serving homemade sashimi to your dinner guests, I highly recommend buying the raw fish here. It may be frozen (which is a no no for some people), but at least you're sure that it's been properly packaged and made. If you prefer something cooked, here's a quick recipe: get a nice slab of salmon steak, lather it up with Japanese miso, and bake it. Enjoy and you're welcome!

Petron Treats is my favorite convenience store in town. Even when going out of town, it's my…read morefavorite one to stop by at. Particularly the one on SLEX prior to hitting Batangas or Tagaytay. I feel they offer more than the usual gas station convenience stores do, particularly Shell. Petron Treats offers a noteworthy selection of candy, chocolates, cold drinks, hot drinks, hot dogs, donuts, and more. It's always good to take a break after getting gas or after driving through Manila's hellish traffic and this is not a bad choice to make that stop in at all.

Whenever my family goes on a field trip, more likely than not we end up in a Petron Treats…read moreconvenience store on the way to our destination, usually the ones along NLEX or SLEX, but particularly one of the first ones you encounter on your way to Batangas. They offer quite the variety in convenience store goods and more, being better stocked than most in my opinion. They've got a wide selection of caffeinated drinks and sweet treats to keep you up and running on your long trip, and lots of savory foods like hot dogs to for when you inevitably get insanely hungry. While it is definitely pricier than buying in a supermarket, it's still a good option if ever you forget to buy some grub or maybe when you're craving for a quick (or heavy) snack. That being said, Petron feels like an upscale convenience store in a way.

It is almost a crime not to take advantage of the wide open spaces in Quezon City. I live really…read moreclose to the UP Diliman Campus, and the UP Academic Oval is just mere minutes away from my doorstep. A friend lent me her bike once, and I had the best time riding it around the campus during my free time. I developed the confidence to cruise on two wheels, together with some really strong leg muscles. I had to give the bike back, and so I am on the lookout for the best new bike that I could as a commuter bike to and from school. I checked out Decimal Bikes near Quiapo, and I was ushered into the store which has hundreds and hundreds of bikes on display. The prices here are just about the same as the ones in Cartimar, but I guess it's a matter of preference and convenience that i want to get my bike here really soon. They have all sorts of bikes, from kiddie bikes to roadbikes, and even those really serious-looking racing bikes that people use on triathlons and competitive events. The staff answered my questions, and they are very knowledgeable when it comes to the right fit and the right bike for any purpose. I will be back here as soon as I have saved enough money for a fixed gear bicycle.

The location around Quiapo Church has always been a sprawling marketplace for any and all types of…read moregoods. Curiously, it has also become a beacon of numerous cycling shops. Decimal is my pick of the litter. The store is quite large, supplying a wide selection of bikes and cycling accessories. They have a LOT in stock and have just the thing for you no matter your budget. Decimal also supplies many kinds of brands and can also offer warranty, a thing that not many stores offer. Rest assured that they only trade in brand new stock and never sell or trade second hand merchandise. Sonny, the owner of the shop, is also very friendly and helpful both for the venerable cycling veteran and the upstart bike initiate. So take a pick of their bikes on hand or have one custom built to your tastes and conquer the urban jungle that is Manila (Just don't get run over by a jeepney or something.)