Tiendesitas

Development

The complex commenced operations on September 26, 2005, and was developed by Ortigas & Company Limited Partnership (OCLP). Constructed at P200 million, Tiendesitas is a part of Ortigas East (former Frontera Verde), an interim 18.5 hectare Ortigas Center development project, similar to the Greenhills Shopping Center.

The complex is surrounded by parking spaces and is mainly served by jeepneys on C-5, as well as buses that stop a short walk from the Tiendesitas gate.

Tiendesitas Villages

Tiendesitas is a 30000 m2 complex of wide-opened "villages" featuring stylized Filipino architecture. The complex consists of twelve pavilions inspired by Maranao architecture, which, in turn, traces its roots back to the Bahay kubo. The roof of each pavilion is covered with chemically treated Cogon grass and is equipped with sprinklers to avoid mishaps during fires. Duyans (hammocks) are scattered around the development to offer short breaks during shopping trips. The Filipiniana inspiration extends to the comfort rooms: Old kalesa wheels were transformed into chandelier frames to light up these restrooms.

More than 450 traders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao specializing in merchandise from regions not usually found in mainstream retail outlets exhibit their wares in Tiendesitas' shopping pavilions. Haggling a la tiangge is a common negotiating tactic among local merchants.

Handicrafts Village

Fashion Village

Personal Care and Novelties Village

Pets Village

Garden Village

A variety of potted plants, orchids, fruit-bearing trees, and ornamentals can be seen at the Garden Village. Gi

Antiques Village

Furniture Village

Food Village

Delicacies

Seafood sold in the Delicacies Village include special dried fish and pili from the Bicol Region, famous balut from Pateros, tuna from General Santos, crispy shrimp, cornick, and bagnet from Ilocos, taba ng talangka, biurong dalag, bottled smoked fish and oysters from Aklan, and the well-loved boneless bangus from Dagupan.

Many varieties of rice for cooking are sold here, including Nueva Ecija's Jasponica and Balatinao from Benguet.

Exhibits

An area in Tiendesitas is dedicated to special trade shows, exhibits, and unique Filipino cultural presentations that are scheduled year-round. The Tiendesitas opening in September 2005 began with a week-long Bonsai exhibit at the People's Village and was followed in October by an antique exhibit.

Calesa Rides

Shoppers can take calesa rides through the complex. During the opening, there were only three calesas available. Since then, more calesas have been operating in the area.

Entertainment

Tiendesitas provides live entertainment daily starting at 8:30 PM. Live bands perform in the middle of Tiendesitas. On Sundays, along with the live band, the Bughaw Cultural Dance Group regularly performs – allowing visitors to witness traditional Filipino dances.

References

References

1. "Manila Bulletin, October 4, 2005
2. "Manila Bulletin, October 4, 2005
3. "Band Schedule".