There’s something about Tabora Street that sends my pulse racing.

One of my favorite “hiding” and babad places in the metro is Tabora Street in Divisoria. For those who are only familiar with the periphery of Divisoria (and stay stuck in malls like 168 and Tutuban Mall), Tabora is the street to go to if you want raw materials such as sewing needles, threads, buttons, textiles, ribbons in different colors, feathers, ad infinitum.

The first time I went to Tabora was when I was in high school. I think it was my lola who brought me there because I needed materials for our sewing class. Ironically, at the time, I didn’t like sewing at all. Since lola was the seamstress, and a very good one at that, we agreed that I’d start a project or homework, and then she would finish it. Daya, I know, but she’s not one to see a project go to waste.

In the years to come, I’d go to Tabora Street either by myself or with my mother. Most of time, I’d be alone because it takes me so long to walk from one end to the other. And with good reason.

In those years, I saw Tabora Street transform from a street that sells sewing and raw materials, to a place to go to if you want to buy raincoats, shirts and blouses, inexpensive souvenirs, artificial plants, table linens, kitchen towels, and craft materials. And that’s just one-third of the length of Tabora!

Last Holy Wednesday, I ‘paid homage’ to one of my favorite streets in Manila. I didn’t go there to buy anything (although I ended up buying some bargain buttons). On the contrary, I brought my digi-cam, some sense of humor, and a healthy dose of curiosity. Now that I’ve some free time, I told myself, I might as well chronicle what it is about this street that I find so endlessly fascinating.

As the photos will (hopefully) show you, Tabora Street has color, character, 'culture,' and a lively buzz that is best experienced rather than told or captured in a series of photographs.

Walk with me through Tabora Street...