“DIVI-STORYA" (Documentary by Sandra Aguinaldo)

Episode on August 2, 2010 Monday after Saksi! “DIVI-STORYA" Documentary by Sandra Aguinaldo As Sandra Aguinaldo steps into this all too familiar world of bargain shopping and cheap eats, she is greeted by the sight of Divi’s daily kuyog ­– several snatchers caught in the act now being attacked by angry passers by. It seems all sorts of entrepreneurs wanting to make a buck – from the legal to the illicit, from small time to big time – have chosen this place to set up business. But as Sandra investigates, she finds out that there’s really more to Divi than meets the eye. Sometimes scary yet always colorful and exciting, Divisoria is a melting pot of all sorts of entrepreneurs—from the small time sidewalk vendors to the silent millionaires quietly selling wares inside air-conditioned stalls. Although it has long been known to breed tycoons like Lucio Tan, Divisoria doesn’t discriminate. Little is known about a handful of Filipinos, who despite the struggle to compete with the natural business acumen of the Chinese, have successfully made a fortune in the “Mecca of Value Shopping". The characters thriving in Divisoria are as colorful and aggressive as the place itself. Tess Camba has been selling wares in Divisoria for 50 years. It is this place she said, that has brought her literally from peddling in the streets to a life of luxury. A kidnapping attempt has not slowed her down, although she now moves around with a bodyguard. Although owning several homes all over the metro, she opts to live in the place that has made her rich. She says Divisoria may be filthy but this is where the money is. The opportunity to make money is what draws people to the chaotic world of Divisoria. Because of the throngs of people out for bargain-shopping, it has also become the metro’s playground for snatchers, and those who have no qualms deceiving naive customers to make a commission. Despite the crumbling state of this 200 year-old commercial area, many believe it is still possible to hit it big in Divisoria. Sandra Aguinaldo explores the messy and crazy world of Divisoria through the eyes of the people who thrive there. Her documentary aims to capture its industrious spirit, the vibrant energy of its dwellers, and the accompanying dark and scary face it has bred throughout the years. She will walk its pasilyos and face the chaos to unearth the stories that the alleys keep. “Divi-storya" airs this Monday on I-Witness.