FEATURE | The Art of Budgeting 50 Pesos: An Isko’s Survival Guide

These are only among the good deal of meals and drinks in Pureza. You can explore as you like. After all, we have our own preferences and budgets. So we only hope that the way we go to PUP to fill our minds with knowledge, we can also fill our appetite by learning how to budget.

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Wherever you turn in Pureza, you get everything you need. Delightful snacks are calling from every street. Pedicabs and tricycles line up for a straight ride to Sinta. Printing shops got your back for your assignments. And so many stores are open for your convenience. 

But not all of us are nepo babies. Some probably opt to walk in the sunscorch of Teresa to save P10 from LRT-PUP fare, or bring their tumblers of Manila-warmed water even though that fresh cup of sago would be coolly nice, or maybe some simply hold in that crave because spending more is not-so-feasible.

 

If you're an Isko or an Iska a little tight on budget, don’t worry. We got you some budget-friendly but real tasty recommendations!

Here’s where you can take your P50 to save the day:

• PST (Pastil sa Tabi) for P20

  Who are PUPians without Pastil? Shredded meat for a cheap but delish meal. Found everywhere in Teresa streets and several stalls in Lagoon, the only debate here is: chicken, pork, or beef?

• STALL 11: Chao Fan Meals for P35

  This is for you and your friend! For P35 each, you can order a Buy 1 Take 1 chao fan meal with a topping of your choice: meatballs, shanghai, tofu sisig, and many more. Sauces are a plus.

• STALL 16: Buy 1 Take 1 Yummy Burger for P40

  You can get two yummy burgers almost the size of your face! Perfect pantawid-gutom for your lunch and merienda. It's pricier by P25, but their FEWA (Footlong with Egg Wrapped Around) is a must try as well.

• STALL 16: Chicken Wings for P50

  Top-tier chicken wings meal! Plenty of flavors to choose: Soy Garlic, BBQ, Parmesan, Honey Butter, Salted Egg, and of course their best seller Teriyaki, and you're full and solved.

• STALL 19: Sisig Rice for P45

  Served in easy-to-hold bowls, you can get your classic sizzling sisig, full of flavor and affordable! Be sure to catch their free drinks.

• TUSOK-TUSOK for P10

  When in doubt, you can always go home to our beloved street foods. Fishball, kikyam, squid balls, kalamares, chicken skin, proben, isaw, mini hotdogs—they might be a mundane snack but it sure tastes like Filipino.

• STALL 14: DRINKS for P20

  For delectable refreshments, would you like Lychee with Nata, Iced Coffee, Milo Cream-O, or Matcha? They're all so good! Have fun deciding.

• Kape Kuripot for P38

  Popular for a reason, you'll get your daily dose of coffee for its fair price, mellowed with Vanilla, Matcha, and Caramel flavors for sweet tooths.

• SARI-SARI Stores

  When convenience stores are too pricey, we still have our sari-sari stores. Just a P10 fudge bar and a P15 C2 can boost our energy. Cup noodles and 3-in-1 coffee packs ready to be served. Really, plenty of combinations to try!

• BONUS: Drinks Refill with Free Ice

  Plenty of stalls (like Stall 16) offer water refill with free ice and the choice for your drink to be made in your tumbler. Bring your tumbler, and you're not only saving your budget—you're also saving Mother Earth by reducing waste.

These are only among the good deal of meals and drinks in Pureza. You can explore as you like. After all, we have our own preferences and budgets. So we only hope that the way we go to PUP to fill our minds with knowledge, we can also fill our appetite by learning how to budget. 

For each Isko and Iska deserves a treat.