Update 11/17/14: My Quiapo Adventure

Hidalgo Street from Mayer's Photo

Recently returned to Quiapo to have my SLR checked with Mayer, since there were instances that my Nikon D5200 would refuse to auto focus during my recent trip to Singapore and attended my cousin's wedding. 

Iba talaga ang service when you buy your gear from an old-timer photographer like the Chinese Quiapo sellers. Compared to the malls that have salesman and salesladies, who may not know after-sales service or stare blankly at you when you start to speak about your SLR problem.  

Swerte mo pag may service staff sila, who can understand you. Thank God for Mang Ramon of Mayer Photo, he provided a solution: when taking a shot, you may need to switch from AF-S to AF-A para magfocus.  

Kasabay ng aking pagpunta ay mag pa-frame and syempre umikot narin ako sa Paterno St. para tumingin ng salamin. Window shopping only, since I'm very much satisfied with the one I have.

Some optical shops are having a year-end sale, 50-70% off. Prices from 3k php are now 1,500-900 php only! Compared to when I went there last Nov 2013, I didn't go around much, so I didn't look for sales in shops. 

Pros:

1. Kung hindi kayo pihikan or gustong makatipid, this is the right place to be. So many shops and selections to choose from. Mahihilo kayo sa dami.
2. Marami kayong ipagagawang salamin. 2nd pair, for kids, bring along your family and friends so that you can avail of huge discounts. Whether its for fashion or necessity, dito na kayo.
3. For those aiming photochromic lens (Transitions by Essilor or Exposure brand) to various types of lenses- ultrathin, polycarbonate, high powered lens, made to order, lens job only, frame only, adjustment, soldering, etc. Big savings here! I-Sight Optical along Paterno, beside Kamla Optical Supply and near Essilor Bldg., (they only cater to optical shops) offers the cheapest Transitions at 4,700 php, at least from my inquiry. Of course, it should come done with an authentication card. The Exposure brand is a cheaper alternative, 1,600 php from AG Rodriguez Optical (in front of I-Sight and Kamla). Can someone verify Exposure? I can't seem to find it online. 
4. Huge savings compared to malls. However, optical shops in malls are now being competitive, so do check out their offers and sales too. At times, it may not be even wise to go all the way to Quiapo to save money, if the price difference is between 200-500php.
5. It's a haven for Dental and Optometry students. Optical and dental supplies on wholesale prices.

Cons:

1. This is Quiapo, so stop looking for branded frames, most of them are class A. For authentic frames, head to Optique Prima along Paterno or Ideal Optical and Watch Supply at Evangelista St., (sister company of Ideal Vision) or to Ongpin. The optical shop in Ongpin is near Sim Clinical Laboratory. I've inquired Swissflex frames (for mom), and from 10k, they can give it at 8k or 8.5k. Sure ka original dito. Meanwhile, Optique City Manila claims to sell authentic frames at low prices. 
2. Obviously, the shops in Quiapo will sell you glasses, so learn how to say no until you find the pair you like. Kasi haharangin ka nila dito, until you make your purchase. Minsan hindi kailangan ng salamin pero ipipilit nila (ex. low grade or too young). This Optician tells it best.
3. Some shop owners in Quiapo are Optometrists, but the assistants are not. Obviously, they won't have the training or hygiene. In my case, hindi nila pinupunasan ang equipment or mali ang sukat (sumasakit ang mata ko and here). Especially for those with young children, older people, or those who wear high powered lenses, you really want to see an Ophthalmologist so that they can assess your eye health as a whole and how they can help you. In some cases, glasses can be avoidable or they can best advise if further procedure is needed.

Smart tips:

1. Make your trip worthwhile and save money. Pagsabay-sabayin ang gagagwin para makatipid sa pamasahe.
2. Remain alert on your surroundings and belongings. Cash transactions only kaya po mura sa Quiapo.
3. Choose reputable shops that are big and have A/C (see my recommendation above) to have the best chance that your prescription fits perfectly. It seems may halo ang lens ng ibang shops to profit from the cutthroat competition.
4. For the perfect glasses, best to consult your Ophthalmologist or at least a mall Optometrist first before proceeding to get your lens job done. Ideal Vision does eye exam for free, whether or not you will get your glasses from them. Their doctors are friendly and honest. Previously, in some cases they have advised me not to get glasses as correction was too low (-.50 on both eyes) or advised me to sleep more or how to prevent eye fatigue. Hindi nila hinahabol ang makabenta or huwag kang maging dependent sa salamin.
5. Request that your eye prescription be written down in a sample form below for your own copy. The doctor's prescription is best followed by the lab technician, especially when you decide to have your glasses made in Quiapo. 
   
   
   

    

   
   

   Good luck on your Quiapo eyeglass adventure and do let me know what happens!