When I decided to buy my very first Tai Chi sword, I was imagining it to be magical -- just like when Harry Potter bought his wand. I kept saying to myself that the sword will find me and that it will be one of the happiest moments of my life.
So on a very humid Saturday afternoon, I walked the streets of Binondo, Manila. A friend told me that there is a shop called SAMYE marketing where they sell Tai Chi swords. He told me to look for Mang Ruben... and so I did. After a few hours walking with no sense of direction, I began to pray that Mang Ruben appear before me like an angel. Unfortunately the only thing that appeared before me is an orange peeling from one of the fruit carts in the market.
I was desperate to see the shop. But after more than 2 hours of walking, what I found is a place called Oversea Jewelry and Giftshop located in Salazar St. -- I came back to it after scanning the streets of Salazar and Masangkay once more in search for Mang Ruben.
Since I had come along way to Manila to buy a Tai Chi sword, I gave up my search for SAMYE marketing and got one from the shop at Salazar St. instead.
As I was walking, I passed by a small bookstore beside Xinhua Bookstore and realized that it could be Mang Ruben's store. I looked around (feeling a bit regretful that I didn't ask) while waiting to be assisted by a woman (who by the way turned out to be Ruban's wife!). I wasn't able to see the sword selection but I think they have better stocks. Also, they have a big selection of Tai Chi resource materials (which are all in Chinese) like magazines, books, and VCDs. The woman also mentioned that Ruben is also a practitioner so if I were you, check out their store and let Ruben assist you when buying for a sword.
I got lost because I asked the wrong people from the wrong streets. Silly I know. But I had to be lost for two things: First, so I could share with you now two stores, instead of one, which sell Tai Chi swords. Second,so I could remind you all to ask when you get lost!
The prices for the sword ranges between P1,200 to P1,500 (while the collapsible sword ranges from P250-P800). They also sell fans for P400-P450 each. Ask for a bargain because they are nice enough to offer you a good deal.
Here are the addresses:
SAMYE Marketing
(Beside Xinhua Bookstore),
Masangkay St., Binondo, Manila
> Look for Ruben Tang
> Simple store with CDs, books and magazines
about Tai Chi (in Chinese)
Oversea Jewelry & Giftshop
805 Salazar St., Binondo, Manila
Tel Nos: 241-4520/241-3316
Mobile Number: 0917-8331129
> Look for Jackson Hong
