The real deals in Asia’s New Shopping Capital
More and more people are discovering that the Philippines is Asia’s most inexpensive shopping destination where you can get the most value for your money.
Divisoria market and the slightly more upscale Tutuban Mall along C.M. Recto, Manila and the Baclaran stalls in Pasay City are favorites of local shoppers seeking to stretch their peso’s worth.
Local handicrafts abound at amazingly affordable prices at what locals call “ilalim ng tulay” (literally means under the bridge), the stalls under Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, Manila.
The Greenhills Shopping Complex in San Juan and Tesoros - The Pioneer in Philippine Handicrafts in 1325 A. Mabini, Ermita, Manila, are also as haggler’s haven. It is where you find home accessories made of cultured pearls which come in a variety of chic designs.
If you prefer the convenience of malls, the SM and Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, and Ayala Center are recommended for upmarket and world-class brands from all over the world.
A WORD ON THE MALLS
The national tropical climate in the Philippines plus the facilities of our world class malls continue to entice Filipinos to the malls. That’s why “malling” has become a national pastime as our world-class shopping malls in the country have proven to be a good destination to while your boredom away, indulge in gourmet treats, feed your urge to splurge as well as an alternative to exercising. You’ll never run out of things to do. Malls have become integrated shopping-dining-exhibition-entertainment-sports-meeting place centers where you can walk around for days yet still not see everything. Try and find out! You’ll see why.
Come to Manila for excellent buys and fantastic discounts at the city’s premier malls and shopping centers. Experience the comfort of staying in luxurious hotels located within commercial complexes to give you ample time to shop to your heart’s desire. The malls are complete with shops, restaurants, bookstores, entertainment centers, beauty salons, health spas and supermarkets. All of these major establishments accept international credit cards.
Take your pick among these shopping destinations in Metro Manila
Manila
Robinson’s Place is a relatively new shopping center in the heart of Manila. Stay in Manila Midtown Hotel which has easy access to the mall. Tesoros - The Pioneer in Philippine Handicrafts in 1325 A. Mabini, Ermita, Manila, are also as haggler’s haven. It is where you find home accessories made of cultured pearls which come in a variety of chic designs. Harrison Plaza is another well known shopping mall. It is accessible by foot from Century Park Hotel. Orchid Garden Suites and Traders Hotel. Further down Manila Bay is The Westin Philippine Plaza.
Makati
At Ayala Center Makati you can find the Glorietta Mall, SM Department Store and Landmark Department Store. Stay at the Shangri-La Makati, Hotel Intercontinental, Dusit Hotel, Peninsula Manila or New World Hotel which are all walking distance away from these shops.
Mandaluyong
SM Megamall, Shangri-la Plaza and Star Mall are the best places to shop in this area. Stay at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel for an easy stroll to these malls.
Pasig
The Robinson’s Galleria is the place to be in this part of the metropolis. Stay at the Manila Galleria Suites which is conveniently connected to the mall.
Quezon City
At Araneta Center, expect to find big-name stores - Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, SM Department Store and Rustan’s among others. Great restaurants, world class entertainment and bargain centers make up for a great experience here. It is readily accessible from all hotels within Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasig areas.
ADVENTURE SHOPPING
For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel/shopping complex package and combine other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as the Tutuban Mall in Divisoria, the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, Baclaran market in Pasay, and the shops under Quezon Bridge in Quiapo.
Understand that part of the whole shopping adventure here is bargaining. Never settle for the initial price given. Haggle for as low as half the price. Upon the seller’s second quotation, look dismayed even if you are ready to pay the price. Part of the fun is the exchange of banter on how expensive it is and how little money you brought. Risk the possibility of eating humble pie by walking away from the desired merchandise. If this age-old trick works, the seller will go-all-out to negotiate a price you are comfortable with. Otherwise, you just walk right back, pay for it and smile at the triumphant expression of the seller. Chances are, you stil walk away with bargain.
Now, should you have stopped more than you carry, there are establishments that handle shipments of your merchandise, or else you can find an excellent list of reliable international freight forwarders through the yellow pages directory.
SHOPPING HOURS
Most shopping malls open at 10:00 AM and close 9:00 PM. However, well organized night markets, weekend sales and midnight madness events are regularly scheduled throughout the year. There are also many convenience stores located around major thoroughfares that open 24 hours.
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