Friday, March 9, 2012

Top 5 Shopping District in Metro Manila - Best Places to Shop in the Philippines



Philippines becomes one of a tourists destinations in South East Asia. Locals and visitors are amazed of the wonders of 7,107 islands .

Undecided yet where to start to explore in the Philippines?


Haven't any idea of how delicious  Filipino food yet  ? This mouth-watering  Filipino food will surely boost your appetite.

Philippines also is a haven for shoppers. The wide selections of bargain products such as apparel, accessories, footwear, electronics, home decors, handicrafts and anything that springs on your mind as necessities or just simply " good stuff" to buy are  guaranteed to satiate discount - hunters and fashion lovers.

Locals and visitors alike, who are at Manila for leisure, business, gathering or family affairs and would like to take home back a souvenirs or gifts , here are the places in Metro Manila that surely suits  to your mood, budget and preference.

1. Divisoria

" shop 'til you drop experience "



Divisoria or " Divi" for Filipinos is undoubtedly the " queen of all bargain places" in the Philippines. Known for its retail and wholesale stores , where one could definitely find everything from accessories, school and office supplies , clothes ( from simple to trendy ), footwear ( from slippers to boots ), kitchen utensils , home decorations, linens, textiles, handicrafts and oh , dreaming to wear " Kate Middleton's wedding  gown " on your wedding day but apparently on a tight budget to hire famous designer like  Inno Sotto or Sarah Burton ? No sulking to honey because Divisoria will take care of you , all in an affordable bargain prices.

Wedding Gowns and Suit 

Textiles


School Supplies 



 Native Accessories 

Fabulous Curtains 

Hand bags 





Shopping in Divisoria is a mixture  of fun, challenging and exhausting. A place crowded at day time for dry goods and wet products at night time. This is surely a chaotic place  for shoppers 24/7. Divisoria has 2 options for shoppers, one is an air-conditioned shopping complex like 168 Mall , Tutuban Center and Divisoria Mall and the other one is open - air   shopping stores and stalls.



Tutuban Center 

Tutuban during Christmas Season 


http://travelsandtravails.com/blog/?p=1334
Normal View in Divisoria 

Due to the crowded condition of the place. It is best for shoppers to wear sneakers or close- flat shoes, comfortable cotton tee- shirt or blouse and hand bag with multi-compartments. For security purposes also and not to spoil your shopping spree , it is best to avoid wearing expensive and eye-catching jewelries and if possible leave your atm and credit cards at home or at the hotel ( hotels have safety deposit box for guests though).

Tips :

* Buy a minimum of  6 pieces per item to enjoy big discounts.

* For visitors, please know the magic words " magkano" ? (how much)? and " walang tawad"?
 (no discount )? followed by  a wide smile and negotiations begin.

* Divisoria is in extreme crowd during weekends , holidays and Christmas Seasons.

2. Baclaran

"faith and fun"



Photo source- pbase.com


Devotees



Baclaran is well known for the National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help, therefore, Wednesdays are the busiest days , as devotees flocked to attend novena.

It has also a Muslim mosque and a major transportation hub and transfer point, especially to and from Cavite.

Baclaran has a large number of flea markets selling religious items, apparel, maternity wardrobes, skimpy dresses, home decorations , footwear and traditional medicines , all in cheap prices.

photo source - article.wn.com
photo source - newsinfo.inquirer.net

 Photo source - goblinchronicles.blogspot.com



 

Though , there are numerous  pedicab which can be used to navigate the interior streets but its best to wander around the streets and there might be an item that will catch your interest to purchase.

Unlike to Divisoria, Baclaran is less crowded, a bit organized and convenient for transportation.

3. Green Hills

" Techno - Pearl haven"

Are you a Technology lover? or a freshwater pearl collector?


photo source - ortigas.com.ph


Green Hills is a right place for you. A shopping mall that offers a diverse selections of fresh water pearls accessories and trendy clothes at the ground floor while a place to hunt for cheap  2nd hand gadgets to the  latest technology of all kinds  that is available in the market at the 2nd and 3rd floor.

photo source - greenteadesign.com


photo source - lakwatsero.me


Unlike in Divisoria and Baclaran, Green Hills is fully air-conditioned, clean and organized mall with restaurants, chapel, cinemas and park. It is famous for middle class and elite  shoppers who dislike crowded places but like to purchase trendy bargain products.

4. SM Mall of Asia (MOA)

"family, fun and discovery "

MOA is for everyone , a good place to enjoy with the whole family .

Add caption


It is the 2nd largest mall in the Philippines, 3rd largest shopping mall in Asia and according to Forbe's Magazine, 4th largest shopping mall in the world.

The unique attractions of MOA are the following :

The LED Globe or GlobAmaze, displayed at the front of the mall.




The San Miguel by the Bay ( formerly Baywalk )


photo source - archuletaphilippines.com




MOA Eye -180 ft tall Ferris wheel and said to be the tallest in the Philippines.


photo source - homeescapade.com


A 20-seater tram traveling around the mall grounds




photo source - nimrodel.net








The IMAX theater which claimed to be as one of the World's biggest IMAX  screens in 3D and  
     2D  screenings.












An olympic-sized  ice- skating rink , described as the biggest in South East Asia.


photo source - search.wn.com






Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center , claimed to be the first of its kind in the world which 
    features a digital planetarium and science themed exhibit.






photo source - azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com


Giant Christmas Tree during Christmas Seasons located in San Miguel by the bay.


photo source - skyscrapercity.com










I love this place to shop and relax. MOA is literally raised their standard of shopping ang leisure. A modern design shopping mall for every one's convenience.

According to their website, it has 780 shops, 300 dining establishments and attracts a daily foot traffic of about 200,000 people.

It is a place for everyone, indeed.

5. Green Belt - Makati

Makati is a business capital of the Philippines where there are  many 5- Star hotels and first class restaurants and a favorite spot to hang out of upper class citizens and tourists.





photo source - fotothing.com

martinarcher.typepad.com
Cafe Havana
photo source - skyscrapercity.com
                                       
Green Belt is a shopping mall located at Ayala Center Makati. It has 5 sections which 2 are indoor buildings and 3 are open-air shopping areas.

Green Belt is for up-scale shoppers though , not exclusive of course. The mall features a diverse selection of international brands, high-end botiques , department store and restaurants.

Aside from Green Belt, there are several malls in Makati that offers the same standard like Glorietta, Powerplant , Landmark and SM.

Whatever is your mood, preference and budget , whether a small budget or sky is the limit, Philippines has a place for you after all ,NO  individual is deprived  for the joy of shopping.


Happy Shopping!


Friday, February 10, 2012

Let's have more Fun in the Philippines


                                              







Flag  of The Philippines

Photo from :http://talakayanatkalusugan.com/2011/05/28/philippine-flag-symbolizes-freedom-unity/

Fun in the Philippines 

" It's more fun in the Philippines ", is a new slogan from the Department of Tourism to attract tourists to visits and explore the beauty of the Philippines. It is after the success of the slogan "Wow, Philippines " for many years. 

The Philippines is a tropical country with beautiful scenery, fascinating landscape, splendid beaches and breathtaking land and water adventure . With 7,107 islands to discover, explore and enjoy, literally, one will have more fun while learning also the rich cultures of the Filipinos .
   
 To know more of my country Philippines , please read 
http://www.squidoo.com/my-beautiful-motherland-philippines
 




Uncovering the top 8 Amazing Places to explore in the Philippines and have fun 

1. Boracay Island 



 log.travelpod.com/travel-photo/lesleyandrob/1/1266401609/shangri-la-private-beach.jpg/tpod.html






www.conradaskland.com/blog/2008/11/boracay-philippines/
http://www.grandasianresorts.com/Boracay-Philippines-020607.htm
cheaphotelflight.com/travel/asia/role-of-cheap-boracay-hotel-major-resorts-in-becoming-successful-in-tourist-rush/attachment/boracay-beaches-philippines-6/


 

Known for  its famous white sand beaches and one of the world's finest beaches. It is located approximately 315 kilometers from the South of Manila ( Capital of The Philippines ) and 2 kilometers off the Northwest tip of Panay Island in Western Visayas . 

There are many hotels which have  facilities  available to suit different levels of activities. Tourists and locals have fun in water activities like diving, wind surfing, sailing and snorkeling while others opted to relax, walking along the beach . 

The fun does not end when the sun sets. Those who are up for night life , bars and restaurants are open serving delicious food and drinks not to mention , the live Filipino bands and musicians.

 How to get  to Boracay?

The island can be traveled both by plane or by RoRo ( Roll On , Roll Off ) vessel.

 

a) By Plane 

From Manila , take a plane to Kalibo and it will take about 45 minutes then an hour for a car ride then another 10 minutes boat ride to the island. 

 
b) By RoRo

From Manila, it will take around 13 to 14 hours travel to Caticlan then an hour travel by car and 10 minutes boat ride to reach the island. This long journey will give the tourists an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of 4 different places like Batangas, Mindoro, Roxas and Caticlan.


 

2. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park ( Underground River )

Puerto Princesa Underground River
 
http://pilipinasjetaime.blogspot.com/2012/01/palawan-underground-river-now-one-of.html
 Underground River Entrance  (  -http://mithunonthe.net/2011/11/17/philippines-2011-sabang-subterranean-river-tour-palawan-photos/#axzz1m2VFjrxp)

Photo by Fiona  Cullinan

According to Wikipedia on January 28, 2012, it was officially confirmed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the Nature and declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It is located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan . 

It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape that contains an 8.2 km long long underground river. The river flows directly into the sea and the lower half portion of it is brakish and subject to tidal influences . It is also one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas. 

One of the longest navigable underground river in the world where anyone, visitors and local alike  can easily experience and appreciate the formation of stalactites and stalagmites and several large chambers.

How to get  to Puerto Princesa
?

It is more than an hour by plane from Manila and 22 hours long travel by ferry ( weekly trip) to Puerto Princesa.

 


3. The Cordillera Mountains 
photos.camperspoint.com/index.php?page=4&photo=426


The Cordillera Mountains are the largest in the Philippines. Hiking in the Philippines is a delightful and unique experience just like trekking and following the river . 


Trails vary from beginner to expert and overnight backpacking trips are also popular. Hiking through the jungles and valleys and to enjoy the breathtaking views of the famous rice terraces ( was considered , the Eight Wonder of the World ).


Banaue Rice Terraces ( http://www.shoestringtravelers.com/?q=node/40 )

http://www.art.com/products/p610703010-sa-i4035636/kober-christian-bomod-waterfall-banga-an-near-sagada-town-the-cordillera-mountains-luzon-philippines.htm

How to get  to Cordillera 
?

A 45 minute flight from Manila to Baguio and or 6 hours travel by bus .


 


4. Chocolate Hills in Bohol 

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=318160
Chocolate Hills are look like giant mole hills and consist of 1,268 hulls and uniform in shape, covered with grass but during dry season , it turns to chocolate brown ( where the name derives ). 
 
http://www.imagesphilippines.com/viewimage.php?id=1376
http://tourismhoteltrip.com/the-mystery-behind-the-formation-of-chocolate-hills-in-bohol-philippines/bohol-chocolate-hills-3

 
Enjoying the beauty of Chocolate Hills , one will have a chance too to see the smallest primates in the world and can only found in the Philippines , the tarsier. Loboc is a natural habitat of tarsiers , few minutes away from Chocolate Hills .
Tarsiers ( http://www.globetourguide.com/2009/07/bohol-tarsier-and-chocolate-hills-of-the-philippines.html)


How to get to  Bohol ?

By plane from Manila to Tagbilaran , it will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes and a boat to Bohol.



5.  Beautiful    Cebu


Mactan, Cebu (http://tours.asialighttravel.com/cebu-2/)
 
Fort San Pedro , Cebu (http://onevacationpackage.com/vacation/cebu-is-the-natural-beauty-of-philippines/fort-san-pedro-of-cebu-philippines)


Cebu is next to Manila in terms of development and considered as one of the most tourist destination


 


Taoist Temple , Cebu ( http://www.travels-notebook.info/2011/04/just-beautiful-taoist-temple.html)

There are several places to enjoy and have fun in Cebu and one of those is Kawasan Falls. It has three waterfalls. It is located in Southern part of Cebu.

Kawasan Falls

http://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/publish/article_400.shtml



Kawasan Falls, Cebu ( http://paparazz0.com/tag/kawasan-falls-cebu/)
 How to get  to Cebu ?

About 45 minutes by plane from Manila and 10 hours by ferry .



 

6. Siargao Island 




http://blogphilippines.com/2009/10/siargao-island-of-the-philippines.html


Love to surf ? 

Love to engage in water sports? 

Siargao Island is a right place . This province is blessed with white sand beaches and strong waves that the place becomes famous to local and foreign surfers . There are competitions held yearly for surfers.




http://manilenio.com/siargao/
 
http://flickrhivemind.net/User/WOW%20Philippines/Interesting


7. Tubattaha Reef Natural Park in Sulu




http://www.thepinoytravel.com/tubbataha.html
 

http://www.philippinestraveltips.net/tubbataha-reefs-natural-park-81.html
                       (http://www.greatarchaeology.com/heritage_sites_by_countries.php?page=2&country=RP
 

This is the Philippine's First national marine park and UNESCO World Heritage Site . Colorful reef with fish crowds and corals growing in the shallows and sharks haunt the steep drops off to the open sea. 


 

8. White Water Rafting in Camiguin , CDO

http://www.travelandtourpackages.com/tag/cagayan-de-oro-travel-packages/

http://www.travelandtourpackages.com/tag/camiguin-tour-packages/
http://www.marxtermind.com/2010/12/this-is-my-2010.html

The  Philippines is a great place to visit, explore and have fun. The delicious , authentic local food is hard to resist. Filipinos are known for being friendly and hospitable hosts.
We ( Filipinos ) make sure that our guest (s) really will have a rich experience and a lot of fun.