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!