Philippines Travel Informations, Hotels and Resorts.

Philippine Shopping

Home of 3^rd world’s largest mall

Philippines is not just famous for world class beaches, world class dive sites, world class boxers, but also famous for shopping galore that when you finished all your shopping you’ll feel that you are one kind of a world class bargain hunter! Isn’t that wonderful?

One of Asia’s largest bargains are found in the Philippines. It is indeed a haven for shoppers. Depending on the budget, shoppers can pick between luxurious department stores located in gigantic shopping malls or scour bargain shop. Famous Philippine products include handicraft, wood carvings, brassware, antiques, ceramic pots, batik and jewelry- good buys are the south sea pearls and silver jewelry.

Handicrafts in the Philippines are of better quality both in elegance and craftsmanship because Filipinos ingenuity and creativity as well as the country’s unique raw materials make the local handicraft business competitive. Hence, the Philippines is regarded as the “Milan of Asia in terms of design.” Here are some Shopping areas worth visiting when you are here.

Divisoria

Manila’s Bargain Shopping Mecca

Divisoria is the mecca of valued shopping in all of Metro Manila. Divisoria is big and chaotic, but it is unparalleled for goods and prices. Name it and chances are you will find it here. Divisoria is located right in the heart of Manila. If you are on the lookout for cheap items, then this is the place to go. Here you can find almost everything, school and office supplies, textiles, clothing, housewares, small appliances, accessories, home decors, toys..well practically everything. If you are also looking for crafting and packaging materials, Divisoria offers wide choices.

Divisoria is not just one street. It actually encompasses several streets and has several malls around the area. Be prepared to walk around. Before venturing there keep this in mind:

It could get really crowded particularly during weekends, holidays, before school starts and during Christmas season. If you are claustrophobic, Divisoria street market is not the place for you. If you can’t stand the heat, smell and close proximity of other people, you may opt for the air-conditioned malls around the area.

Dress down. Wear walking shoes or slippers. Don’t wear jewelry. I’d advice against bringing electronic gadgets and cell phones.

Bring cash and small bills. They don’t accept credit cards here. There are ATM’s around but better be ready with enough cash. It would also be very wise to use a small body/belt bag where you can stash your hard earned cash to keep it away from keen pickpockets.

Before deciding on a purchase, check for quality. Especially ready made clothes, check the insides.

Haggle, haggle, haggle! Sellers actually expect you to haggle. If its your first time, go with an experienced Divi shopper. If you can speak Chinese, that’ll mean additional discounts :)

Be careful about your belongings. Bring a large shopping bag. That will keep your purchases organized.

There are several malls around Divisoria. Divisoria Mall, 168 Mall, Tutuban Mall, Meisic Mall and there is a new mall beside Tutuban..

Divisoria Mall – located near Tabora St., it’s air-conditioned with stalls in grid-like position. This mall has a lot of stalls so the pathways are narrow so on crowded days be prepared to squeeze yourself. There are three floors selling a wide range of items at wholesale and retail prices. There a lot of toys, school and office supplies, party supplies, clothes, home items, accessories, footwear. The third floor also houses a small food court area and restrooms. This mall also has a lower ground floor with stalls selling party supplies and lots of native handicrafts.

168 Mall – located a few meters away from Tutuban Mall. 168 Mall is air-conditioned, well-lit, and have bigger passageways than Divisoria Mall. This one also has better security, restroom facilities, and has more stalls. Stalls here sell items almost the same as those in Divisoria mall but I noticed there are more quality home decor and electronic gadgets. Food court is also big with lots of restaurants from. McDonalds, Jollibee, Tokyo Tokyo, Chowking, Greenwich, Namit Gid, Reyes Barbeque, American Hotdog, Balot Express, plus a several stalls offering Chinese food. ATM’s are also located on the thri168 Mall can be accessed via Soler, Felipe and Sta. Elena St.

Tutuban Mall – located along Claro M. Recto Avenue. This mall is also air-conditioned and divided in 3 clusters. This is also popular place to buy wholesale. You can find a good variety of textiles, ready to wear clothes, bags, shoes, sewing materials, accessories, phones plus there are also some shops of popular brands. Food court is also good as well as restroom facilities.

Meisic Mall – this is a newly opened mall near 168. Located at the corner of Reina Regente and Meisic Sts in Binondo. You can find same items here as the other malls

Greenhills Shopping Center is the Philippines' premier shopping, entertainment, and dining destination - with over 2,000 stores in a unique indoor/outdoor environment. Located just 20 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International airport, and minutes away from most hotels, Greenhills Shopping Center is a worthwhile destination in itself for visitors and residents alike. The Place is known for bargain furnitures, clothes, childrens items, automotive, electronics and computer items.

Greenhills Shopping Center
Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63-2-721-0572

Fax: +63-2-722-6795

Tiendesitas

“Truly a showcase of Pinoys' best”

Tiendesitas is Pasig City's newest shopping and family entertainment destination. Tiendesitas caters to foreign and domestic shoppers looking for the best Philippine products. It showcases the best that the Philippines can offer - native food, fashion wear and accessories, furniture, antiques, handicrafts, personal care and novelty items, pets, plants, and other locally made products. More than 450 traders, mostly entrepreneurs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are offering specialty merchandise.