Shopping

Shopping in Philippines

Manila

Shopper’s can easily get lost in the numerous malls flea markets, bargain centres and antique shops. On your way to or from the city from the airport, stop at the handicrafts shops strategically located along the road. Huge stores beckon from busy intersections along EDSA such as Ayala in Makati, Cubao in Quezon City, Ortigas in San Juan, and Crossing in Mandaluyong. You can buy anything from trendy antique stores, shoe shops, appliance centres, furniture stores, optical and jewellery shops, pharmacies, gourmet restaurants and fast-food galleries it’s all here.

Flea markets crowd the overcrowded streets of Quiapo Divisoria and Baclaran where bargain-hunters haggle for the best bargain. Lovers of and handicrafts head for the streets of Malate Manila and San Juan for relics, old images of saints, altar pieces, vases, ceramics, baskets, earthenware and brassware bargains.

Bazaars There are many bazaars that are held only once a year in the period from September-December. There is an entrance fee, but the bargains inside are well worth the fee. Vendors will accept cash only, so bring lots of small change. Most vendors will accept custom orders.

Children's Items are popular as they are both well made and cheap. Goods range from hand made wooden toys and puzzles, cloth books and wall hangings as well as "Barbie" houses and clothes and other doll items and baby quilts (handmade) are a hit as they can be custom-ordered.

Clothing Overruns of designer clothes like Polo, Tommy, Gap etc. are readily available. Be careful of sizing as it can be "Asian sized", smaller and shorter, than "Western sized." Note: Some brands are only copies and some are seconds.

Furniture There are vendors who have examples of their work and catalogues for ordering items. Most of the furniture is of Philippine mahogany, wicker or rattan, or wrought iron. It generally costs much less than you would expect to pay in the west for comparable goods.

Leather Goods Purses and belts embossed or otherwise are available as are tissue holders, wallets, glass holders etc. There are also leather cases to hold playing cards and golf balls and leather frames. Some of the vendors personalize the leather items beautifully on request.

Rugs and Carpets "Persian" carpets are often available. (Some restrictions apply on bringing these carpets back to the U.S.A., be sure you know the current rules before purchasing an expensive carpet). Cotton "rag" rugs in many bright colours are good over wooden floors and are also popular purchases.

Seasonal Items Christmas pillows, ornaments, tree skirts, wreaths, wooden Santa's and so on are always popular here. There is probably nothing that you can think of for Christmas that you won't ultimately find! Much of the Christmas merchandise is of exceptionally high quality as are the Easter ornaments and decorations. Miscellaneous holidays are also represented, including things for Halloween and American Thanksgiving (Note: remember much of this is exported to the US, so expect to find a heavy influence of US culture, holidays etc. represented).

Handicrafts

Plenty of handicrafts are available. Embroidered items, myriad beautiful items including guest towels, cocktail napkins, pillowcases, place mats and napkins.

Glasswork Coloured and blown glass items. Abound and these include fun candle and torch holders for tabletops or around your pool on your return home.

Paper products hand made paper is made into boxes, calendars, scrapbooks, note paper and available as wrapping paper. The items made from paper are very reasonably priced and make great gifts.

Quilts are widely available and a true bargain. You can specify colours and design etc. Many pre-made quilts are for sale at bazaars, but you can custom order if you don't see what you want.

The oceans around the Philippines (as in other parts of the world) are rapidly being depleted of its sea creatures, and abstaining from buying, will enable younger generations to experience the oceans as you are ‘now’ fortunate enough to do. If you do buy, be aware of current regulations concerning importation of coral into your home country.

Silver both filigree and "polished" silver is available. The Philippines is famous for filigree work, however, all silver items are beautifully made and a real bargain.

Weaving this includes those done both in fabrics to those done in fibre, such as banana or coconut fibre. You can get wall hangings, place mats and napkins and table runners, or small items like cases for glasses in woven materials. The weavings in fabric can be brightly coloured and often the wall hangings in fibre are in blacks, browns or muted colours. Wooden Carvings and Tribal Artefacts Many different carvings as well as spears, head pieces, betel nut containers, and the like, are at most bazaars. You can get stools and benches carved in the shapes of animals which are very detailed.

Ayala Commercial Center
SM Mega mall
Robinson's Place
Shangri-La Plaza