Malling in Manila

All tourists love a bit of shopping. Nowadays, malls are the venues for you to shop, dine, catch a movie, or even do a little bit of grocery shopping for the home. You want to go to the mall that not only caters your needs, but also your heart’s desires. Something that catches the eye or something ethnic, perhaps a souvenir. People who feel Bangkok and Hongkong are the destinations in Asia will be pleasantly surprised. Manila has some of the biggest malls in Asia and crowds throng the place. The people call going to the malls, malling. Air conditioning is a relief from the heat in Manila. Shopping, especially at malls, is a passion with many Filipinos. There are huge malls all over the greater Manila area. Although often very crowded and noisy, they are clean, air conditioned and generally safe. For many, who may not find mall shopping quite as interesting, there are some wonderful book stores, handicraft stores, antique shops, and true "specialty" stores", for custom made items, like shoes, furniture etc. A day in a mall offers a selection of restaurants, theatres, all types of stores, beauty salons, spas, clinics, play areas and wonderful rides for children, furniture shops, etc. under one roof.

 

The major Filipino department stores in the Philippines:

Rustans

Landmark

Shoemart (SM)

Robinsons

 

 

Ayala Center

A haven for designer casual clothes, the Ayala Center, at the heart of Makati, houses everything from restaurants, bars, cafes, movie houses, bookstores; as well as shops selling jewellery, apparel, accessories, shoes, and furniture.

 

The popular malls are :

SM Mall of Asia
This is the largest in the Philippines and third largest in the world, at least by floor area. It is right on Manila Bay in Pasay City, downtown Metro Manila and what it does not have, you probably don't need. On opening day 1,000,000 people went through it's doors. It requires more than a day to cover the mall. It is home to 600 shops, an IMAX theatre, Ice skating rink, food courts and restaurants. It is airy and not claustrophobic at all.

 

Glorietta Shopping Mall
Glorietta Shopping Mall is located in the CBD area of Makati and is rather upmarket. After all it is surrounded by 5 star hotels, if that gives you an idea of it's clientele and prices. It has something for everyone. Clothing, home, electronics, dining. Everything under one roof.

 

Greenbelt Shopping Mall
This is in the Ayala Center, the same place as the Glorietta Shopping Mall. It caters to a different consumer, it specialises in Lifestyle products. You will find all sorts of bargains here. There are few malls of this kind. It is spacious and a mix of al fresco and airconditioned halls. It is spread over 5 areas. For bargains and a more budget friendly shopping, you have  Greenbelt 1, with its stalls of local retailers and food choices as well as a supermarket. Greenbelt 2 is a mix of restaurants, perfect if you want to grab a quick bite to eat. For the young and fashionable crowd there’s Greenbelt 3 with its choice of coffee shops, a diverse selection of restaurants, fashion-forward boutiques, movie theatres and a well-known nightlife. While Greenbelt 4 caters to people who want items in the high-end fashion. Greenbelt 5 offers more high end restaurants with various cuisines and more shops. You must also visit TriNoma in this area, short for Triangle North of Manila, located in Quezon City. This is a 4 level shopping centre with over 550 outlets of shops, food, entertainment and restaurants.

 

Power Plant Shopping Mall
Also know as Rockwells Power Plant, it has it all and appears a bit too expensive, but you cannot complain about the choices. The Power Plant Mall has an avenue of stalls that sell vintage apparel and accessories, locally designed swimsuits, bags, hand painted bangles and shelves of shoes. Sure it’s not the cheapest place to grab them, but buying them at Power Plant is a lot more convenient seeing that some of these shops  around the metro and in Power Plant they congregate under one lovely air-conditioned roof. Book stores like Powerbooks and National Bookstore. There are a lot of restaurants too.

 

Shangri-La Plaza
The Shangri La Plaza has all the brand names, if you want the latest then the Shangri La is the place for you. Another fantastic and classic mall with all the amenities a shopper would like. Shops, restaurants, activities, exhibits, theatres etc. all under one roof.

 

 

Robinsons
There are two Robinsons in Manila. The Robinsons Galleria and the other Robinsons Place Manila. This is one of the older malls in Manila but you will get everything you need. It is in Ermita area, a major tourist area and close to a lot of hotels.

 

 

The Podium Ortigas Center
The Podium Ortigas Center is where you find your top end, high quality, expensive clothing and accessories. Do not expect bargains here. This is the dining and quick shopping destination for businessmen and women who work and live nearby. It has over 30 restaurants and is a bit expensive, so avoidable if you are on a budget. This is a place which provides high quality shopping, food and entertainment.

 

Sm Megamall
The SM Megamall is in Mandaluyong and is a mid priced shopping mall and if you search and shop well it will not break your budget. It can get crowded and kind of chaotic at times. So be careful during sales. It is nearly impossible that you would leave the store empty handed.

 

 

Divisoria Mall & 168 Mall
Divisoria Mall & 168 Mall is a mixture of street stalls and shopping mall. Make sure you bring comfy shoes, wear comfy clothes and haggle. You will surely find things at jaw dropping prices. Divisoria has been compared to Bangkok’s Chatuchuk market. 168 mall is a little more orderly and airconditioned. Again a place for great bargains. Both these places are good for wholesale rates. So be sure to bargain well and buy in bulk. Be sure to carry cash, credit cards won’t work. Keep your money safe. Beware of pickpockets.

 

Tiendesitas at the edge of Ortigas highlights local handicrafts, souvenirs and furniture.

Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street and Powerbooks  in Greenbelt 4 for book lovers.

Hidalgo Street Quiapo
Hidalgo Street is not a shopping mall, but rather a mecca for camera and related equipment. Anything under the sun related to photography can be found here.

With all these and more Shopping Centres and Plazas in Manila, it is easy to see how Shopping Malls Manila is becoming a major tourist destination. How can you go wrong, you have all the Brand names that your use to from back home, with more variety and range!
A dream come true for some!