A trip to the Philippines won’t be complete without buying anything that you can take home as a souvenir. While the country may not exactly be a retail wonderland, it still offers charming options as far as shopping enthusiasts are concerned. In fact, in Manila alone, you can find several high-end shopping malls (think Gucci) and even more cheap, hole-in-the-wall stores selling all sorts of merchandise you can imagine. The Philippines has everything from goods designed by locals to top international designer names. From electronics, clothes, shoes, and more – all of these are easily available in any of Manila’s many malls and department stores.

Shopping in the Philippines is also a tourist attraction itself, especially if you search for locally-made goods like woodcarvings, handicrafts, and jewelry with designs that are unique to the country. Cebu and Manila are among the best cities to visit when it comes to retail therapy. In Manila, you can drop by under the bridge in Quiapo so you can purchase useful bamboo or palm baskets for a cheaper price than when you buy them in malls. You also have the option to haggle for much cheaper prices to get  the best value for your money. You can also head over to Marikina where you can find a wide variety of locally made and designed footwear that boast world-class quality.

If you’re okay with a long bus ride to Baguio, you can shop for silver jewelry and interesting antiques that can give an eccentric charm to your house back home. Baguio is also home to the well-known ukay-ukay shops where you can buy a variety of really cheap second-hand apparel, shoes, and bags that are one-of-a-kind. Who knows, you may score second-hand designer goods for less than a dollar when you drop by every Sunday morning or Saturday night? Nowadays, you can also find ukay-ukay shops in Manila and other major cities, too, but prices may be a bit higher.

Elsewhere in Luzon, you can find more products such as hair pieces, bracelets, necklaces, mats, bags, fans, hats, and other souvenir-worthy products with different designs according to the region where you are buying them.

The Philippines may not be a retail Mecca but it does have its own charm as far as shopaholics are concerned. In the capital city itself, you will find a number of large shopping malls that showcase every kind of merchandise that you can think of. From international designer labels to top Philippine brands for clothes, shoes, electronics and other items, you’ll find practically everything by simply visiting any shopping mall in Manila.

But the main tourist attraction of the Philippines in terms of shopping opportunities comes from its beautiful handicrafts, jewelry and woodcarvings that are sought after in any part of the world. Manila and Cebu are the cities to visit for great doses of retail therapy.

Under the Quiapo Bridge in Manila, there are lots of tourist shops that sell a variety of baskets made of palm and bamboo. You will find these baskets sold in top retail outlets all over the world but you can get them at cheaper prices at the market. You can even haggle to get the best value for your money. Baguio is a place to visit for interesting antiques and silver jewelry. Its infamous ukay-ukay features a variety of second hand clothes, bags and shoes that you can purchase at the cheapest prices. You will even come across bags and shirts sold for at least ten Philippine pesos if you visit the market on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

“Mother of pearl” is also a popular gem used for jewelry in the Philippines. You will find necklaces, bracelets, hair pieces and other types of accessories made from pearl all over the country. Luzon is a region known for its colourful mats that are used to make various items such as bags, hats, fans and other souvenirs. Marikina is where you can find a diverse selection of locally designed shoes.

Bancas and beachlife

Cruise the islands of the world’s second largest archipelago, from Luzon in the North to frontiers of Palawan. There’s thousands of islands and many more gorgeous beaches waiting to be discovered, and the island hopping starts here.

This Philippines travel blog is the beta version of a 100 page, picture laden site, rich in travel tips and essential info, coming soon. We’ve been all over Southeast Asia seeking out the best spots and they’re all here on this site to help make your travels easier and more rewarding.

Whether you are coming to dive, sail, treat yourself to fresh seafood, mingle with the locals, soak up the sun, trek volcanic peaks or simply lie on the tropical beaches, the Philippines promises an excellent holiday. Start planning it here.

One fantastic way to experience the Philippines is to hire your own private villa on one of the islands, and you can find plenty of choices on sites like self catering breaks.