A-Z guide to shops in the Philippines
SM Mall of Asia has hundreds of shops
When it comes to shopping, the range of products that is available in the Philippines is almost overwhelming. There is hardly anything imaginable that cannot be bought here, as long as you are willing to pay the asking price. However, the quality of goods and the cost can vary widely, and it is always a good idea to take the time to shop around before making a purchase.
Bartering is common practice in the country’s markets, and this is a good place to pick up a bargain or two. However, prices often tend to be fixed in the country’s modern malls, and the convenience of shopping here and comfort of cool air-conditioning is usually offset by higher prices.
Many places in the Philippines are also blessed with vibrant night markets, which tend to set up at around dusk and go on trading long into the evening. Many of the stalls here sell cheap and tasty meals and snacks, and these are great places to indulge in a spot of people watching.
Those who like to shop until they drop will really be in their element in the Philippines, and those with plenty of cash to splash will be able to pick up items and have them shipped back home to enjoy when they return. What follows is an overview of some of the country’s best bargains.
Recommended goods to buy in the Philippines
Antiques: Philippine antiques are famed the world over and include items such as religious figurines and furniture. Shop for antiques in the city of Vigan as well as the Ermita district of Manila.
Books: There are certainly no shortage of excellent bookshops in the Philippines, and many stock books in English, Spanish and local dialects. The Ayala Center Cebu is known for its bookshops, while most tourist areas come complete with a selection of new and used bookshops.
Clothing: Those who fancy picking up clothing created by top local designers should check out the shops and boutiques that can be found in the country’s largest and trendiest shopping malls. Souvenir t-shirts and other types of clothing are also widely available throughout the Philippines, and tend to be cheapest at markets and streetside stalls.
CDs and DVDs: Varying widely in quality, pirated copies of CDs and DVDs make their way onto many market stalls.
Shoes: The city of Marikina is famed for its traditional show factories, and this is by far the best place to buy ready to wear shoes or order unique creations to measure.
Brassware: Mindanao is known for its excellent brassware, and among the many items that can be found here are jewellery boxes, brass gongs, brass beds, intricately decorated betel nut boxes and even replicas of canons.
Mats: Philippine mats colourful creations that are made from pandan leaves woven together. Typically used to line hotel walls, these souvenirs can be found in places such as Luzon, while the mats that are created in Basilan and Sulu are prized for their dramatic geometrical patterns. Those who travel to places such as Davao, Zamboanga and Cebu will find a large selection of mats that hail from all over the Philippines, making these the best places to make purchases.
Basketry: Basket weaving is another traditional skill that is still alive and well in the Philippines and a large number of styles and patterns can be found throughout the country. The skill is flourishing in many of the villages that surround Manila, and places such as the market under Quiapo Bridge is a good place to shop for baskets and other woven handicraft items.
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