Shopping in the Philippines – Best Tips for Buyers

Filipinos love shopping so much they’ve come up with the term “malling”, which refers to their favorite pastime – spending time in malls. As a result, the Philippines is home to a plethora of unique shopping experiences that will make the heart of any shopaholic skip a beat with the sheer range of diverse choices and fun encounters with the locals while you’re at it.

Where to Look for Best Deals

Malls and markets in Manila, Cebu, and Davao are excellent places to start for local bargains, as well as some of the latest names in designer goods.

Miniature replicas of the ubiquitous Filipino jeepney, handicrafts, textiles, furniture, dried mangoes, thrift clothing, electronics, and western-name goods are just some of the things you’ll find when you go shopping in the Philippines.

Manila

Manila is one of the best places to shop in the Philippines. The country’s capital is teeming with shopping experiences almost everywhere. Makati is ground-zero for shopping: you’ll find malls selling everything in all prices. Rustan’s Department Store carries luxury international brands in fashion, beauty, and home; while the neighboring SM Department Store and the Landmark Department Store cater to the budget-conscious shopper.

Along Arnaiz Avenue is Balikbayan Handicrafts, a multi-level one-stop-shop for thousands of different Filipino handicrafts. From mother-of-pearl accessories, local delicacies, and textiles, Balikbayan Handicrafts has something for everyone. For serious shopaholics, visit the Mall of Asia which is the biggest mall in all of the country – and in Asia. Mall of Asia has over 500 shops and stalls from high-end to low-end.

Is budget shopping more your cup of tea? Visit the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, but allot a whole day for this excursion. Greenhills Shopping Center is 16 hectares large and filled with over 1,000 concessionaires to choose from. It’s best to bring a shopping guide or map with you, since it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth-like maze of all the stalls. These air-conditioned markets are akin to indoor and outdoor flea markets, and offer some of the best cheap shopping in the Philippines. Greenhills Shopping Center also has an expansive area solely dedicated to jewelry vendors selling breathtaking south sea pearls and sparkling gems from other parts of the world. Don’t forget to bargain!

Cebu

Cebu is a renowned historic center of trade in the Philippines, and is a shopper’s paradise in its own right. Shopping items here are varied, from upscale malls to charming stalls selling a diverse range of specialty items produced in and around the islands.

Ayala Center Cebu is a massive mall in the city center. With over 200 shops selling local and international fashion goods, electronics, furniture, appliances, books, and much more, Ayala Center will have something for everyone at all budgets. For shopping that’s a little more on the scenic side, SM Seaside City Cebu is a large shopping mall complex with a futuristic design located right by the coastline. These malls will always have something on sale, so flex those shopping muscles before heading over.

Don’t leave Cebu without trying the dried fish that the island is known for. The best place to buy dried fish is the Taboan Public Market, which naturally will have that distinct smell. The Taboan Public Market is also a great place to buy the famous Cebu dried mangoes at a much cheaper rate. These edible goods are just some of the delicious delicacies that Cebu is well-known for.

Davao

Davao is the commerce hub of southern Philippines. When locals or travelers need shopping items, Davao City is the place to be. Both local and international name brands can be found in Davao’s malls and markets, with a ton of awesome finds to be discovered in the wide array of shops.

Abreeza Mall has over 300 retail choices both from local and international shores. It’s also within the same complex as the Robinson’s Mall. Between these two shopping centers, you can find everything that you need in Davao in all ends of the price spectrum. For more affordable goods, head over to the Gaisano Mall, an 8-storey department store with shops as well as arcades, food stalls, and more.

Aldevinco Shopping Center is a must-visit for cultural and handmade goods that are unique to this part of the Philippines. Aldevinco is an arts gallery and shop in one, and the best place to experience the vibrant culture and amazing talent of the local Mindanaoans. In Aldevinco you’ll find over 100 stalls selling authentic Mindanao antiques, products, textiles, souvenirs, and more. Another great destination for souvenir shopping is the Davao City Pasalubong Center, a 2-storey shop selling all kinds of products proudly made in Davao including gifts, processed foods, housewares, and accessories.

Davao Chinatown is the main residential area of the Chinese community in Davao. It’s also the biggest Chinatown in all of the Philippines, spanning an area of 44 hectares. Davao’s Chinatown is an excellent place to visit for dry goods and produce that are much cheaper than the rest of the city.

Can You Bargain In The Philippines?

Just like shopping in the rest of Southeast Asia, haggling and bargaining are expected and part of the Filipino shopping experience. However, keep in mind that bargaining can only be done in markets whose goods are not sold in fixed prices. Shopping malls, groceries, stalls, and restaurants that provide you with a receipt don’t engage in haggling. Vendors selling produce and flea market-type shops are generally open to bargaining, especially if you purchase in bulk.

In Manila, bargaining is not as common as in the provincial areas because of the prevalence of large shopping malls. The exception to the rule is the Greenhills Shopping Center where almost all of the vendors happily engage in a bargaining game with shoppers. The trick is to ask for the price, then suggest a lower price – what you’re willing to pay. Otherwise, walking away while saying “mahal” (which means expensive in Tagalog), or asking for “tawad” (a lower price), usually does the trick. Keep in mind that it’s also considered rude to walk away if the vendor gives you the price you’re asking for, but you still walk away – so please keep these shopping tips in mind.

10 Best Things To Buy In The Philippines

Shopping in the Philippines can be overwhelming – it’s easy to find affordable, quality goods and there is so much to choose from. These are 10 unique things you should take home with you from the Philippines:

Basketry: The unique craftsmanship of the Filipinos is visible in the beautiful basket products found throughout the country. Baskets are valued for its functional and aesthetic appeal, and they come in many sizes. In fact, Philippine baskets are export quality and make for great gifts and souvenirs. Price: PhP 100 up, depending on size
Woven mats: Handmade in a wide assortment of colors, woven mats are typically used to adorn Filipino homes. Mats made in the Luzon region are usually beige or natural-colored, while colorful mats such as those found in Cebu and Davao are more elaborate, vivid, and bright. Price: PhP 100-500
Local sweets: Sugary treats are popular throughout the country and also make for easy souvenirs. Popular sweet delicacies include Choc Nut (powdery nutty chocolate bars), dried mangoes, polvoron (soft and crumbly cookies), pastillas de leche (soft, sugar-coated milk candies), and hopia (flaky pastry filled with mung bean paste). Price: PhP 50-300
Miniature jeepney: The image of the jeepney has become as closely identified to Filipino culture as the tuk-tuk is to Thailand. Jeepneys have been around for a long time; not only are they an efficient means of getting around but they also possess a quirky flair. Pick up a mini jeepney easily found in souvenir shops and take them back home to remind you of the Philippines. Price: PhP 150-500
Coffee: Local coffee is world-class, famous for its strength and distinct robust flavors. Some of the best local coffee is grown in farms found in Luzon and Davao. If you’re looking to take home a taste of the Philippines with you or for a coffee-loving friend, you can’t go wrong with local coffee. These can be found in supermarkets as well as craft coffee shops in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Price: PhP 50-900 (depending on size)
Coconut products: Coconut production is a vital component of the local industry, and world-class coconut products are abundant throughout the country. Some of the best coconut products to buy include virgin coconut oil and beauty products such as soap, shampoo, and moisturizers. Price: PhP 100-300
Jewelry: Mother of pearl jewelry is popular, affordable, and abundant throughout the country. They can be found in most souvenir shops. The Mindanao seas are renowned for its pearl farms; you can find great deals for stunning pearls at the markets in Cebu and Davao at a fraction of the price you’d pay abroad. Price: PhP 100-5,000, depending on quality and size.
Condiments: Condiments are an integral part of Filipino cuisine. They are considered staples in every home and restaurant. Take home some patis (fish sauce made from fermented fish), banana ketchup (tomato ketchup with a twist using bananas), bagoong (fermented shrimp paste), and sweet chili sauce.
Instant noodles: If you enjoy Asian noodles, you can’t go wrong with instant noodles. They come in many varieties and only cost your spare change. They take less than 10 minutes to make, are filling and delicious, and will immediately transport you back to the Philippines. A pack of 10 noodles costs just PhP 50.
Local alcohol: Drinking is a huge part of the Filipino culture. It is said that Filipinos will drink whether they are sad or happy. If you enjoy drinking, take home the legendary Tanduay Rum, some San Miguel beer, or the celebrated Don Papa Rum. Price: PhP 80-1,000

The 3 Best Shopping Centers In The Philippines

If you’re traveling to the Philippines, these shopping centers should be on your itinerary. They all offer excellent quality products at a wide range of prices.

1. Greenhills Shopping Center, Manila

Greenhills Shopping Center is a paradise for bargain hunters and shopaholics because of the affordable prices and sheer variety of choices. Feel free to haggle to get the best price, but you’ll need a whole day to navigate the shops. Most goods in Greenhills come from China and nearby Asian countries.

2. Ayala Center, Cebu

From high end to low end, you’ll find it here. This shopping mall is a favorite hangout of locals because it has a breezy outdoor area, while the interior is air-conditioned. The mall is located right in the business district and is a convenient one-stop shop for all kinds of goods.

3. Aldevinco Shopping Center, Davao

A one-stop shop bazaar-style market, the Aldevinco Shopping Center is home to over 100 arts and crafts vendors. Here, you’ll find eye-catching handmade goods from wooden statues to beautiful woven fabrics. Aldevinco Shopping Center also sells products from Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Tips For Shopping In The Philippines

Shopping in the Philippines is an experience of its own. It’s thrilling and captivating, and will surely delight all the senses. For a successful day of shopping, bring a body bag or belt bag to safely keep your cash and valuables while leaving your hands free to examine goods. It’s best to always bring change, and haggle in markets and bazaars when you can.