Manila Shopping

Manila offers great value for the money even if it lacks the variety of international brands available in Singapore or Hong Kong. But Manila deserves its place as one of Asia's great shopping cities thanks to excellent service in modern, spectacular malls and centres.

SM Mall of Asia is new and is Asia's biggest with more than a hundred stores and several restaurants under one gigantic roof. Local brands sit alongside international ones such as Mango and Zara, which have appeared in Manila for the first time thanks to the scale of the mall. In all, a great setting with amazing architecture and commanding views of Manila Bay.

Greenhills is often referred to as a permanent flea market minus the dust. There are plenty of bargains, especially with pearls and other jewelry. Prices are negotiable so start haggling. This famous wholesale market, Divisoria, is a unique shopping experience featuring ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry and house wares. Fight off the fellow shoppers.

Everything from high fashion to bargain basement shops in central Makati is to be found at Ayala Center. Shangri-La Plaza is one of Manila's most upmarket malls with a striking eight-story atrium and high-end international brands such as Calvin Klein and Polo.

Magallanes Centre has bicycle and golf equipment. San Andres Market is famous for fruits and Seaside Market is famous for seafood. La Porcelana and V.M. Antiques in Ermita, Chang Rong Antique Gallery in Intramuros and Tawalisi in Makati are famous for antiques. Handicrafts are on sale at Silahis and Balikbayan Handicrafts.