Holiday shopping in the Philippines is a vibrant and festive experience that blends traditional charm with modern flair. As the Christmas season approaches, bustling markets come alive with colorful decorations, cheerful carolers, and an array of handcrafted gifts.
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is known as the best shopping destination in Asia. The malls in Manila are designed with the Filipino lifestyle in mind. From the iconic bazaars in Metro Manila, like the lively Divisoria and the enchanting Christmas Village in Tagaytay, to the cultural richness of regional markets, each destination offers a unique shopping adventure. Shoppers can immerse themselves in the warmth of Filipino hospitality while exploring a diverse range of locally-made products, including intricately designed parol lanterns, indigenous crafts, and delicious holiday delicacies. With the joyful spirit of 'Paskong Pinoy' (Filipino Christmas), holiday shopping becomes a memorable celebration of culture, community, and the spirit of giving.
Here are some of the shopping centers around Mandaluyong City:
Shangri-La Plaza Mall: Luxe Holiday Splendor
Located in the heart of Mandaluyong, Shangri-La Plaza Mall is a haven for luxury shopping during the holidays. With its high-end boutiques and designer stores, this upscale shopping center offers a glamorous atmosphere. The dazzling Christmas decorations and themed displays create a festive ambiance, making it an ideal destination for those seeking exclusive gifts and a touch of holiday opulence. Shangri-La Plaza has expensive international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, etc. You can select your section and get going.
If you do not like very crowded places, then this is the right place for you. This mall has a variety of shops offering you affordable and expensive items that you can choose from. The mall has four wings: the Main Mall, the North Wing, the East Wing, and the Shangri-La Plaza. You will find almost anything and everything here. Don't forget to check out the garden food court and restaurants here.
Directly connected to the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, the luxurious vibe of Shangri-La Plaza makes it less busy than most shopping malls in Manila. You'll find luxury and mid-range brands at Shangri-La Plaza, including Elizabeth Arden, Cartier, GAP, Brooks Brothers, and Mango. There are plenty of onsite cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine.
SM Mall (Megamall): The Megamart of Holiday Delights
As one of the largest malls in Asia, SM Megamall provides a diverse and extensive shopping experience. During the holiday season, the mall transforms into a wonderland of festive décor, with Christmas markets and bazaars offering an array of affordable yet stylish gifts. From fashion finds to tech gadgets, SM Megamall caters to every budget, making it a go-to destination for those looking for variety and value. SM Megamall also has entertainment centers like the amusement park, the IMAX theater, the ice skating rink, the science center, and more. One of the largest shopping malls in the world, this is where you'll find a wide range of shopping and dining outlets. Kids get to enjoy plenty of activities as well, as SM Mega Mall houses an ice skating rink, a VR center, and a laser tag center.
They have several malls in Manila, with the most famous ones being the SM Mall of Asia and the ever-expanding SM Megamall. Their enormity makes them perfect for Christmas gift-scouting.
Greenfield District: Christmas Bazaar Extravaganza
Greenfield District is renowned for its vibrant night markets and seasonal bazaars. During the holidays, the area comes alive with twinkling lights and cheerful stalls selling unique and handmade items. This is the perfect spot for those who enjoy a more casual and community-oriented shopping experience, filled with local crafts, artisanal goods, and delicious holiday treats.
Forum Robinsons: Festive Finds for the Family
Forum Robinsons is a family-friendly shopping center that caters to a wide range of needs. During the holiday season, the mall hosts special events and activities for children, creating a joyful and family-oriented shopping environment. From toy stores to apparel outlets, Forum Robinsons is a one-stop destination for finding gifts for every family member. Robinson's place is mostly favored due to its convenient location in the city of Manila. This mall is quite old, but it is still in perfect working condition. You can find all the stores here, like department stores, home decor stores, kitchen appliances, clothing stores, and a wide range of restaurants.
Rockwell Power Plant Mall: Chic and Trendy Holiday Picks
For those with a taste for the chic and trendy, Rockwell Power Plant Mall is the place to be. This upscale shopping destination features a curated selection of high-end brands, making it perfect for finding fashionable holiday gifts. The mall's sophisticated ambiance and stylish decorations add to the allure, creating a shopping experience that is both glamorous and festive.
This mall also has supermarkets, department stores, and one of the largest branches of the National Bookstore. This complex has a two-level H&M store. There is a dome-like indoor sports area constructed here, which you can check out. After you are done shopping, make sure to watch a movie at the Platinum Cinemas here for a luxurious experience.
St. Francis Square Shopping Malls: A Bargain Bonanza for Holiday Shoppers
St. Francis Square is a haven for bargain hunters and practical shoppers. Known for its affordable stalls and diverse selection of goods, this shopping center is a treasure trove for finding budget-friendly holiday gifts. From clothing and accessories to gadgets and home decor, St. Francis Square offers a mix of quality products at wallet-friendly prices.
EDSA Central Pavilion Shopping Mall: Convenience and Charm
The EDSA Central Pavilion is a charming shopping mall that combines convenience with a touch of local flavor. With its mix of shops, including small boutiques and specialty stores, this mall provides a more relaxed and intimate shopping experience. During the holidays, the cozy atmosphere and seasonal decorations make it an inviting place to discover unique gifts with a personal touch.
In each of these shopping centers around Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, holiday shoppers can find a distinctive shopping experience tailored to their preferences, whether it's luxury, variety, affordability, or a sense of community.
Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan, Metro Manila: Thriving Traditions and Timeless Treasures
Greenhills Shopping Center stands as an iconic destination for holiday shopping, renowned for its thriving market atmosphere and diverse offerings. During the festive season, Greenhills transforms into a bustling haven of Christmas cheer. The tiangge-style stalls showcase an array of affordable and unique items, from trendy fashion finds to traditional Filipino crafts. Shoppers can immerse themselves in the vibrant energy, enjoy live performances, and savor local delicacies while scouring the stalls for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures. Greenhills Shopping Center, also said to be the shopper's paradise, is a very famous shopping mall in Manila. When in Greenhills, you will find all kinds of stores, from affordable to high-end shops. Small retail stalls offering clothing items are available, where you can even bargain. Greenhills' mix of tradition and trendiness makes it an indispensable stop for those seeking a truly authentic and lively shopping experience.
In 2003, around 2,000 entrepreneurs had stalls and shops within the complex's tiangge, or flea market. In the same year, it was reported that an estimated 90 percent of all South Sea pearls in the country go through Greenhills, which has a dedicated Pearl Center within the complex. Most of the pearl traders during this period came from Marawi, Lanao del Sur, and Mindanao. Among the other goods sold within the complex are furniture and clothing.
The Filipino people, in general, are said to be very kind and helpful, so the malls here are also designed in a way to help tourists and locals have a great time here. The malls here have many shopping outlets. Other than shopping, the malls also have gaming centers, restaurants serving delicious food items, and many more.
-1.jpg)
