Many visitors go to Manila to shop, and no wonder. Manila offers many types of shopping experiences, from modern shopping centers full of department stores, supermarkets and specialty shops under one roof in Makati or Quezon City, to markets and cheaper stores around the Qiapo and St. Cruz area. You can buy anything from bargains to clothing to handicrafts.
I love handicrafts, so I headed for Pistang Pilipino in Ermita, which is a large 'mall' containing dozens of small shops offering all kinds of handmade products such as shellcraft, rattan, hammock, and traditional Filipino clothes. There, I bought some Ilocano blankets, some basketrys, and my favorite, clay vases that have been handpainted with colorful and somewhat native patterns. They make great and distinct souvenirs and are fairly affordable. The only problem of course is their bulkiness, and the possible problem of carrying them home.