Manila. A shopper's paradise

Shopping experience: The Baclaran market, especially on a Wednesday, is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Shopping bargains: The Greenhills Shopping Centre in the Ortigas San Juan district is where you will get most of your shopping bargains.
Tutuban shopping Centre: Lesser known in the Divisoria area (about 150 Pesos and 20 minutes by taxi from Ermita) is a paradise for clothes and shops Where Shopping meets Nightlife: Go to GreenBelt 1 to 4 in Makati City with an infinite number of restaurants and clubs, especially in 3 and 4.

Quick Tips:

Baclaran: There is not a lot to buy really, although in our case we bought several mosquito nets for our summers in Corfu. Greenhills: You can buy inexpensive jewellry, shoes, clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and if there is an exhibition of whatever, you get it at bargain prices. There is a moneychanger in the centre and several top restaurants outside with very reasonable prices. Allow several hours to "tour" the place Tutuban: This is where you can get clothes, shoes, handbags at rock bottom prices in a pleasant environment-and a lot more.

Best Way To Get Around:

For Baclaran, come off at the last station of the LRT train and you are in the middle of the mayhem called Baclaran Market. If you are staying in Malate or Ermita, opt for a metered taxi (about 120 pesos equal 1,8€) to Greenhills. A taxi wiill cost less if you stay in Makati. To get to Greenbelt 1 to 4 is less than 120 pesos if you stay in Ermita/Malate. The lesser known (and written about it) Tutuban is north of the chinatown, approximately 15min and 120 Pesos by taxi from Ermita

ASIA restaurant is located at Greenhills shopping complex, exactly opposite the Starrbucks, on the "Promenade" complex ,which houses numerous food outlets. It is on the second floor of the Promenade, and serves numerous dishes from Southeast Asia and the Far East, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and of course Philippines.
As the portions are more than generous, and the service difficult to fault, the prices are an absolute bargain. During February 2006 , you could have a three course meal with one drink, for less than $10. Standing out from the menu: On the starters go for the Vietnamese spring rolls for just 165 Pesos, or even better the mouth watering shrimp curls with mango dip (also 165 Pesos). The size of the latter could easily be of a main course dish. On the main course do NOT miss the Beef Tenderloin rolls with Teriyaki sauce-succulent and just 275 Pesos. Equally rewarding are the Cantonese Prawns with melted cheese and creamy sauce for 295Pesos or the Beef cubes in Japanese black pepper sauce for 275 Pesos. As you can see on photo 2 below, the superb chef has accumulated numerous awards for his cooking skills and art.

Tokyo is a Japanese fast food restaurant on the second floor of Tutuban. It is located at the end corner of Centerhall 1. It is a brilliant fast food outlet for those of the readers who are interested in Japanese cuisine (Sushi, Sashimi, etc.).

Prices are almost impossible to beat. Six pieces of mixed Sushi cost just 61 Pesos (that is just €1), and a delicious tuna sashimi for just 69 Pesos.

I spent some time watching the staff on food preparation, and they would take top marks on hygiene conditions. The service was friendly and efficient as well.

Greenhills would take our top marks on the "Manila shopping experience" for a combination of factors, such as relative convenience, value for money, and pleasant ambiance. There are plenty of banks and money changers, and a large variety of retailers which are grouped; in one part of the complex there are hundreds of stalls selling mobile phone accessories, then in another area hundreds are selling clothes. The main items that stand out are artistic souvenirs and artistic pieces of home decoration, pearls when they have a fair (usually every February), clothes, and shoes (but prices slightly higher than Tutuban's), home furniture, and a lot more. In close proximity there are dozens of restaurants and coffee shops, at great prices, to allow a shopaholic a pleasant recovery at the end of a hard day's work.

Tutuban bares similarities with Greenhills (see rest of journal) with one plus and minus. Prices are more competitive (this is the plus), less "upmarket" than Greenhills (this is the minus). It is located a couple of miles northwest from Chinatown, and normally it is not the place you see a lot of Westerners. Tutuban is easily accessible by taxi from Ermita for about 120 pesos (just over $2). This is the place you want to visit if you are after a pair of REALLY cheap sneakers, a lady's handbag, or any type of clothing. Next to Tutuban is a Robinson's complex, and the two centers compete on variety and price. In addition, on its three floors you will find beauty parlors for a quick beauty treatment or a manicure. Plenty of eateries (read rest of journal) and other retail outlets can be found selling anything and everything, from suitcases to mobile phone accessories. Definitely worth the shopping experience