Shopping in Manila

A February 2008 trip to Manila by S.L.Hii

My first impression is Philippines has such a distinguished contrast between poverty and wealthy during my trip from Clark to Manila.

  • 5 reviews
Shopping malls in Manila closed early. Weeksdays and Sat. 9pm and Sun. 8:30pm. Open at 10am. Try to travel using LRT/MRt to save time as the traffic in Manila really terrible.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

If one want to travel from Manila to Clark/ Angeles City/ Dau ( All nearby only ), just take a cab to Cubao ( There got many bus terminals ) just ask the agent there Bus to Dau ( fare 115peso and journey arond 2hours ). From Dau take Jeepney to your hotels( Mine is Century Resort Hotel ) cost around 100 peso. Easy.
As i step off from my cab i was not very impressed with the hotel outlook since i pay USD45nett for their Standard Room per night ( For me i find the price quite pricey ).

However upon check in and saw the room i have booked i am quite impressed. Clean, spacious and with adequate facilities. Most of all i not noisy and i can have a good nite sleep.

The rate with Breakfast. Breakfast wise not bad. Simple meals with American or local set plus a simple buffet line with variety of cornflakes, bread and omelette and coffee/tea and some juices.

And the location is great too because next to MRT/ LRT. So from Boni station one can go to Ayala ( Shopping Area) and Shaw Station ( Shopping area which can lead to SM Megamall just behind Shangrila Hotel ). This is the only two station i step off. And the trip cost around 11 and 12 peso one way. Cheap huh.. Overall is a recommeded hotel to stay in.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by S.L.Hii on February 17, 2008

New Horizon Hotel
778 Boni Avenue - Mandaluyong City Manila
+63 2 532-3021

This is a hotel with Filipino Casino right in front. There got their own pubs and dancing clubs too. Very convenient. And the food served in their restaurant is tasty and reasonable priced.

I try to book the hotel tru websites but cannot find one. So i just try my luck and walk in and i was given a rate of around 1900peso for standard double for one nite with simple breakfast ( American or local set ) Great deal. Room not very spacious, but adequate for Asian people. Boiling water has to be requested using room service ( FOC ). Mineral water 500ml cost only 25peso.

what interest me is the casino is right infront. There got black jack with min. bet of 100peso. Got VIP Gambling with min. bet 500peso. Got banker and player, Jackpots,etc. Best... got money exchanger there but closed at 3pm. So if one finish their peso they cannot change for more. Just for fun bet small for passing time.

Night life is definitely for guys. Good luck!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by S.L.Hii on February 18, 2008

Century Resort Hotel
Angeles City Angeles City
+63 45 892-4615

Ayala CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Ayala"

Ayala consist of Glorietta 1-4, Greenbelt 1-4, SM and Landmark . All interlink. Easy to access. However Shopping malls in Manila all more or less the same. Branded stores. Not really my cup of tea. However in Ayala there is one store worth to shop that is Landmark.

Landmark is a departmental store by itself. Air-con'd, Got fitting rooms and fixed price. However the price is worth to pay. Some very cheap and some reasonable. But definitely worth it. Clothes, bags, shoes,etc. Hassle free of bad fittings, bad deals and comfort shopping. Variety is there. Price as low as 150peso+- to 300/400 peso for a piece of simple yet beautiful top. Noramlly that is my budget.

As for other recommended point is Ayala Centre will the beautiful landscaping at Greenbelt. Worth to walk around a but and sip coffee. The ambience is just great. Trees, pond,etc. Shopping wise..not so great a deal. LV, Coach, A/X,etc. Very expensive.

As for Glorietta, well... If got 50% discount on their stores definitely worth go in and take a browse. Nothing much to shout about. Some piece unique and worth the price. But depends on individual taste and budget. Price around 800peso +- for a piece of top. You decide.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by S.L.Hii on February 17, 2008

Ayala Center
Ayala Avenue Manila, Philippines 1224
+63 322 231 5342

Greenhills Shopping CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Greenhills"

From my hotel i have to take a cab there which cost around 60peso if not too traffic. As i step off from my cab and proceed to the building i was very happy, Lots and lots of stalls selling immitation bags, clothes, etc. A LOT!!! It definitely has the atmosphere like Pratunam in Bangkok. However..i ask a price for a top and the reply is 800 peso. So i try to bargain to 300 peso ( The value i thought for the top ) but being decline nicely. So i walk away and the vendor did not ask me to come back and renegotiate. Afterthat only then i know.. The atmosphere is nice but the price is still the same as in a normal not branded store in other any shopping malls. But some with stock clearance worth to browse. I only bought a high waisted short pants ( Special offer 250 peso ) and a chunky bracelet 150 peso though i try to bargain to 100peso if i were to buy 3 pieces but again being decline nicely. So bought only 1 for myself. But worth to walk the place just for the atmosphere. Shopping..well.. depends on one's value. But atleast better than China as the they decline nicely instead of decline rudely. You decide.

In greenhills, there is a cinema, one may catch a movie or take coffee. Lots of eateries. If you legs can support you you will definitely find the cinema and eateries. Just walk every corner.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by S.L.Hii on February 18, 2008

Greenhills Shopping Center
Ortigas Avenue Manila, Philippines 1502

About the Writer

S.L.Hii
S.L.Hii
Kuching, Malaysia

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