The Philippines is known for its rich natural resources that never fail to captivate visitors. From beautiful beaches and untouched islands to breathtaking mountain views and more — these are just some of the reasons why people love traveling to the Philippines.
On the other hand, some of Manila’s stunning structures reflect Spanish architectural influence, a result of the country’s 333 years of colonization. Despite this, the Philippines has preserved elements of its unique ethnicity, which continues to amaze both locals and tourists, even after much of its beliefs and culture have been significantly westernized.
Shopping in the Philippines is relatively straightforward. Many products are westernized, making food and other items familiar to foreign visitors. However, don’t expect an extensive range of imported goods, as they may still be limited.
Below are some recommended shopping destinations in the Philippines, primarily around Metro Manila. Shopping, like any transaction, leaves a mark of our presence in a place — a small yet meaningful way to connect with our travels.
Things to Buy in the Philippines
Pearl
If there’s one thing a woman shouldn’t miss buying in the Philippines, it’s pearls. Pearl farming in the country is well-developed, particularly in Palawan. The Philippines is renowned for producing exquisite golden South Sea pearls, known for their rich color and exceptional quality.
Capiz
Capiz is a type of shell often used for decorative purposes, especially in chandeliers and lamps. Also known as the windowpane oyster, Capiz shells have historically been used as a glass substitute in windows due to their durability. Many old houses in the Philippines feature Capiz window panels. Any product made from Capiz is sure to catch the eye, whether for locals or tourists.
Abaca Products
Abaca is a plant native to the Philippines, dried and processed to produce durable fibers. Locals skillfully craft Abaca fans, placemats, hats, handbags, carpets, and wall coverings. Among these, Abaca placemats and carpets are highly recommended for their quality and craftsmanship.
Banig
One of the most popular artisanal handicrafts in the Philippines is weaving. Made from Romblon plants, tikog grass, and buli palm, this traditional mat is a popular purchase because it’s affordable and serves as a refreshing alternative to a mattress for sleeping.
Wooden Handicrafts
From living room ornaments and kitchen decorations to practical items like back scratchers, ashtrays, and coin banks, wooden handicrafts in the Philippines are known for their quality and craftsmanship.
These souvenirs are often found while traveling through the provinces, providing a great way to support local livelihoods.
However, if you’re short on time and need to head back home before purchasing souvenirs, you can visit stores like Kultura in malls. Keep in mind that items from Kultura tend to be pricier.
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Shirts
In the provinces, a popular store for shirts is Island Souvenirs. These stores are often found in tourist spots or at airports.
For local stores in the metro, shirts from Team Manila are some of the best statement shirts you can get. And oh! That’s Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, featured on Team Manila’s logo.
Grocery Shopping in the Philippines
SM Supermarket
This was the first grocery store established by SM. SM Supermarket is always located inside an SM shopping mall in the Philippines.
SM Hypermarket
SM Hypermarket differs from SM Supermarket by offering a wider variety of products, including non-food items such as clothes, appliances, and furniture.
SM Savemore
Savemore is a neighborhood grocery store. While it carries fewer items, prices are generally cheaper compared to SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket.
SM Supermarket, Hypermarket, and Savemore have numerous branches across the Philippines. It’s worth noting that they offer an exclusive product line called SM Bonus, which is significantly cheaper than other brands.
Puregold
Puregold started in 1998 and has become a strong competitor to SM stores. While Puregold offers similar pricing to SM, it tends to stock more local food items. Clothes at Puregold are also typically more affordable.
Super8 Grocery
Opened in 2006, Super8 also specializes in offering more local products, similar to Puregold.
Landmark Grocery
Landmark has only four branches in the Philippines — in Ayala, Makati; TriNoma, Quezon City; Alabang, Muntinlupa; and Nuvali, Laguna. Landmark offers a wide range of products, often priced a few centavos cheaper than competitors.
Robinson’s Supermarket
As the second-largest supermarket chain in the Philippines, Robinson’s Supermarket offers a broader selection of imported items compared to SM and Puregold.
Rustan’s
Rustan’s is known for its extensive range of imported products, though their goods are generally more expensive. Rustan’s partner store, Shopwise, offers similar selections.
Santi’s
If you’re a chef struggling to find imported ingredients in typical grocery stores, Santi’s is the go-to place for specialty items to perfect your dish.
All About Baking
From baking tools and ingredients to baking-related accessories, All About Baking is a one-stop shop for all your baking needs. They have numerous branches across the Philippines.
Shopping Malls in the Philippines
Shopping malls in the Philippines are vast, and the industry is largely dominated by two major companies: SM Prime Holdings and Ayala Land.
Henry Sy, the owner of SM Prime Holdings, is the richest man in the Philippines. His success story began in 1958 when he started selling overrun shoes at a small store in Manila called Shoemart. This is where the acronym SM was derived — and the rest is history.
When it comes to a comprehensive list of malls in the Philippines, we recommend visiting Wikipedia for the most up-to-date information. If you’re currently in Manila, Wikipedia also provides a detailed list of shopping malls in Metro Manila.
Both SM Malls and Ayala Malls offer quality products. The key difference is that SM Malls feature more local brand stores, while Ayala Malls are known for carrying a wider range of imported brands. Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong is another popular mall with numerous imported brands as well.
If you’re wondering whether branded items in the Philippines are cheaper than those in other countries, prices are generally similar — and in some cases, they may even be more expensive.
For Filipinos or balikbayans looking to shop in bulk at lower prices, Divisoria and Taytay are your best options. Many brides on a budget even source their wedding gowns or bridesmaid dresses from Divisoria.
If you’re unsure which gown suits your body type, we’ve created a helpful guide here: The Right Dress for Your Body Type.
Important Tip: When visiting Divisoria, take extra precautions as this area isn’t as secure as traditional malls. Shoppers here range from lower to upper-class backgrounds, so staying alert is essential.
Visiting Divisoria requires extra caution, as this area is not as secure as typical malls. Shoppers here come from all social classes, ranging from the lower to upper class.
Clothing Line Originated in the Philippines
The top three clothing lines in the Philippines are Bench, Penshoppe, and F&H. All of these brands are popular among locals and offer similar price ranges: P500–P1000 for blouses and P1000 and up for jeans.
Bench offers a wider variety of products, including gym clothes, undergarments, and towels. Penshoppe also provides body sprays, skincare products, and more, similar to Bench. On the other hand, F&H mainly focuses on clothing.
So there you have it! We hope we’ve helped answer your shopping needs!
