Shop till you drop in Manila

Manila is a shopaholic’s paradise, with shopping malls to be found in almost every nook and cranny.

Ask a typical Filipino about his favourite past times and “malling” for sure would be at or near the top of the list. That’s how ingrained shopping malls are in the Philippine topography and psyche. Never is this truer than in the Philippine capital of Manila where sprawling, modern shopping malls dot the city landscape. If you’re in need of some serious retail therapy, check out these Manila shopping malls.

The SM Megamall is one of the country’s largest malls, with several floors of shopping, dining and entertainment choices. The mall’s latest expansion, the Mega Fashion Hall, offers a host of new places and great restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Those less inclined to shop can hang out at the food court or cinema. Would-be winter Olympians can hone their skills at the mall’s ice rink.

Gateway Mall’s modern, glitzy design and collection of high-end brands make it the place to visit if upscale shopping is your cup of tea.Once you’ve had a surfeit of retail therapy, relax at the Platinum Cinema for a seriously luxurious movie experience.

Trinoma (Triangle North of Manila) offers shoppers the opportunity to bypass the infamous Manila traffic because of its excellent public transport links. Boutiques are shoulder-to-shoulder with well-known high-street brands, and there’s something on offer for almost everyone.

Greenbelt, in the business district of Makati, offers five destinations in one location, each with different specialities and catering to different budgets. Head to Greenbelt 1 for the latest films and some live theatre, along with small retail shops, electronics and home appliances. Once you’re done, check out Greenbelt 2 for tasty European/Asian food. Then head on to Greenbelt 3 for coffee and Greenbelt 4 and 5 if you would like to browse high-end clothing and accessories.

This is another gargantuan mall from the SM chain of stores. The Main Mall houses numerous shopping and dining options, along with a food court. The Entertainment Mall showcases a fantastic view of Manila Bay, and features al fresco dining balconies and lush landscaping.

In addition to movie theatres, there are also venues for live musical concerts and theatrical performances. Families can while away the time at the amusement park on the premises (with a Ferris wheel and carousel), as well as the mall’s Olympic-size ice-skating rink.