Manila - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of knock offs if you’re looking for that $20 Gucci - Apr 2024
Not that I've seen. - Mar 2023
Not really. - May 2022
No, except for pearls. - Apr 2021
There are a ton of great handicraft options, but I would recommend travelling throughout the country to buy them. There's great fabric in Mindanao, amazing woodwork in the Visayas, there's great and varied regional cuisine (from spicy Thai-like food in Bicol, to ceviche-inspired raw tuna salads in Mindanao, to sweet beef stews in the mountains of Luzon). However, if you just hang out in Manila you're going to see tons of H&M, Uniqlo, Banana Republic, and Lacoste stores in shopping malls, and buy your Starbucks mug that says "Philippines." - Oct 2020
There are great finds here, but you have to leave the city to find the gems I think (pearls). - Feb 2020
Not really a shopping post - prices are high and you will be charged an expat price. AWCP has a monthly bazaar that features local vendors. Modern shops are here but are higher priced. - May 2018
It depends on your definition of “shopping.†The large malls are fantastic, and if you’re into mall walking or window shopping, you’ll really love it here. Handicrafts are a bit harder to find, although you can get great deals on pearls at Greenhills and some of the other budget malls, and some of our friends have found decent wood products in the provinces. (Be forewarned: this is a tropical country, so make sure any wood products are kiln-dried before you buy them. - Feb 2017
Not really. There is some interesting fabric. - Jul 2016
Hand crafted wood and pearls. - Jan 2016
Manila is overrun with malls, most of which don't have anything interesting or unusual. Weekend travel can be appealing when traffic jams and flight delays aren't too extreme. - Jan 2016
Pearls, silver items, and wooden furniture. - Jan 2016
Everything - Sep 2015
Rattan, wicker, Filipino mahogany, lovely handicrafts, PEARLS. - Aug 2015
Pearls. - Aug 2015
Pearls. - Sep 2014
Nothing special stands out. - Jan 2014
Batangas butterfly knives and pearls. - Dec 2013
Pearls are pretty inexpensive here. - Aug 2013
Pearls, furniture, Catholic religious paraphernalia. - Feb 2013
Fakes at Greenhills, diving trips, pampering by impoverished locals. - May 2012
Lots of Filipino handicrafts, from furniture to home decor (gorgeous vases made of coconut shells and lots of capiz and wood carved goodies), and don't forget the pearls at greenhills, you can find every type you want! - Mar 2012
Wooden carved figurines, handicrafts from recycled items, coconut liquor - Jan 2012
Pearls. Hand-made furniture. - Jul 2011
Handcrafted wooden boxes with mother of pearl inlay, lots and lots of real pearl jewelry (Greenhills) - May 2011
Furniture, clothes, handicrafts. - May 2011
Pearls, furniture, clothing, handicrafts, picture frames. - Feb 2010
woodwork and furniture. - Jan 2010
Handmade furniture, wood carvings and pearls. - Jul 2009
Massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, lasik surgery, botox, and other vain items. The Filipino art is nothing to write home about but you can find other Asian art here for relatively good prices. - Apr 2009
Baskets, furniture, items made from capiz, wood carvings - Jun 2008
