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?

Shopping post, malls, malls, malls and malls. - Jul 2024


You can get inexpensive pearls here. - Jul 2024


Yes, it's a shopping post with lots of malls and stores. Handicrafts are limited though. - Jun 2024


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


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