In Metro Manila, where is the best place to buy souvenirs?

Question

Most tourists want to buy souvenirs of their trip to Manila. So if they ask your advice what would it be?

Answer 1

That would depend on the type of tourist.

Tesoro's - - if they want the best craftsmanship, widest variety, and are ready to pay a premium (from 20% to 100% depending on how they source the items) for the world-class shop set up of Tesoro's. Located along Pasay Road in Makati.

Rustans and SM (Filipiniana sections) - - comfortable first-world shopping ambience. Premium pricing too, but not as premium as Tesoro's.

Tiendesitas - in C5, an interesting set up of handicraft, furniture, restaurants, etc. Good finds, not as expensive as Tesoro's or Rustan's. Al fresco

Ils de Tulles (this is how my friends call Ilalim ng Tulay, giving it a sophisticated, french sounding name). This is under the Quiapo bridge. For the really adventurous, this is cheap as cheap can be. But if your guests are not alert, they could end up spending more when their pockets are picked. Also, the place is difficult to go to, parking is non existent. I would not recommend to naive tourists. Locals can handle the area better.

Answer 2

If you want to experience Filipino market life, and get the stuff you need at cheaper prices, you can go to either Divisoria, Quiapo or Baclaran If you will be staying in Metropolitan Manila, most of the people there know which way to go to any of the three. Divisoria is most famous for the very low prices of goods, and Quiapo has one of the most popular chuches and is a historical site in itself. Baclaran is home to the miraculous church of Perptual Help, and is lined with different good wherever you look.

If you want comfort, go to SM Malls. They have souvenir shops in the department stores, you just need to ask for directions from the security guards. SM Manila, for one, has an entire souvenir shop within it. SM Mall of Asia, the largest Mall in the Philippines and the third largest in the world, has a souvenir shop called Kultura.

Happy shopping!

Answer 3

For native handicrafts, I agree with the previous posts: Tesoro's if you want high-end goods, Under-The-Bridge Quiapo for rock-bottom prices and massive variety, and Dapitan Handicrafts somewhere in between. Dapitan Handicrafts offers more comfortable and safer shopping than Quiapo but not as pricey as Tesoro's. It has another branch along E. Rodriguez Ave in Quezon City. If you just wanna grab something from the malls, the Filipiniana section in SM and Rustans Department Stores will do.

Answer 4

If they are shopping on their own, it's best to go to the malls. If there are some locals who could accompany them, then Quiapo and Divisoria are the better places. It's more expensive at the malls but there's good selection, great shopping comfort and better security. In the marketplace, there's good selection too and great bargain prices although quality of products and security may be an issue; but if they are in the company of locals, then they are going to be all right.

Answer 5

Inside SM Malls there's some Native Stores selling souvenirs, like Rosas Native Articrafts or at SM Department stores itself.


I like this long black bamboo with seashells inside that sounds so nice to the ear when you turn it upside down.



wink-wink

Answer 6

There are a lot of small souvenir shops in Quiapo and Divisoria. Always haggle for the lowest price and remember to keep your purses close to your body!

Answer 7

Try Tiendesita's in Pasig. All kinds of food products from all over the Philippines and souvenir items can be bought there.

Answer 8

three people above me gave you good advice. but you can also buy souvenirs from Kultura shops located in SM malls like the mall of asia. Island souvenirs are also a good choice.

Answer 9

Dangwa, Sampaloc, Manila. It is around a kilometer of fresh flower shops.

Answer 10

Ilalim ng Tulay•, Quiapo. It is a well-known outdoor market.

•Translation: under the bridge.