The best fashion and gift stores Philippines

It's the flagship shopping center of the city, and indeed of the whole island of Cebu. With its nine hectares of stores, thousands of boutiques for clothing and footwear, hundreds of restaurants to satisfy every taste, cinemas and beauty salons, there's plenty to keep you busy. One of the city's liveliest and most popular spots, Filipinos love shopping malls, and this one is particularly pleasant. It opens onto terraces with a superb garden and large fountains, refreshing as can be.

We are in the heart of excess: with no less than 600,000^m2 and more than 3,500 stores, this shopping mall is undeniably the largest in the Philippines and one of the largest in Asia! Another paradise, at least for shopping and entertainment lovers. There is also an IMAX cinema, restaurants, massages, beauty salons... All located along the sea, there is a long promenade on the bay of Manila where it is pleasant to stroll and sip a drink at sunset time.

It is a large and popular shopping mall that is a good landmark since it is located in the heart of the tourist district of Ermita, near Rizal Park and Manila Bay. On seven floors, more than a thousand stores, both local and international brands, sit alongside numerous bars and restaurants as well as a bowling alley and a pool table. There is also a large supermarket. Like most malls, it is devoid of charm, but these places are places of life for Filipinos, so it is worth a visit.

It is a big covered market, the oldest in Baguio, where you can find everything. It's quite dark and cramped but for those who like the atmosphere of Ali Baba's cave, this place is for you, you might make some interesting finds with a little patience. It gathers stores of igorot, ifugao, bontoc and kalinga handicrafts and wood carvings, specialties of the region, stands of trinkets, clothes, antiques, etc.

Located in the heart of Makati, Greenbelt Mall is a collection of five different malls, numbered 1 to 5 and linked together. Blending its modern structure with the refreshing greenery of the surrounding Greenbelt Park, it covers 25 hectares. It is one of the most upscale shopping malls in the capital and it is true that it has a more peaceful atmosphere than the others. There are all the local and international branded clothing stores as well as many trendy restaurants, bars and cinemas.

It is one of the largest malls in Asia with its 1 km long facade that connects five buildings and is linked to other malls including Shangri-La Plaza Mall. In short, we are still here in the heart of excess. And yet it is a phenomenon that is an integral part of the Philippine culture and more globally Asian: the malls, real places of life for the local population. In this mall, there is a skating rink, nearly 1,000 stores, an IMAX cinema and a host of restaurants including a monumental food court .

This is one of the country's largest shopping malls, and Cebu's most imposing. Circular in shape, it is located on the waterfront, with an observation tower at its center. Standing 114 metres high, it offers an impressive 360-degree panoramic view of Cebu and the surrounding area. Inside the mall, on four floors, you'll find hundreds of local and international clothing, footwear and goodie stores, restaurants, cinemas, a large roof garden and a huge bowling alley.

Spanning three floors and several spaces, Silahis has been around for almost 60 years and is renowned for its craftsmanship and expertise. This huge store, which looks more like a museum than a supply store, is home to hundreds of handicrafts, rattan furniture, antiques and other trinkets and objects of all kinds from different regions of the archipelago. Treat yourself to a glimpse of Philippine handicrafts when you walk through the door of this grand house.

Located on the road to Lio Beach, this small village of designers with a bohemian atmosphere is made up of a few stores run by local artisans who sell their products (bags, jewelry, artworks, natural soaps, ethnic textiles...) all handmade with love and passion. The focus is on community and sustainability. There are also a few small restaurants serving Indian, Mexican and Filipino cuisine and a craft beer brewery. An amazing and plural place that is worth a look!

The biggest mall in Mindanao. Very modern and complete.

Hidden in one of the alcoves of the charming San Luis passage in Intramuros, here is a small and charming craft store. The Papier Tole Shop will delight all those who like to rummage and hunt and discover places a little out of time. Do not hesitate to take the time to discuss with the seller who is also an artist. It's a bit like Ali Baba's cave, where you'll find trinkets, books and pretty postcards. One thing is sure, it's a change from the countless shopping centers that dot the city!

Sagada is known for its weaving art which was highly coveted during its heyday, among others by French collectors who offered exorbitant sums. The modest creators of Sagada could not resist. And this contributed little by little to the disappearance of these masterpieces, inheritances of the ancestors (antique tapestries and jewelry). However, the Sagada Weaving factory tries to give back its letters of nobility to this craft and sells accessories and fabrics woven on the spot, it is moreover impressive to see the workers at work.

Departure time is approaching, and you haven't had time to fill your backpacks with souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones? Then take advantage of your stroll in Intramuros and Fort Santiago to pass by this charming store. Beautiful postcards, tote-bags, fans, other trinkets and local handicrafts, wooden wall decorations, rattan baskets, numerous jewels, traditional clothes... No doubt that you will find your happiness there! All this in a very cute setting and you can even settle down for a coffee.

At Jade, books and maps are available in the Philippines. No second hand books unfortunately, but a good choice of works (not all of the first freshness, it is true) on the Philippines and its inhabitants. 

A huge shopping mall with all the international brands (Uniqlo, Adidas, Lacoste, Levi's...), a food court with little interest (except if you love Filipino fast food), restaurants and cafes, one of which has its terrace in the outdoor patio in the center of the mall, surrounded by vegetation. Not very interesting in itself, the place can be a good drop-off point if you have a night bus to take from Quezon to Banaue for example, the station is close and you can do some shopping and eat before leaving the city. Convenient.

This store offers a panorama of the best of Philippine handicrafts. Of course, the best thing to do is to buy locally, in the different regions you will visit, but here you have the advantage of choice. And there is plenty of choice! Between the beautiful wicker baskets, the beaded jewelry, the sculptures and objects in abaca, the embroidered fabrics, the kitchen accessories... Everything is of great quality and at reasonable prices.

One of the best guitar designers in Cebu. His workshop is in Lapu Lapu, but he lives in Tisa. First plywood prices, followed by narra, nangka, or spruce wood (best, wood spruce in English). So high quality guitars in Canada, Thailand spruce, ice fiber…

A small boutique and cultural space nestled in a 400-year-old vaulted room within Fort Santiago. Here, pre-Hispanic indigenous handicrafts, 100% Filipino brands and works of local artists are showcased. You can find traditional handicrafts, hand-stitched ethnic textiles as well as more modern pieces (jewelry, bags...) that could be found in trendy European boutiques. A good address in Intramuros for your souvenir gifts.

A very interesting stop, if you have some space in your luggage to bring back a handicraft souvenir or just to discover this craft. This charming store offers a lot of ceramic objects, fabrics and beautiful baskets made of hand-woven pandan leaves. Everything is made by women from the local community. In fact, the store is adjacent to the Artisana Island Craft workshop which was conceived in the 1970s by Anita Feria, a businesswoman involved in local life. The factory can be visited.

The NOAH association organizes guided tours during which you can admire the skill of the abaca weavers and discover the factory of gemstone cutters, especially jade. Pieces are for sale in the store next to the workshop. Fossils, accessories and jewelry made of jade stone, an interesting stop to discover the handicrafts of Negros Oriental and take the opportunity to buy some authentic souvenirs such as decorations, coasters and fabrics.