Going Shopping in the Philippines

Shopping in Manila or in any other part of the Philippines can be an enjoyable experience for a foreigner not only because of the friendly nature of the Filipino but also because the Philippines represent the last bargain center of the Orient. While imported goods are quite expensive, local products make good buys. Among them are textiles like the delicate “Pina” and “jusi” material for dresses and barong tagalogs, wood carvings, shell carvings, rattan art, “buntal” hats, abaca placemats, rugs and bags, Philippine cigars, antique santos, black coral, inlaid brass and bronzeware, gold and silver filigree work and other costume jewelry.

Going Shopping in the Philippines

Shopping in Manila or in any other part of the Philippines can be an enjoyable experience for a foreigner not only because of the friendly nature of the Filipino but also because the Philippines represent the last bargain center of the Orient. While imported goods are quite expensive, local products make good buys. Among them are textiles like the delicate “Pina” and “jusi” material for dresses and barong tagalogs, wood carvings, shell carvings, rattan art, “buntal” hats, abaca placemats, rugs and bags, Philippine cigars, antique santos, black coral, inlaid brass and bronzeware, gold and silver filigree work and other costume jewelry.

Principal shopping centers in Manila and other big cities are open the whole week from 9:00 am. to 9:00 pm. Goods are sold at fixed prices so no bargaining takes place in these big stores.

Shopping malls in the Philippines are huge and numerous. These malls house restaurants, shops and boutiques, entertainment centers, skating rinks, movies houses, etc. The national past time of Filipinos is shopping and eating and it is in the malls most of them go at lunchtime, after office hours and pretty much most of their free time.

In smaller shops and stores, however, bargaining or tawad system is practiced. This is a form of buying in which the buyer asks verbally for a discount in price of the goods he likes to buy. Haggling starts from around 30 to 40 percent of the usual price and goes on until finally the seller gives the goods at a much lower price than the previous one given.

The expatriate must learn words and expressions like tawad, “Mahal ito (It’s expensive),” Magkano ito?” (How much does this cost|?” so that he can get a good buy. Establishing a personalized relationship with the seller, showing a warm feeling towards him, always works toward getting a good discount.

Business Hours

Ordinary office hours in the Philippines is from 8 :00 am. To 5:00 pm. Banking hours are from 9:00 am. to 3:00 pm Office hours for business and other commercial centers starts at 9:00 am. and ends at 6:00 pm.

These office hours differ due to the fact that business or commercial centers cater to the general public while ordinary offices cater to clients and in-company personnel. Banks close early at 3 :00 pm. because employees have clearing processes to do.

Shopping malls open later in the day from around 10am and closes late to around 9p.m.