The Philippines is a stunning archipelago of over 7,000 islands offering pristine beaches, world-class diving, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From the powdery white sands of Boracay to the dramatic limestone cliffs of Palawan, this tropical paradise combines Spanish colonial heritage with Southeast Asian charm.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Parol (Christmas Lantern)
Intricate star-shaped lanterns made from bamboo and cellophane, a Filipino Christmas tradition originating in Pampanga. Available year-round in souvenir shops. Larger ornate versions are collector's items.
Price: $5-50
Where: Divisoria Market, SM malls, Pampanga craft shops
Piña Cloth Products
Luxurious fabric woven from pineapple fibers, used in the traditional barong Tagalog (formal Filipino shirt). Scarves, table runners, and shirts made from piña are uniquely Filipino and highly prized.
Price: $20-200
Where: Cultural Center of the Philippines, Robinsons Place Manila, specialty boutiques
Dried Mangoes & Pastillas
Cebu dried mangoes are internationally renowned and make perfect pasalubong (homecoming gifts). Pastillas de leche are soft milk candies wrapped in rice paper, a traditional Filipino sweet.
Price: $3-15
Where: Cebu City airport, SM Supermarkets, 7-Eleven, pasalubong centers nationwide
Sampaguita Garlands & Shell Jewelry
Delicate sampaguita jasmine garlands are the national flower of the Philippines, offered at churches and sold by vendors. Shell-based jewelry from Cebu includes intricate necklaces and earrings.
Price: $5-80
Where: Divisoria, Greenhills Shopping Center, Cebu's Carbon Market
Banig (Woven Mats) & Bags
Traditional woven mats and bags made from pandan leaves or buri palm, produced by indigenous artisans in Samar and Leyte. Each pattern tells a story unique to the weaving community.
Price: $10-60
Where: Kultura Filipino (SM malls), Balikbayan Handicrafts Manila, Leyte cultural shops
Ifugao Wood Carvings
Intricate figures of Bulul (rice deity) and tribal figures carved by Ifugao artisans in the Cordillera mountains. Authentic pieces bear cultural significance and are protected as heritage items.
Price: $15-300
Where: Banaue, Sagada, Baguio City Good Shepherd Convent
Lambanog & Craft Rum
Lambanog is a potent coconut wine distilled in Quezon Province, sometimes flavored with fruits. Don Papa Rum from Negros Island is a premium craft spirit gaining international recognition.
Price: $8-40
Where: SM Supermarkets, Rustan's, duty-free shops at NAIA airport
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Divisoria Market
Manila's largest and most chaotic wholesale market where you can find almost anything at rock-bottom prices. Textiles, clothing, toys, accessories, and household goods sold in bulk. Bargaining is expected.
Where: Juan Luna Street, Binondo, Manila
Hours: 7AM-7PM daily
Carbon Market
The oldest and largest public market in Cebu offering fresh produce, dried goods, seafood, and local snacks. A vibrant sensory experience with vendors selling everything from vegetables to pasalubong items.
Where: M.C. Briones Street, Cebu City
Hours: 5AM-8PM daily
Salcedo Saturday Market
Makati's beloved weekend farmers market featuring artisanal food, organic produce, imported cheeses, and gourmet street food. A social gathering spot for expats and middle-class Manilenos.
Where: Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati
Hours: 7AM-2PM Saturday only
Legazpi Sunday Market
Popular Sunday market in Makati's Salcedo area with fresh vegetables, flowers, handmade crafts, and Filipino street food. Family-friendly atmosphere with weekend vibes.
Where: Legazpi Active Park, Salcedo, Makati
Hours: 7AM-2PM Sunday only
Baclaran Market
Sprawling outdoor market known for affordable clothes, shoes, and accessories. Wednesday is the biggest market day linked to Baclaran Church novenas. A treasure hunt for budget shoppers.
Where: Baclaran, Parañaque, Metro Manila
Hours: 6AM-8PM daily, busiest Wednesdays
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
Manila's most modern district featuring high-end retail at Bonifacio High Street, The Uptown, and Serendra lifestyle malls. International brands sit alongside local boutiques, street art, and open-air dining. Clean, walkable, and well-organized.
Best for: International brands, premium dining, weekend markets
Greenbelt & Glorietta, Makati
Makati's premier shopping destination with six interconnected Greenbelt malls spanning luxury to mid-range. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and international brands alongside Filipino designers. Garden courtyards with restaurants create a pleasant outdoor-indoor shopping experience.
Best for: Luxury brands, Filipino designers, fine dining
Greenhills Shopping Center
San Juan's famous mall known nationwide for wholesale jewelry, pearls, and pasalubong. Tiangge (bazaar) sections offer clothing and accessories at bargain prices. Best destination for cultured and freshwater pearls.
Best for: Pearls, jewelry, pasalubong, bargain shopping
Divisoria
Manila's wholesale shopping district where items are sold at the lowest prices in the country. Bring cash, bargain hard, and be prepared for crowds. Popular for textiles, school supplies, party goods, and accessories.
Best for: Budget shopping, wholesale textiles, bargaining
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
One of the largest malls in the world with over 700 shops, an IMAX cinema, skating rink, and amusement park. Located on the Manila Bay reclamation area with stunning sunset views and an outdoor promenade. Family entertainment, international dining, and concert arena.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Massive mixed-use development beside MOA featuring SM's newest mall complex, event spaces, and a children's museum. Houses SM Aura-style food halls with international concepts and a rooftop activity area.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Robinsons Galleria
Ortigas Center's major mall catering to the eastern Metro Manila market with over 400 shops, cinemas, and a supermarket. Good mix of mid-range brands, local boutiques, and food choices with convenient access from EDSA bus routes.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is acceptable at Divisoria, Carbon Market, tiangge bazaars, and street markets — never at malls or department stores
Start your counter-offer at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate towards a fair middle ground
Buying multiple items from the same vendor gives you stronger negotiating leverage
Always be friendly and smile — aggressive bargaining is considered rude; Filipino vendors respond better to friendly charm
Walking away often brings the vendor running after you with a better price
Early morning is the best time to bargain — vendors want to make their first sale of the day
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 50 years old require a cultural property clearance from the National Museum before export. Items made from protected species (shells, corals, turtles) are strictly prohibited.
Tax Refund: No VAT refund scheme for tourists in the Philippines. However, duty-free shops at NAIA airports offer tax-free prices on selected goods.
Duty Free: Returning residents get duty-free allowances of up to PHP 10,000. Tourists may bring home items valued up to their home country's import limits.
Shipping: LBC, 2GO, and JRS Express offer international shipping from the Philippines. Balikbayan boxes (large cargo boxes) are a popular economical shipping method.