Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, word has it, favored the foreign shoe industry, even though local makes are being exported by the millions. (See for yourself at Milani’s or Via Veneto that you don’t have to buy in Milan or Rome). The Philippine genius for crafts harks back to the days of the galleon trade when South-Sea pearls, mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell, handwoven cloth, embroidery and basketry, brass, silver and gold jewelry were as much in demand as today. Tesoro’s headquarters on Mabini Street has it all under one roof, plus wood carvings, rattan furniture, Tiffany lamps made of capiz and the national dress barong tagalong, made of banana or pineapple fiber. Along Mabini you also find antique shops galore – Bauzon, Likha, Terry’s. For more antiques, try Borpas at The Peninsula and The Galleon Shop at the Manila Hotel. Cotemporary art and design have an outlet at the Jupiter Art House, on Jupiter Street, and at Luz Gallery. Something for everyone, including labels from home, is found at the Ayala Center, Manila’s answer to Houston’s shopping malls. (Rustan’s, Landmark, Cinderella’s, the SM Megamall and SM shoemart are very large, too)
SM Megamall: Located in the center of Metro Manila in Ortigas center is the largest and biggest mall of Philippines. You can buy everything from medical clinics to chapel. SM mall has two buildings-building A and B. One can also enjoy many delicious dishes served at restaurants named Sushiya, Pancake House, Luk Yuen and many others.
SM Megamall: Located in the center of Metro Manila in Ortigas center is the largest and biggest mall of Philippines. You can buy everything from medical clinics to chapel. SM mall has two buildings-building A and B. One can also enjoy many delicious dishes served at restaurants named Sushiya, Pancake House, Luk Yuen and many others.
