6 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

well. There are a lot of food courts in department stores and a lot of simple or fancy restaurants, of all kinds with prices as low as $1 for a complete meal.

4. Shopping: The Philippines is a haven for shoppers. The malls are the biggest in the world! (some ten times the size of Macys in NYC!). Countless bargain opportunities for the handicrafts of the different regions are found in the numerous shopping complexes, which range from sleek air-conditioned department stores and malls to open-air bazaars. These stores offer everything from the famous barong tagalog (hand-embroidered dress shirts for men in delicate jusi material) to Tiffany lamps made with capiz shells. For local color, there is nothing like the flea markets where visitors can buy all kinds of cloth weaves, brassware from the south, woodcarvings and other local crafts and souvenirs, like the painted papier-mach horses of Laguna. Some particularly good buys are south-sea pearls, the silver jewelry from Baguio, coral trinket boxes, coral and pearl accessories, rattan furniture, baskets in different designs, woven grass mats (banig), antique wooden figurines of saints, ready-to-wear clothes, garments embroidered with the traditional callado, Filipino dresses for women (usually made from banana and pineapple fibers), cigars, terracotta, porcelain and abaca placemats. Handicraft stores are found everywhere in the country, especially in cities. Large department stores sell both local and foreign manufactured goods. There are also major American chains form McDonald's to Seven Eleven to Marriot's Hotel. Most department stores are open Mon-Sun 1000-2000, but these can vary. There are some 24-hour convenience stores as well. And remember, you can bargain and haggle for prices in most stores.

5. Low Budget: You can have a wonderful vacation that won't hurt your pocket. There are affordable hotels & accommodation, budget leisure activities, and as mentioned above, great food, shopping & lots of things to do with less money.

During your stay in the Philippines, you will discover that days go by without a joyous gathering or celebration almost everywhere.

We do have another name for our country - we call it a Wealth Of Wonders. WOW Philippines! Welcome to the Philippines! Mabuhay!

Learn more about this author, Naida R.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Travel destinations: The Philippines?
We want to hear your view. Write now!