Top Five Christmas Shopping Centers in the Philippines 2017

Starting off our countdown is Rustan’s, which prides itself in being the “premier gift destination” in the Philippines. Husband and wife Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia Tantoco founded the luxury retailing brand in 1952 in San Marcelino, Ermita. They would showcase objects they collected from their travels in their living room, and the socialites of Manila would buy them.

Today, Rustan’s has six department stores around the country. They carry apparel and accessories for ladies, men, and kids as well as jewelry and home furnishings from sought-after brands. Services include gift checks, gift registry, corporate gifts, and gift wrapping.

At number four in our poll is Robinsons Malls . Robinsons currently has 45 malls nationwide which generate 120 million visits per year. This one-stop shop complex has your typical mall amenities like a department store and cinema. They also have a Lingkod Pinoy Center for shoppers to do their government transactions at the mall.

From Oct. 13 to 15, Robinsons will hold its Giant Sale where shoppers can enjoy up to 70% off on select items. From Oct. 16 to Jan. 15, 2018, Robinsons Malls in Manila will have extended operating hours from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

With their tagline of “Everything’s Here,” SM Supermalls is another store our readers like to visit when looking for presents. The shopping mall chain was founded by Henry Sy, Sr. in 1958 as Shoemart. Today, it has over 64 malls in the country, as well as seven malls in China.

This year, SM Supermalls has a holiday countdown campaign called 100 Magical Days to Christmas. Shoppers can expect Christmas caroling, discounts at The SM Store, great gift ideas from Watsons, and gift baskets from SM Markets. One can also participate in the SM Care Bears of Joy, which lets consumers share the Christmas joy with the children of SM Foundation.

At number two on our list is Greenhills Shopping Center. Named after green hills during the time of the Americans, Greenhills was one of the first shopping centers in the country when it opened in the 1970s. The commercial complex contains shopping malls like Bridgeway Shops, Shoppesville, Shoppesville Plus, and V-Mall. Greenhills has over 2,000 stores, where vendors offer a dizzying array of products.

Aside from the usual shirts, bags, shoes, and watches, one can also find items for the home like artwork and capiz shell (jingle shell) handicrafts at Greenhills. Vendors often give reduced prices for those who buy at least three items, especially for ready-to-wear (RTW) items. There are quite a lot of stalls selling pearl accessories, which make great gifts for one’s fashion-loving friends. Foodies can also find local delicacies for gifting to friends or balikbayan relatives.

Read A Shopper’s Guide to a Fun-filled Greenhills Shopping Experience

Taking the top spot in our survey is Divisoria. The origins of Divisoria can be traced as far back as the Spanish era. During this time, non-Chinese traders banned inside Intramuros would sell their wares in Binondo. This led the area to become a bustling commercial center.

Covering 0.5 sq. km. of land, one can find virtually anything under the sun in Divisoria. Vendors at Soler and Roman Streets sell a mix of RTW items, household items, and fruits. On the other hand, Juan Luna St. is dedicated to sellers of kitchen items, while Ylaya is known as a fabric haven. If you don’t like finding your way through the streets, there are also malls in the area. At 168 Mall, you can find RTW items, Christmas décor to spruce up your home, and even souvenir items for events . Tutuban Center has shopping areas like Prime Block for accessories, home furnishings and personal care products, and Cluster Mall for novelty products and garments. Even the more upscale Lucky Chinatown has a Daiso Japan store which offers bargain finds.

Read Revisiting an All-Time Favorite: Early Christmas Shopping in Divisoria

Results are based on the Christmas Shopping Centers in the Philippines 2017 Poll posted at the home page of ShoppersGuide.com.ph from October 2 to 8, 2017.

* Click the store names to see their exact addresses and contact numbers.