In Manila, most people shop in places like Powerplant, Greenbelt, and High Street/Serendra -- these are where most well-known or high-end brands can be found. If you're on a budget, I suggest you scavenge around Greenhills or Divisoria. Though things there are a hit and miss, you can get great deals for pearls, and really just about anything (just don't expect that they're as real as it gets). On the other hand, if you like to take fashion risks or have a quirky sense of style, I suggest going to the local version of thrift shops, known as "ukay-ukay". Similar to Greenshills and Divi, you can find really awesomely priced, one-of-a-kind stuff if you look hard enough.
Frankly, you can't say you've visited the Philippines without checking out its beaches! Boracay is the classic beach bum choice: powder white sand, crystal clear waters, and a great party scene. On the other hand, there are also places like Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and Palawan that provide clusters of different hidden paradises. If you like to dive, you've come to the right country. My favorites are Anilao and Puerto Galera, both conveniently located less than 4 hours from Manila, but I'd also suggest you check out one of our UNESCO World Heritage sites, Tubbataha Reef. Don't worry, there's usually something to do for everyone at our beaches.
Your experience is never complete, of course, without trying some good Filipino food. If you're the adventurous type, try our odd local delicacies like lechon and balut. Street food is also always good, whether fish/squid balls, banana-q, kamote-q, turron, or dirty ice cream. If you happen to be in Baguio, I suggest you visit Cafe by the Ruins, which is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in the country (and a must-try according to the Lonely Planet). You can also pay a visit to Hill Station for a yummy meal, which is conveniently located right next to Mt. Cloud Bookstore, a charming book shop for the avid reader. Another must in Baguio (which happens to be one of my favorite places in the Philippines) is horseback riding in Wright Park. This was part of my childhood. It's a bit wild-west compared what most people are used to, but that's what makes it fun.
There's so much to do in the Philippines... You have no idea how difficult it is for me to compress it all into one blog entry, and have to cross some awesome stuff off our to do list! Anyway, a suggestion of some more random stuff you just gotta do:
- Karaoke: Filipinos LOVE to sing, and they'll make you love it too. Trust me.
- Ride a jeepney: just do it.
- McDonald's drive thru via kalesa: again, just do it
- Do community service: I know this is not the reason you went on a holiday. But 1) it's a very humbling experience, 2) you get to meet the BEST people, 3) you get immersed in real Filipino culture, and 4) you're making people happy. Donate books to a school, do volunteer work with kids, plant trees, paint a house. I guarantee you'll have a good time, and feel even better after too.