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Christmas Guide
Go Christmas Shopping Early in These Markets and Budget Spots
Beat the yuletide rush: shop for the holidays this October!
By: Eunice Sheene Fulgencio | October 02, 2020
As of September 25, 2020, all stores are open and are implementing health protocols. Please check the social media page of your store of choice to see the safety measures it has in place.
One look at the calendar and you’ll see that Christmas Day is a little more than eleven weeks away. That may still seem far away now, but 2018 has proven that the days pass faster than you realize. Those short eleven weeks will dwindle down into eight, then four, and before you know it, the holiday season will already be in full blast and Christmas shopping will be tedious, annoying, and very unenjoyable.
So while there’s still time, you should consider completing your shopping list. Advance Christmas shopping doesn’t only guarantee that you score the best finds, but you’ll also be more rational in selecting since you are in no rush. The metro is also full of shopping places that do not only sell items for cheap but are also well-ventilated, thus making your trip comfortable. Keep reading and see some of the best Christmas markets and budget malls in Manila.
1. Tiendesitas
Location: Ortigas Avenue corner E. Rodriquez Avenue, Pasig City
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Tiendesitas houses more than 450 stalls in total.
Image: Tiendesitas Facebook Page
Tiendesitas, which literally means “a collection of little stores” in Spanish, is composed of four buildings which sell an assortment of fashion wear, accessories, and novelty items to handicrafts and other locally-made products. An area in the store is also dedicated to hold all types of exhibits and trade shows which are shown weekly. Tiendesitas also offers a free admission show featuring OPM bands every Saturday evening for the entire month of October.
2. Greenhills Shopping Center
Location: Ortigas Avenue, San Juan City
Operating hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM to 9 PM
Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 10 PM
Greenhills also hosts a weekend market every Saturday from 5 AM to 12 noon.
Image: Greenhills Official Facebook Page
Greenhills lets you browse and shop budget-friendly items normally found in places like Divisoria and Quiapo while in a comfortable and well-kept location. Aside from housing known commercial brands, the shopping center also has bazaar stalls that sell clothing, shoes, and accessories. Greenhills is also famous for selling replicas of luxury bag, shoes, and watch brands, among others.
3. St. Francis Square
Location: Donna Julia Vargas Avenue, corner Bank Drive, Mandaluyong City
Operating hours: Every day, 10 AM to 9 PM
St. Francis Square also has an auditorium for concerts and shows.
Image: St. Francis Square Website
Conveniently located between The Podium and SM Megamall, St. Francis Square is a budget mall that first opened its doors to the public in 2005. It houses over 400 stalls that sell RTW (ready-to-wear) clothes, shoes, accessories, and bags. The tiangge (bazaar)-mall also has a selection of meals from fast food chains to home-cooked meals at the third floor food court.
4. Tutuban Center
Location: Claro M. Recto Avenue, Manila
Operating hours: Every day, 9 AM to 12 MN
Tutuban Center also has a rich history as Bonifacio’s shrine is right across the main station’s entrance.
Image: Tutuban Center Facebook Page
When “bargain shopping” is mentioned, it is almost impossible not to think about Divisoria. But since the area is notorious for shoplifters (especially this time of year), doing your Christmas shopping there could be too risky. Luckily, Tutuban Center, which is located within the area, offers a safer and more convenient shopping experience. Within it is an area called The Prime Block where footwear, bags, accessories, and RTW clothes could be found. Meanwhile, the Main Station houses restaurants, retail stores, and service shops.
5. Starmall Alabang
Location: South Super Highway, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Operating hours: Every day, 9 AM to 8 PM
Starmall Alabang used to be known as Metropolis Star Alabang.
Image: Starmall Alabang Facebook Page
For the shoppers in the south, Starmall Alabang offers a more affordable shopping experience for a place that could technically be considered as a mall. What makes Starmall Alabang stand out from the others, however, is the selection of retail stores on the second floor which offer cheap clothes and shoes. Air-conditioned ukay-ukay shops (thrift stores) could also be found within the area.
Check out our list of malls in Metro Manila or browse the Yoorekka Shopping Guide!
Contrary to popular belief, it is never too early to start Christmas shopping. When preparing for the holidays, the saying “no time like the present” could not be any truer.
Which of these Christmas markets in Manila are you planning to go to for your advance holiday shopping? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on October 05, 2018.
About Eunice Sheene Fulgencio
Eunice knew that she’d be writing for the rest of her life from a very young age. Naturally introverted, she is selective with how she uses her time and who she spends it with. Has a penchant for sweet treats, sentimental proses, and online personality quizzes. A true-blue INFJ.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
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careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not
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