Where to shop in Manila, Philippines

Manila – or, strictly speaking, the more extensive Metro Manila – can be a charming, chaotic and cacophonous city. For shoppers on the lookout for one-of-a-kind finds and proudly Made in the Philippines must-buys, the capital has plenty to show. 

Beyond massive chain Manila shopping malls and quintessential souvenir shops lie myriad multi-brand hubs, artist-led spaces and high-low shops that are well worth the search. 

A guide to shopping in Manila

1. Power Plant Mall, Rockwell 

Referred to simply as Rockwell , this modern shopping mall is distinguished by impeccably designed interiors and a signature scent that greets shoppers as they enter. As well as carrying household names, it regularly hosts fairs featuring the best in local retail. Drop by Aranáz for timeless tropical accessories, Rajo for ready-to-wear items in unexpected silhouettes, and Rhett Eala for modern Filipino garments. Check out new designer favourites, such as Patty Ang for understated wardrobe staples and Zarah Juan for a fiesta of bags, shoes and other accessories.

Rockwell Drive, Makati City, 12242 Metro Manila

2. The Beauty Edit Gallery in Spatio, Opus Mall

In an immersive, cleverly thought-out space, The Beauty Edit Gallery presents a collection of the best and latest in Filipino beauty, or “F-beauty”. The lineup includes skincare for different skin types, makeup with an impressive shade range and humidity-proof formulas, fragrances made with ingredients native to the Philippines and smart beauty tools for busy professionals. Each product display comes with an in-depth guide that offers both explanations and recommendations, designed for the discerning beauty shopper. 

3/F, Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Boulevard, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Corner C-5, Quezon City, Metro Manila

3. First United Building 

Located on Manila’s historic Escolta Street, this landmark Art Deco building has witnessed decades of cultural transformation, from the introduction of lively street parties by the hip crowd to the rise of independent, artist-led movements that continue to flourish. Drop by to take in First United Building’s surroundings and marvel at its well-preserved architecture. Most of all, though, you’ll want to scour its shops for their mishmash of curios: ukay-ukay, or thrifted finds; nostalgic prints and zines; handmade objects to wear or keep; and vintage anik-anik, or trinkets and souvenirs. 

413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila 

4. Frankie General Store 

What began as a string of neighbourhood bazaars has matured into a thriving retail chain: Frankie General Store has branches at major malls around Manila, each offering a unique curation and shopping experience featuring Filipino-founded brands. This is a destination for discovering local labels with a purpose, spotlighting planet-conscious practices, women-led initiatives and beyond. You’ll find slow-fashion garments, small-batch pantry goods, handmade pieces for the home and thoughtful knick-knacks for gifting. 

Multiple locations including 2/F, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City, 12242 Metro Manila 

5. Purveyr Plaza

Evolving from a streetwear and culture blog championing homegrown creatives, Purveyr is now a major lifestyle brand with its own e-zine, annual fair and flagship showroom. The latter, Purveyr Plaza , upholds the brand’s founding mission to put contemporary Filipino creativity on the map. From figurines by Kris Abrigo and Philippine literature courtesy of Exploding Galaxies to experimental fashion by Le Ngok and artisanal liquor by Proudly Promdi, the space brings together an eclectic mix of local wares. 

2/F, The Atrium of Makati, Makati Avenue, Makati 2428

6. Zapateria Hub 

Situated at the heart of Marikina City – the shoe capital of the Philippines – is the quaint heritage shoe store Zapateria Hub . With a history that dates back to 1887 and spans five generations of artisans, the shop is dedicated to keeping the soul and spirit of shoemaking alive with each high-quality, masterfully crafted pair. Drop by to try on their statement footwear or have a pair custom-made for you – but note the lead time required to measure, fit and craft your shoes. 

117 E. Santos St, Marikina, 1807 Metro Manila 

7. Common Room 

For anyone with a penchant for arts and crafts, Common Room is the place to go. Since 2015, this retailer has provided a space to nurture and indulge your creativity. It carries more than 200 brands led by independent makers and artists, offering postcards and stickers, pins and patches, illustrations and artworks, among a host of other imaginative trinkets and treasures. You’re sure to find a gift for your nearest and dearest – or perhaps, a personal souvenir to remember your trip by. 

Multiple locations including R2, New Wing, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Makati City, 12242 Metro Manila 

8. Tropa Store 

The word tropa, which means “a group of friends” in Filipino, reflects the vibe of this store, where an assortment of covetable homeware, clothing and accessories comes together. The Tropa Store’s collection also spotlights a well-chosen lineup of homegrown designers and brands: Carl Jan Cruz’s pambahay, or at-home wear; meticulously crafted footwear by Jos Mundo; lighting and other home fixtures by Mold; woven bags and accessories by Zacarias 1925 and modern renditions of Filipino heritage-inspired clothing by Ched Studio.   

Multiple locations including 2/F, Greenbelt Phase, 5 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, 1228 Metro Manila