Why Filipinos Love Shopping Malls So Much

“If you have never fallen in love at first sight, you are shopping in the wrong place” –Author Unknown

They say there is no therapy quite like retail therapy—and apparently, this one is a lot cheaper too. When it comes to this sentiment, it is best to look at the Filipinos as an example where shopping malls are deemed to be cathedrals of consumption. The country’s major cities are bedecked with a myriad of malls from Ayala’s South Park District to SM’s Mall of Asia-- in the country’s capital, Manila alone, it seems like a new mall opens each and every year. So, what is it with Filipinos and their obvious penchant for shopping and love affair with malls?

1.)    It fosters good memories of family and friends

A typical weekend for most Filipinos would consist of a day in the mall or several malls, thus the term mall hopping was coined. While other individuals would only go to the mall to buy something they need, Filipinos go to the mall to hang out during their downtime. Sundays, for example, would be the perfect day to take a stroll in the mall, catch a movie and have lunch together with family after hearing mass. As a result, the mall is one of the ideal places to foster good memories of family and friends.

2.)    It is the place for a breather

After a full day of work, Filipinos would want to breathe fresh air. Unfortunately, for major cities, there are not many parks where Filipinos can freely amble around enjoying nature while relaxing and unwinding. However, malls in the Philippines have creatively integrated the feel of nature into their respective designs that Filipinos could get to shop and dine without the stifling ambiance of an industrial location.

3.)    It is a great one-stop entertainment shop

Malls in the Philippines are not only great for shopping. Mall developers have continuously strived to make their malls a lifestyle experience where their patrons would not need to hop mall to mall just to get everything that they need. Restaurants, cafes shops, movie houses, beauty shops, tech, kids, lifestyle, night clubs, bars, and even conferences and bazaars are available in malls which means that Filipinos do not need to travel far to have access to what they need. Hoping to catch up with a long-time friend? Head out to the nearest mall and grab some coffee and if you are looking to do some shopping or catching a movie after that, you can certainly do so.

4.)    It is a hotspot during the weekend nights

After a long and hectic week at work, many young professional Filipinos would simply like to bust a move in one of the nightclubs that once the clock ticks five on a Friday, most Filipino employees would be itching to hit the newest hotspot in the mall. Without a doubt, manila’s nightlife scene is diverse and entertaining, you can readily see how energetic the nightlife is with people going out and staying out till the wee hours of the morning. Spending a Friday night in one of the mall’s clubs and bars is indeed a great way to wrap up the week.

5.)    Filipinos always want to see something new

New malls will easily become the object of curiosity whenever it opens, this is because Filipinos love going to new places. Back in the day, malls were simply places to shop but today, they have evolved to become more than just shopping and dining destinations. Malls today have cleverly integrated a lifestyle experience to the shopping experience that Filipinos could not help but check out what the new mall has to offer.  

Author Bio: Tanya wrote this blog for South Park District, one of the estates of Ayala Land. She’s passionate about writing articles, sharing tips and guides in shopping.