My boyfriend is a big sneaker fan and when a new pair drops, he likes to drag me to check them out…read more One of them shoe stores we frequent is Sneak Peek in EDSA Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong. It's right across his office and a few blocks away from mine so we end up going to this shop once in a while. What I noticed about Sneak Peek is that they carry a pretty wide variety of shoe brands. They have the usual suspects like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Supra but they also carry edgier brands like Tretorn, G-Star Raw, Mr. Lacy and Brixton. Apart from sneaks, they also sell sunglasses, caps and socks! Pretty awesome place to do some serious shoe shopping!

J'S, Nikes, Adidas, NB, Asics, Saucony, Mitchell and Ness, American Needle, Supreme etc etc etc ALL…read moreAUTHENTIC; most DEADSTOCK (brand new) some used (but still very goos condition) Gabbys has it all when it comes to street swag! This store is consignment for the most part - so dont expect them to have a full size run of whatever you're looking for. That said, they often WILL have that pair you missed out on cos it was sold out the moment it released. Trust Gabbys to be holding that grail you've been looking for!!! Best to keep updated with their social media accounts for the latest and greatest and message them ahead if you are looking for something in particular. IG: gabbysoset_shaw FB: Gabby's Closet Manila --CONSIGNMENT--- being a consignment store means they also accept anything you might have to sell! Provided it fits their genre (so dont be consigning those joints you got on sale at nike factory store ). Gabbys offers 20% on shoes and 30% on everything else (meaning you set the price - they get 20 or 30% of the sale).

I pass by Judelle's all the time when I head to Cubao Expo to day drink. I enjoy checking their…read morenewest displays and going through their items on sale. Sometimes they'll have over the top and super fake Nikes and other brands for 300php or lss. Their more generic shoes go as low as 150php when on sale. I've eyed a couple of pairs a few times but never really convinced nyself to buy it (I'm a very calculated shopper). I'm still waiting for plain canvas shoes that I could pass off as Keds or Advans on sale. I saw a few pairs for men before. They have everything from rubber slippers to leather shoes at lower prices. And even if you don't buy anything, it's always fun going through some of their outrageous inventory.

Greenhills Shopping Center is one of my favorite shopping mall in the Philippines. I've been going…read moreto this mall since the 80's. It's known for its diverse range of stores and products like clothing, cellular phone sales, repairs and accessories, jewelry store, toys, pearls, souvenir items, restaurants, bars, video arcades, religious facilities and the ever popular tiangge that sells imported and local products for bargain hunters. A lot has changed but it is still one of the most beloved malls in the country.

It's been two years since I last visited Greenhills and their renovations have paid off. It…read moredefinitely had a nicer, modern look with a more open feel in the main mall. Restaurant row was more inviting with more sit down choices and better design. Security upon entrance was still the same. Large bags were inspected upon entry. The tiangge section (Shoppsville side) was untouched with rows and rows of stalls selling pearls, clothing, suitcases, shoes and more. Everything here can be haggled over. I was on the search for some local food items but the stall I sought out was closed for some reason. The chapel in the mall was still something unique to see but quite convenient to attend mass. The indoor garden across the way was updated and more inviting than I remember with more seating. Parking here has always been and will likely still be a challenge. Security guards still direct traffic but drop off areas by the mall entrances do get backed up frequently. Definitely enjoyed the shopping experience more than before.

What's better than an Adidas store? What's better is an Adidas OUTLET store. Yes, Adidas can be…read morepretty pricey and you would definitely need to shell out a lot of money for cool new kicks or a hip sports jacket, but why not check out an outlet store and see all the (still) cool and hip stuff that are sold with great quality? I for one, am definitely thankful for this store. I have not one but 4 members of my family who are Adidas addicts. I can see why because they certainly have great stuff but it's personally not my style so I buy other and cheap workout gear that won't burn holes in my wallet and pockets. An outlet store won't so every time there's a birthday or it's Christmas, I always visit this branch. They have great discounts (up to 70% off during sale season) and you can even call them beforehand to ask if they have a certain model you want.

I'm a sucker for a good deals! If you ask any of my friends, I have never bought any of my clothes…read moreor accessories at full price; I also don't own that many branded items. I have my moments though when I do need to buy something of "quality" and that would be shoes. But, still, even if quality means a higher price, I'm still always on the look out for the discount or deal! This is why I enjoy going to Payless. I mean, I bought my wedding shoes here! :D Whenever I drop by, I head straight to the size 8 section. I'll try a couple of pairs on (if something catches my eye), pay for the shoes and call it a "Frugal Day"! The brand I really love at Payless is Dexter. They are just sooo Comfy!!! Usually, if I find a style I like, I but it in 2-3 colors. Also, I suggest you all go here at the end of the month. That's when they offer 70% off on shoes or even a "buy 2 pairs, get the 3rd at 50% off!" deal. :)

Cubao X used to be the original hipster paradise. A decade ago, the Marikina Shoe Expo opened its…read moredoors to businesses not necessarily from Marikina and not necessarily about shoes. The compound attracted manila's artists and whatnots to form what we call Cubao X now. Back then, there were a couple of galleries and a lot of interesting curio shops and everything in between. If you were a part (or aspiring to be part) of Manila's artistic scene, this was the place to be seen. A decade later, Cubao X lost a bit of hipster cred. The galleries are all but gone, and the original shops have been replaced by newer shops that kinda still live by the same vibe the original Cubao X did. There's also a lot of antique shops here for some weird reason. Cubao X may not be as cutting edge as it used to be, but it's still here and it does deserve a visit.

My earliest memory of this horseshoe-shaped complex is being hauled by my mother in order to shop…read morefor school shoes. Perhaps some, if not most of the younger millennials do not realize it but Cubao X used to be called Marikina Shoe Expo, a project spearheaded by the former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the late 70s meant to showcase world-class footwear locally crafted in the City of Marikina. These days, it is still an expo of sorts, but this time of Filipino youth culture that follows similar movements happening in other parts of the world, but in a distinct way that remains firmly grounded on local flavor. Although there are still a few shoe brands that persist in the enclave, it is now also home to other different subcultures, with art galleries, and shops that cater to surfers, skaters and musicians. You want to look at surfboards, skateboards and street wear? How about some vinyl records or a new bag for your ukulele? Cubao X. There is even a popular Itallian restaurant owned by a former Itallian paparazzo and his Filipino wife, which sits a few paces away from a boutique run by a divinator, though one has to make an appointment to have fortune read. But more than a shopping gallery for curious knickknacks and quirky finds ranging from the progressively artsy to the vintage indie, it is at night that this place really teems with life. Crowding within and spilling from its smallish diners and watering holes are animated conversations about hardcore philosophy, puppy love, high and pop literature alike, and the next super hero film. Every now and then, small music festivals are held here where both renowned and up-and-coming performers take on the spotlight, drawing together budding artists, their muses, starting patrons and just the generally bored. Literally, anyone and everyone, all coming together to partake of cheap alcohol, specialty food and generally great music. So the next time you find yourself wanting to explore new ideas over a few bottles of beer, or to just chill in a place where being vastly different from the guy in the next table is the most normal thing to be, just step into the menagerie that is Cubao X.

I remember Cubao Expo as my second home around ten years ago. If you're into arts like me, then…read morethis joint is the perfect spot for you. They have different stores there; one is an art gallery, the other sells shoes, and the other sells antiques and old records/vinyls. There's also an art exhibit in one store. Not to forget is Bellini's, which is an Italian restaurant owned by an Italian and his Filipina wife. Before there was also Pop Culture where you can see a life size Astronaut greeting you at the door. This place has a rustic and old school vibe, and there are bars and food joint as well, such as Allan's Grill, and before there was Mogwai. Expect a Friday night at Expo to be jam packed, you'd see mostly college students and yuppies. The last time I was there I can hardly recognize anyone, makes me think I'm old. A bottle of beer costs around P50, and if you can't find any seats or table, then you shouldn't mind sitting near the gutter or just stand up. It's very laid back there so I won't advice you to be wearing your heels. Only in Cubao Expo would you see musicians in one corner, jamming good songs, and friends on the other corner drinking Red Horse. It's a mix of all sorts of people--artists, yuppies, homeboys and homegirls. I advice you to bring P300-P500 and that includes food and drinks. Going to Cubao Expo is an overall experience, a culture that would satisfy any artist's cravings for some good night. What are you waiting for? Invite your friends to chill at the Expo.