Have you ever experienced not knowing what gift to give a friend so you just end up running around…read morethe mall frantically searching for something suitable? Yeah, that's a common enough occurrence for me which is why Tickles is such a delight. It's already saved me countless times from panicking about a gift. I just get a little wary of their prices sometimes, but I tend to find something that eventually overpowers that wariness. They have all these cute baubles and knick-knacks such as door signages, throw pillows, and stuff toys. They also have some useful stuff such as notebooks, bags, aprons, pens, doggie beds, and so much more! So whether you're shopping for yourself or for a friend, something's bound to tickle your fancy!

Don't look at me like that. I have a reputation to keep but ugh everything in Tickles is so…read morestinking cute. Even the name is enough to give you a toothache from its sweetness. Tickles has stuff that's both adorable and functional. From keychains to notebooks to plush toys to bags to... well... everything. Anything and everything under the sun. It... er... tickles... that need in me for cute stuff. I may have also spent a good twenty minutes laughing at this sign that read "You are in danger of being monitored" with the picture of a person about to hit another person with a computer monitor. Sure it's a little pricey but I suppose it depends on what you're getting. But I suppose it's the perfect little something store. There's bound to be something in there you need or at least something you'd want to give a friend when Christmas or a birthday comes around. It was a popular gift place when I was in gradeschool and it's still popular (and relevant) today.

Gift Gate is a store that basically sells a lot of items that are colored in pink. It's main mascot…read moreis a Kitty that I'm sure many of those born in the 90's would recognize but those after the millennium would not. Back in the old days Gift Gate was well, a nice place to get gifts for your loved ones, particularly kids. They sold stationary, toys, pencils, pens, you name it it had it. I gave this one four stars because of the sense of nostalgia. I have a great suspicion that buying something here and giving it to a girl who grew up in the 90's might appreciate the sense of nostalgia that this would bring them. Not only that, but items from Gift Gate aren't that expensive. It's a nice place for people who are working on a tight budget, but want something that has a little bit of thought and sentimentality to their gift of choice.

Our family has always been a proponent of the "Buy Filipino" movement. As much as possible, we try…read moreto look for local alternatives to imported products. However, this doesn't mean that we will just buy locally manufactured products even if they are substandard or irrationally expensive. We want to elevate the quality of goods made in the Philippines, so we would not let our family be taken advantage of by companies that support bad practices. Community-made goods, such as those sold by Mangyan Village Products, are some of the things that we support and encourage. It's really inspiring to see that top businesses, such as Ayala Corporation, are helping and providing opportunities for our indigenous communities to showcase not only their heritage but their craftsmanship as well. If you ever find yourself in Glorietta 3, visit the Mangyan Village Products outlet on the second floor. Here, you will find intricate hand-woven baskets, plates, bags, bracelets, and even drinking cups made from dried nito grass. There are also beautiful beaded bags. I gifted my sister a beaded blue clutch bag from this kiosk. She and everyone in her office loved it.

Kultura Filipino is really your one-stop shop for Authentic & Quality Pearls, Barong, Filipiniana,…read moreand Local Souvenir items. It's located in the SM Makati mall on the second floor. Chances are you will find what you need. From a range of T-shirts, caps, magnets, keychains, coffee, cookies, candy, chocolates, chocolate dipped mangoes, handmade items, etc. I could've spent hours in this place.

Bought a pair of 12.5 mm South Sea Pearls earrings and was charged $720 US dollars for an imperfect…read morepearl earring. They took advantage of the fact that I am in US purchasing the item. Even their website shows 15mm priced less for a round white pearl.

Department Store in MOA (MANILA Philippines)…read more The SM Store offer a wide range of merchandise. I remembered this as Shoemart when I lived in the Philippines until I was 11 years old. I bought a pair of Crocs flats to replace my worn out pair back home. I love these... my mom and sister each also purchased a pair. The salesperson was very helpful. She patiently went to get the correct sizes for us. She had to go to another part of the store to grab them. Not sure how far she went to get them but we waited quite awhile. The Crocs were displayed in a small section right at the entrance (which immediately caught my eye). Prices for the Crocs were comparable to U.S. pricing (about $52 for my flats). There was no line at the register and the transaction went fast and smooth. We were able to pay by credit card. Located in the South Parking Building on the first level. The SM Store is the largest department store chain in the Philippines. Review #3301

For those westerners this place is like a mix of Macy's plus Walmart. The worker to customer ratio…read moreis 2:1 and it's awesome, it's like having a personal shopper! They have a wonderful selection of local and traditional items for sale also around the store, but local! I'll be stopping here more in the coming months. So if you don't want to walk all over the Mall of Asia then come on over here and save your feet. And it has AC! Also a plus anywhere in Southeast Asia. Enjoy!