How to shop in the Philippines

I love, love, love getting great deals and sharing them! I drive my facebook friends mad with links and updates lol. In my years here over time I have learnt a thing or two about the places to shop.

Firstly, forget the malls!
Most of the time it works out costing the same, if not more here than at home. The Government enforces a high import tax.

There are several markets like Greenhills (San Juan)and St. Francis (Ortigas), which offer safe shopping at good prices, but be sure to haggle. Always ask for last price. Usually they have all the sections together - example shoes. And they are all selling the same items, browse around and ask a few prices. When they see you doing that by the third one you will usually get a good price because they want you to buy it from them. The first one will always give you a high price, taking the chance because you are a foreigner.
Say " Magkano?" (how much)
Avoid China Town near the Pier area and in Old Manila, it is not safe.Pickpockets galore!

Online shopping is more limited here, but some good sites Ive found are lazada.com.ph (you pay cash on delivery) and a new one Im using is aliexpress.com I am waiting on my packages from this but they are rather slow. However it is wholesalers from China and you can buy direct from them.
I am totally obsessed with metrodeal.com.ph which offers vouchers and discounts on everything from home decor, dining, beauty services, lesuire and travel. I have re-deemed several coupons, the trick is read the fine print carefully. Make sure the terms and conditions fit with what you want.
If you are looking for secondhand goods sulit.com.ph is the most popular and easy to use site.
They have e-bay but a very small amount of sellers and most don't accept paypal, you have to go to their bank for payment (traffic, lines) or do meet-ups (make sure its at a mall)

If you are after furniture there are thousands of small furniture companys in the Philippines, and if you buy a few things its very easy to get a discount plus most deliver for a small fee (about 500 php)They also have beautiful hand made wood furniture in Tagaytay (take a truck!)
You can also go to the Japanese Surplus stores, but you really need a friend who speaks Tagalog to help you.

Dvd's?? well thats a secret market here.. don't be scared when shopping if a man suddenly pops up out of nowhere and starts saying "mam,sir dvd's? we have.." dont follow them anywhere, they will usually have a list or if you know what you want they will keenly run off and search for it. There are places you can specifically go to, but im not sure if I can list them! Always buy the dvd's in the metal casing, not plastic. The plastic ones are terrible quality. 50php for the metal casings are usual price.

I havent done much shopping here with electronics, as it is actually cheaper in Australia than here, but most say St.Francis is good.

If want the "experience" not so much the good deals, then of course Mall of Asia is No.1 They have too many features to list, plus every shop under the sun! On Saturday ights they have a fireworks display. Reserve a full day and night and dress comfy. Avoid going there around the dates of the 15th & 30th as that is when everyone gets paid and it is hectic! I usually go to the malls the week or a few days before pay days as no-one has any money and it is quiet!

Grocery shopping - I like to go to Pure Gold. Its cheap and local but keep in mind its limited in its International stock if thats what keeps you going. But its half the price of others.
SM has good choices, and Robinsons is very nice but expensive.
They have the membership type grocery shopping here also, my sister did that but it isnt cheap and mostly everything is in bulk. I loved their food court best
Again, avoid 15th & 30th!