Manila’s 2nd Gift to the World: The Largest Malls
Maybe it’s the heat and the dust that drives us to run for the nearest mall. Or maybe shopping is in our Filipino genetics as we don’t even need to hear the word “Sale!” to flock to the city malls! Perhaps it’s the humongous selection of activities we can choose from while malling in Manila — the countless eateries, a menagerie of shops that range from super cheap to super expensive, the many sites for people-watching, the play areas for our many kids… Manila malling is fun.
It’s no wonder then that of the Top 10 malls in the world, 3 are found right here in Manila. SM Mall of Asia is the 3rd biggest mall in the world. SM Megamall is the 5th biggest mall in the world. And last but not the least, SM City North Edsa is the 9th biggest mall in the world. All that combined makes for 10 million square feet of malling.
Wow.
The SM Mall of Asia is so huge it offers a free ride (tram?) around the mall. Shoppers can hop on and get off near their desired location. Senior citzens are given special care by offering them the use of their own little carts to drive around the mall in too. It is easy to get lost in this mall but it shouldn’t cause one to worry. There are roving security guards who are more than willing to help you out. The mall also has an Olympic sized skating rink. And since it’s Christmas, fake snow falls from the ceiling at certain times of the day. It’s fun watching the little kids float on the ice and raise their arms to welcome the falling snow. Another attracton of the mall is the first IMAX theater in the country. But place a call early to reserve seats as it fills up quickly! What I personally love most about the mall though is its unobstructed view of Manila Bay. The relaxing view of the water tempers the busy beat of the mall.
The SM Megamall is mega indeed. There are two huge buildings that house a variety of stores and restaurants. Even the bridgeway that connects the two buildings are filled with a lot of eating places and boutiques. The first ice skating rink in the Philippines can also be found in this mall too.
SM City North Edsa was the first of these three malls to be constructed. It started out as just one building, then expanded into having the SM Annex, the Carpark (now Cyberzone), the SM Super Sale (like a warehouse club, but it no longer exists) and more recently, the Block.
Enough reading now and put on those walking shoes! It’s time for you to explore these fun-filled Manila malls yourself. Enjoy!
Today, a lucky random poster will receive a P100.00 MPass to random poster (Ayala Mall Cinemas). Please do not post your home address or phone number. We will contact you by email. (Lucky poster will be drawn on Saturday, December 9)
I can’t wait to go malling :)
But seriously, MOA is one of the great additions to our weekend “tambayans”! And if you’re into hunting for SALES or just letting the heat die out…good luck and have fun at SM!
“‘Coz here at SM…We got it all for you..”
Hey, I must ask for paymet for advertising them..hahaha =)
I haven’t been to Mall of Asia yet. I hope to go there with my family before the year ends. :-)
MOA is the nearest mall to my school, and it is the perfect place to end a very hectic week. I have to agree that the view of Manila Bay and the weekend fireworks are its main attractions.
A gift or a curse? :-(
I was in Manila during Thanksgiving. I haven’t been home in 13 years and the malls surprised me. They’re huge and everywhere. Even the older ones got facelifts. But outside of these malls, the amount of poverty in Manila is so painfully visible. It’s so much worse than when I left. So who’s doing the shopping at these malls?