Philippine Living: Four Reasons Why Filipinos Love Shopping

“We used to build civilizations. Now we build shopping malls.”-Bill Bryson

There has never been any doubt about the Filipinos love for their shopping malls. After all, who else has come up with the term “malling” other than the Filipino themselves?

With the myriad of shopping malls peppered across the country—each one promising to offer its
patrons something a little different than the last—these malls are hailed and recognized as cities of their own. A true testament to a Filipino’s unique obsession with shopping malls is not only hinged the fact that the Philippines has some of the world’s biggest shopping malls and districts (from SM Shopping Districts to Circuit Makati Mall), but also in the direct observation of how an average Filipino’s weekend seems to involve going to the mall for one reason or another.

But to what reason can we truly attribute this general fascination (and at times, fixation) to these cathedrals of consumerism? Why do Filipinos have a proclivity for spending their downtime at the mall more than any other place? Is it because of their incessant penchant to shop? Or because they wish to emulate their western neighbors in their love and flair for shopping? Well, while shopping malls are not as revered and celebrated in western countries as they are in the Philippines, these western countries do not exactly have humid weather all year long which would constrain its locals to stay indoors. In this regard, Filipinos have grown to love their shopping malls insomuch that they can even spend the entire day in there. Apart from the temperature controlled environment, malls also serve as a social outlet as they are likely to bump into people they know there (because again, everyone seems to love the mall!). The Philippines is known for its hot weather, and in metropolitan cities such as Manila, you would be hard-pressed for activities to do either because it is blazing hot or raining hard outside. Furthermore, you can do pretty much anything and everything in Philippine shopping malls whether that may be trying out to ice-skate, bowl or catching a late night flick. Although having shopping malls in almost every nook and cranny in the city might be taken as a sign of progress, it could also mean the gradual decline of cultural centers such as museums—so having a string of them might not be so good after all.

So, why does an average Filipino love the mall so much? And how have this corrugated structures become a highlight to their weekends? Well, the reasons below might enlighten you as to why:

1.) Ease of convenience

Back in the day, a trip to the mall would involve packing everyone into the car and be driving to it. However, with a myriad of malls peppered across the country, it might be easier and far more convenient to walk instead of taking the car. Moreover, as most malls are now strategically placed near condos and offices, they are made even more accessible to everyone.

2.) They have it all in one roof

Shopping malls go above and beyond to ensure that they provide the best experience to their shoppers possible. In this regard, they are more than just your ordinary shopping mall, and you can, in fact, do everything you wish and need to in one mall—given that it provides all the services and activities you are looking for. Today, most shopping malls have partnered up with local government agencies such as LTO and Philhealth rendering the mall as a one-stop place for everything you might need.

3.) Experience mini-concerts

Apart from yearly sales and events, malls entice people to favor their malls the best by hosting free roadshows, events, and even mini-concerts. To ensure an influx of people and potential customers  would be coming in, they would often invite esteemed individuals and even musicians and celebrities who you can get to see for free! It mutually benefits the invited guest, and the mall as the guest might be promoting something while the mall can expect hordes upon hordes of fans and possibly potential shoppers who wish to take a glimpse of their esteemed invited guest.

4.) Attend mass

The Philippines is a devoutly Catholic country, and as a result, many of the locals are deeply religious. To ensure that the shopping mall would be a guaranteed destination for religious individuals, malls have scheduled masses on Sundays with hourly intervals—depending on the mall. Some malls would even hold novenas and First Friday masses. In this regard, families who wish to spend their mornings in worship would not need to go to two destinations and just spend their day in one place. After the mass, they can easily attend a movie or eat at their favorite restaurant which would be located in the general vicinity.


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