Whether you are a balikbayan dropping off at Manila or a Manila worker on your way to the province, bringing pasalubong items to our families, friends, and neighbors is almost always a necessity before hitting the airport or the terminal towards our beloved probinsyas. There is this one curious place in San Juan where even foreigners shop for cheap but quality items, probably for their Filipina wives' families as they may be on their way to their provinces too. Actually, I heard some foreigners on the way out of the country are also buying goods in Green Hills Shopping Center, also for their loved ones back home. The last time we strolled through this place, we even spotted TV Host and Comedian Arnel Ignacio. Even if you are just looking for items for your own use, there are dozens of spectacular reasons why Green Hills is the place to go.
Shopping is not always an enjoyable activity for me but I always act as forced escort con body guard con baggage boy for my ever dearest wife who has already tried a whole spectrum of shopping places from Baclaran and Divisoria to Henry Sy's and Ayala's Malls around Metro Manila to the more elegant shopping centers of Green Belt and Rockwell. I believe then that my experience as escort con body guard con baggage boy qualifies me to make a comparison and recommend a shopping place at least for the average shopper.
Accessibility
Green Hills Shopping Center is just one jeepney ride away from EDSA - Ortigas Intersection. That would be a minimum fare of 7 pesos each. If you are coming from Mega Mall, you can grab yourself a taxi and Green Hills would only be 50 pesos away. From Ayala - Makati, the Ortigas or Mega Mall drop off points is just P13 away on an air conditioned bus.
Cheap Price, Good Quality
One of the reasons why I would prefer Green Hills despite it being not as accessible as the SM and Robinson's Malls which are mostly only walking distances away from major highways like EDSA is the comparatively lower prices. It is not as cheap as the ones you can find in Baclaran or Divisoria but the quality of the products you buy are almost comparable, if not better, than the ones you can find in the more accessible malls of SM or Robinson's.
In Baclaran and Divisoria, cheap prices almost always comes with uncertain qualities. You must have either lots of luck or lots of patience to check the most minute detail in every item you buy just so you can ensure value for what you pay. If you are not lucky or patient enough, which happens to me most of the time, you may end up buying disposable items.
Ambiance
No Factory Defects
Unlike those of Didjay Vidjay's, the items you can find in Green Hills does not pride in its factory defects despite the cheap prices.
Looking for watches?
Hmmmm.... wait a minute....
It looks like Rolex but don't ask me if it is original because I can't tell the difference anyway. Not sure but I overheard less than 2k? No not dollars, sounded like in pesos. I wonder what those foreigners are up to in here. :)
Oh, you are going on summer vacation, right? Seems like you need these...
By the way, the lovely lady is not endorsing anything :).
Bags... they have it all too, again, don't ask me how good they are or what brand... they are mostly ladies bags :(.
Looking for souvenir items or anything? Well, just go around and enjoy the place... :)
I almost forgot the main reason why engineers and accountants in Makati would visit Green Hills... the latest cell phones and electronic gadgets at very attractive prices.
And you don't just buy cellphones here, you can also sell your unwanted ones...
Slippers and sandals....
... and shoes too....
.....with oceans of choices...
Love gardening? It's all in here too...
I can't name all the flowers but they seem pretty good...
And of course the bread and butter of every shopping place... the RTWs...
I can't name all the flowers but they seem pretty good...
... and they come with the most popular brands too... :)
Just like any standard malls, Green Hills has its own version of cinemas too.... and foods come from turo-turo type to fast food type to elegant dining style. Can't find what you are looking for? We haven't tried this one but I believe there is a reason why the "Information Desk" is called information desk. :)
Got wheels? Parking is no reason for worries...
No Brutal Sellers
If there is one thing that would make me avoid the Baclaran and Divisoria stores, it would be the brutality of many of their sellers who seem to not allow you to leave their booths without buying from them. In Green Hills, at least based on our experience, the sellers are mostly nice and professional. You can always check out what they have on store, ask for prices, and still have the option to either buy it or leave to find other options next booths. They are quite friendly too that you can shop out with your family.
Ingat...:)
Just like many shopping places on earth, Green Hills is not immune to misguided personalities. It also has its own share of cellphone snatching stories or misbehaving dealers. We enjoyed the stroll overall but it is always safe to take care. Enjoy shopping for pasalubong and see you in Anahawan!!! :) Ingat!
