Shopping is all about what’s new---the sight yet to be seen, the thrill that’s never been felt. All over the world, Filipinos are famous for their shopping obsession, but the root of it all isn’t a mindless materialism. We know it in the very core of our being that travel is a great blessing, and we want to immortalize the journey and more importantly, we want to find trinkets to share with those we love. Now that weight restrictions are stricter than ever, and we have so many more choices in our travel adventures, it makes more sense that we do our shopping for pasalubong when we land back here in the Philippines.
Duty Free Philippines understands this very well. “We are constantly evolving and shopping for brands to excite our clients. We know that they want their loved ones to get to enjoy what they may see, whether it was in the Middle East, Europe, or America,” shares the Chief Operating Officer of Duty Free Philippines Enchong Formoso. To enhance this experience, Duty Free Philippines has just completed their most extensive renovation of their shopping floors. “From the floor to the ceiling, we have changed it. We wanted to upgrade Duty Free to an international level, on par with Duty Free shops abroad. In a word, everything is new.”
On the fashion floor, boutiques for Longchamp and Coach have been enlarged and redesigned. Heritage brand Coach has embarked on a worldwide rebranding, and this boutique in Duty Free Philippines reflects this new direction. Other fun labels on the fashion floor include Givenchy, Lacoste, Penguin and Tommy Bahamas. The Repetto selection is also another delightful discovery at very delightful prices as well.
The watches are now housed in their own separate boutique. Beverly Ong Campos, who heads the Watches department reveals, “We started with the fashion watches, such as Anne Klein and Guess, but we are happy that Fossil, U-Boat and Philippe Charriol were so happy with our renovation that we are now carrying these brands.”
Perfumes and makeup are true bargains at Duty Free Philippines. From designer brands (Chanel, and Dior) to fashion favorites (MAC and Shu Uemura) to drugstore basics (L’Oreal and Maybelline), the choices and prices cannot be beat. Acca Kappa also has its own boutique here and a great selection of its toiletries and signature brushes. Fun finds such as Italian botanical soaps make wonderful presents, and they sit so prettily on a powder room counter.
The wine lovers will find Robert Mondavi wines that are exclusive to Duty Free, as well as Patron, Hennessy and Johnnie Walker special edition spirits. Chocolates remain the top sellers of all the categories, and the perennial pasalubong staples Ghirardelli’s and Godiva and See’s now have an expanded selection. There are always interesting promos with cute gifts that add to the fun of the shopping experience.
Walking through the aisles at Duty Free Philippines, my mind wanders back to so many shopping sprees of the past. But the memory that is seared on my brain when I step into Duty Free Philippines is of the children, who traipse about the aisles, grabbing a bag of M&M’s or clutching an adorable stuffed toy. And then I look for their parents and see the warm, glowing smiles. Then, and I am barely aware of it, my friends find me and ask, “What are you smiling at?” And I then feel a knot in my throat at having that realization that a bag of chocolates isn’t just an explosion of sweetness and calories, and that a pasalubong isn’t just a token from a trip, but a way to share the very best of ourselves.
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| Special vintage liqueurs, limited edition tequilas, and unusual blends of brandies and Scotch whiskies await gentlemen of distinction. |
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| Sweet treats. Cute gift packages and delectable indulgences will delight everyone on your shopping list. |
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| Popular heritage chocolatier Godiva’s and American classic See’s Candies of California are now available at the new Duty Free Philippines. |
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| Watch it. Whether you are searching for a dressy timepiece or a sporty accessory, the new watch floor at the new Duty Free Philippines is bigger better and brighter. |
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| Coach is the embodiment of the quintessentially American way of making sportswear effortlessly chic; and the current collection by cult favorite Stuart Vevers is now wowing magazine editors, bloggers and other followers of fashion. |
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| It’s a beauty connoisseur’s heaven. Fragrance, skin care, cosmetics and gift items from drugstore brands to luxury houses are all in one easy to navigate shopping floor. |
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