SM Mall of Asia — Attraction in Pasay

Disclaimer, this review is aimed at helpig non-Filipinos make an informed decision. I'm not trying to offend anyone so I apologise in advance for not being politically correct. I'm married to a Filipina and she fully endorses my comments, given she feels embarrassed by the behaviour she often sees from other Filipinos.

MOA was previously one of our favourite malls, but now not so much. Last time we were here was March 2019 when more than 50% of the stores were closed for rennovation. This time there were a lot of rennovated stores open for business and the mall looks very nice and clean. However, the layout is quite confusing and it takes a couple of hours of walking around to start getting your bearings. The toilets are small and not capable of handling the extraordinary volume of customers constantly streaming through. There's also no tissue so you need to bring your own just in case.

The shopping experience: If, like me you're not Filipino you need to understand that as a general rule Filipinos won't line up or wait their turn, preferring to just shove in and talk over the customer service person serving you while essentially throwing scrunched up money at them. They also opperate on a two speed system, "hungry" or "not hungry".

Speed 1 - "Not hungry" is categorised by waddling in slow motion whilst dragging their heals in a semi-side to side motion with no direction or purpose, stopping every 5 seconds to change direction, take a selfie or photograph their kids. The kids can best be described as rude, undisciplined and out of control (my own nieces and nephews included, not unlike many western kids nowadays).

Speed 2 - "Hungry" is categorised by laser-like focus and ruthless abandon as they attempt to break all land speed records in the pursuit of their prey. The most dangersous of these Filipinos is the middle-aged women standing at less than 5' and weighing more than 65kg. Their ferocity increases based on how long it's been since they last ate rice. If it's been more than 3 hours you're taking your life in your hands if you dare get in their way. Elbows flying as they charge through the crowd essetially dragging their now fully compliant kids by their ears. Once fed they'll return to their previous state of slow motion activity, choosing to stop and congregate at the bottom of escallators causing chaos for people trying to get off or standing in groups just outside the entrance or exit of shops while they trying decide what Ate Gina should be cooking for dinner for Jojo's birthday in two weeks time.

That said the waterfront walk is nice and there are some great restaurants to choose from as well as lots to keep kids of all ages occupied.

If you were offended, just remember this a pretty tongue-in-cheek post ;-)

It's always more fun in the...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Mall of Asia in Manila, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I stepped foot in this massive shopping complex, I was captivated by its sheer size and vibrant atmosphere.

First and foremost, the variety of stores available is simply astounding. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion brands, local boutiques, or specialty stores, Mall of Asia has it all. It's a paradise for shoppers, offering an immense range of options to suit every taste and budget.

The layout of the mall is well-designed, making it easy to navigate and explore. I appreciated the clear signages and helpful directory boards that helped me find my way around effortlessly. The spacious corridors and wide aisles ensured a comfortable shopping experience, even during peak hours.

One of the standout features of Mall of Asia is the entertainment offerings. The mall houses a fantastic selection of cinemas, where I enjoyed catching a movie with state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, there are plenty of recreational activities, such as a bowling alley and an ice skating rink, which provide a great way to unwind and have fun.

When it comes to dining, Mall of Asia truly spoils you for choice. From local delicacies to international cuisines, the options are endless. I had the pleasure of indulging in diverse culinary experiences, and each meal was a delightful treat for my taste buds.

Furthermore, the mall's cleanliness and well-maintained facilities impressed me. Despite the large number of visitors, the premises were spotless, and the restrooms were impeccably clean. The security measures in place also made me feel safe and secure throughout my visit.

Lastly, the Mall of Asia's waterfront location is simply enchanting. The magnificent view of Manila Bay adds an extra touch of beauty to the overall experience. I highly recommend taking a stroll along the bay area and witnessing the breathtaking sunset—it's an unforgettable sight.

Overall, my experience at the Mall of Asia was nothing short of exceptional. It's a shopping haven that caters to all your needs and desires. Whether you're a shopaholic, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a great place to spend time with family and friends, Mall of Asia in Manila is the perfect destination. I can't wait to visit again and explore even more of what this remarkable mall...

SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is a must-visit destination if you’re in Manila! From its massive size to its extensive selection of shops, restaurants, and attractions, this mall truly has something for everyone. It’s one of the largest malls in Asia, and you can definitely feel it the moment you step inside!

Shopping: The mall has an incredible variety of stores, from popular international brands like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo to local Filipino brands offering unique products you won't find anywhere else. It's a paradise for shoppers of all budgets, whether you're looking for high-end designer items or affordable fashion finds.

Dining: The dining options are endless! MOA has a wide array of restaurants to suit every taste—Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Italian, American, and more. The seaside restaurants are a big plus, providing a beautiful view of Manila Bay, especially at sunset. The food court also has plenty of budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on taste.

Entertainment: MOA stands out with its entertainment options. There’s an ice-skating rink, cinemas with the latest movies (including IMAX!), bowling alleys, and even an amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel right by the bay. It’s an amazing experience for families and kids, or even just for groups of friends who want to have fun.

Ambiance and Design: The mall’s layout is very well-designed, with spacious walkways and organized sections that make it easy to navigate, despite its size. It's well-maintained, clean, and beautifully decorated, especially during the holidays when you’ll find stunning seasonal displays.

Accessibility: SM Mall of Asia is easy to get to, with good parking facilities, a well-organized transport terminal, and it’s conveniently located near the airport. Plus, it's wheelchair accessible, with wide pathways and elevators.

Service: The customer service is excellent. Mall staff and security personnel are helpful and accommodating, always ready to assist you in finding your way or addressing any concerns.

Conclusion: SM Mall of Asia is more than just a mall—it’s a complete experience. Whether you're a shopaholic, a foodie, or just someone looking to relax with family or friends, MOA won’t disappoint. Set aside several hours to explore it fully; even better, make it a full-day outing!

Highly...