‘Malling is More Fun in the Philippines’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is positioning the country as a shopping destination as it partners with SM Supermalls to launch the “Malling is More Fun in the Philippines” campaign.

“This nationwide campaign invites locals and tourists to experience why shopping, leisure and entertainment in the Philippines is truly more enjoyable,” the DOT said.

Based on DOT data in 2017, shopping was the number one activity of tourists visiting the country, with 51.60 percent of visitors hitting the stores.

Shopping is also where tourists spend money, amounting to $20.90 of the 2017 average daily expenditure per capita of $125.65.

The DOT maintained that building up shopping tourism in the country would also spur economic growth, create millions of jobs, livelihood and enterprises.

“It’s no small feat that SM Supermalls have somewhat defined our cities and helped shape our collective memory,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

“Now that tourist numbers have continued to climb, shopping centers such as SM will hold great influence on how our visitors from around the globe will perceive us and on the experience that they will take away,” Puyat added.

SM Supermalls said it continues to serve as a venue for meaningful family bonding moments where everyone can indulge in extraordinary malling experiences with its 70 malls nationwide.

“Malls have become the modern day plaza and safe community spaces for families and friends to share moments together through shopping, dining and fun experiences,” SM Supermalls chief operating officer Steven Tan said.

“SM’s partnership with the (DOT) celebrates the best of the Philippines through a range of fun fairs and fiestas,” Tan added.

As part of the “Malling is More Fun” campaign, mall goers are invited to participate in special activities in SM Supermalls all over the country.

These activities include culinary demos, regional food fairs, exclusive dining deals and the SM Supermarket Chefs Showdown.

These events will happen in the following SM malls: North EDSA; Megamall; Mall of Asia; Southmall; Fairview; Manila; East Ortigas; Marikina; BF Parañaque; Baguio; Rosales; Cauayan; Cabanatuan; Pampanga; Clark; Telabastagan; San Fernando; Baliwag; Marilao; Molino; Trece Martires; Santa Rosa; Batangas; Legazpi; Cebu; Seaside City Cebu; Iloilo; Bacolod; Puerto Princesa; Lanang Premier; General Santos and CDO Downtown Premier.

“This is only the first of the many surprises that are set to roll out in the coming months. Watch out as SM, together with the (DOT), make malling more fun in the Philippines,” SM Supermalls said.

The “Malling is More Fun Campaign” is among the partnerships between the DOT and the private sector to promote the country.

Puyat earlier said companies such as Jollibee, Bench, Cebu Pacific have expressed support for the making of commercials promoting the country.

“All of them have been doing commercials for free for love of country just to promote the country and they just want to be part of the fun,” Puyat also said.