This week, for our video column, we are going to take a trip to SM City, Davao. For those of you who have been curious what malls in the Philippines are like, have a look at the video below and you will have a good idea.
The shooting of the video didn’t go exactly as planned, if you watch the video all the way through, you’ll see what I mean. Still, though, it will give you a good idea of what to expect at a place like SM or other malls in the Philppines.
I hope you enjoy the video!
Hi Bob,
As I was watching your video I was just waiting for the security guards to pounce on you!
What exactly was the problem or reason they gave you for not filming anyway?
Regards
Phil
Hi Phil – "Company Policy, Sir." That is about all they said. I felt bad about it, because I did not intend to do anything against SM, as I said on the video, I was clear with the security people when I entered the mall about what my plans were, and they said it was OK. Maybe they mis-understood me, or maybe they were too shy to say no. I can't say why they said it was OK, and then booted me out of the mall. I do wish that it had not happened the way that it did. But, like I also said, I did get enough footage so that everybody could have an idea about the place too.
Hi Bob,
Not too much different from the malls we have here in USA. Sorry you got stopped by guards..not sure why they wouldn't want you to film in there…but anyways nice video. I guess that Daveo is large city that can support such a mall and has many people there able to afford such places.
When I will be living in Maasin City, I am guessing the closest mall to me will be Cebu City, but thats ok..I don't go to the malls here in South FLorida…lol either so is ok with me. But I guess I will miss my local Walmart being open 24 hours…lol. I know Walmart has invaded the Far East in China, but do they have stores in the Philippines, like in Manila, just curious. I use to work for Walmart, Inc. as part of there many retail management teams here in South FLorida and know they have spread themselves all over the world, in Mexico, South America, Canada, China,Japan and some European countries….just not sure about the Philippines.
I really wouldn't see the use of a Walmart there in Philippines, except for middle class and above, I wouldn't think the people appreciate the fact they can buy groceries in bulk and have the freezer/ refridgerator space for it all as well.
I will tell you this, when thinking about moving to Philippines and trying to think of what type of business to start there and be able to make enough money there to support myself and family. This site has made me a believer that it can be done. Just have to figure out what the people there in Maasin City need and are willing to pay for it. I have quite alot of ideas now and hopefully in the next year will use them. I have also learned alot from talking with my girlffriend who lives there now, and she tells me alot about her city, and usually I hear her say, "well if you want that type of thing, you have to go to Cebu or larger city for that". So that tells me alot about what is needed there in Maasin. Your site is very useful, helpful and encouraging to say the least…
Thanks for the work you do here,
Danny
Hi Danny – There are seven such malls here in Davao City at my last count! There are also two new malls that are getting ready to start construction soon. Davao is really a growing city!
No Walmart does not have any stores in the Philippines. There are people who will tell you there is one in Manila, but it is not really a WalMart, or even the same company. That store is actually called "Walter Mart" and has no relation to the Arkansas company.
Funny that you used to be in Retail Management for WalMart, I was in that field myself back in the 80's. I didn't work for WalMart, but worked for a company named "T.G. & Y." which is the company that Sam Walton started out with, before moving on and starting his own company!
You are 100% right, Danny that you CAN move here and earn a living! I know, because I am doing it. I am currently writing a book about how to earn a living here in the Philippines, and it should be available in the next month or so, so if you are interested, watch for it! I will announce it on this site when it is ready. A lot of people will tell you that it is impossible to earn a living here, but I know for a fact that it is not. I actually find it easier to earn a living here than back in the States!
Good luck on your journey, Danny!
Excellent video post, thanks Bob. Do you know off-hand the typical cost of franchise brands like pizzas at Pizza Hut?
Re the forthcoming book will it deal with real scenarios on how to make a living in relation to the Philippines? Give Real examples? Will it be available in eformat and if so where can we download it?
Hi James – Thanks, I am glad that you enjoyed the video! The price of a pizza ranges from about P250 to P450 or so, depending on the place. I guess that the most famous Pizza Places that have branches all over the country are Pizza Hut, Shakeys, Yellow Cab Pizza and Greenwich. Greenwich is more of a local syled pizza, the others are more of the worldwide variety of pizza. For the prices I listed above, you can expect a Pizza that is good for 2 to 4 people in general.
Regarding my coming book, although I didn't decide on the title yet, it will be something like "49 Ways to Make a Living in the Philippines," and will include 49 real ways that you can earn a living here. Many of the ways listed are things that I have done myself. Actually, I guess I've dipped my hand into all of the ideas, probably. I do believe that each and every one of these 49 ideas is a viable way to earn a living while living in the Philippines. As a bonus, I also go through my personal history of money making in the Philippines, things I tried (some good, some bad), and how they worked out. The book will be available in e-format and also on paper. When it is ready, I'll be announcing where to get it.
nice video Bob….typical philipino response
Hi brian – it was unfortunate…. but I'll still live. 😉
Thanks for the reply Bob, and I look forward to purchasing one of your books when it comes out. I am sure it will be very helpful in deed. While being in management with Walmart, Inc., one of the required learning tools was to read Sam Waltons book "Made In America", which was very interesting and and very educational about starting a business with just simple business tactics or "home grown" business tactics as Sam would put it. Actually, most of his ideas came from other companies at the time, like K-Mart, and some of the other big stores at that time in the 1970's in the mid-west. Of course Sam did it right, he found a niche in business, a service he could provide people with and made millions doing it…even he never thought it would be that big of company and money producer. But, I think ole Sam is rolling in his grave now with the way his CEO's are running that company now.
THanks again and keep up the good work you do there, it keeps us well informed.
Danny
PS. Call me old fashioned, but I like the old paper book myself. Thats just me though 😆
Brian — so true. When I saw the other posts asking what reason the security gave, wondering why they wouldn't allow video in the mall, etc., I just shook my head and thought 'No use in wondering because the explanation is just because they're Filipinos'.
The video worked well, Bob. Very nice. Did you use your N95?
Hi Bob – Rechie wanted to know if I was going to comment about how loud the malls are in the Philippines. I said, "as a matter of fact I am." I think SM Mall in Davao is a few decibels below the ones in Manila though. Part of that might be not quite as many people, as the volume seems to rise when everyone is competing to be heard over the music.
Another thing I've not seen here in my part of the country, but found very useful, were the package counters.
We spent some time in that mall as it is across from the terminal we used to go back and forth from Mlang. Maybe too much time 🙂
Hi Danny – I fully agree with you on your thoughts about retailing! A lot has changed since I was in the business back in the 80's.
Hi Rina – Thanks for your comment. Personally, I don't like to say "because they are filipinos," as it sounds kind of demeaning. I prefer to just say "because it's a different culture" or something along those lines. Not being critical of you or brian, just putting in my thoughts too.
Hi Nick Nichols – No, I used my JVC Everio camcorder. It is a regular camcorder, but instead of using tapes, it has a hard drive! Just hook it to your computer, and it looks like an external hard drive. Just drag and drop the videos! It works very well.
Hi Randy C – Ha ha… yes, it is true that the malls here are quite noisy. Sometimes they play music over the loudspeakers that is so loud that I want to leave just to get some peace and quiet! Ha ha…
Hi Bob,
I can easily live without visiting malls, but your quick flick takes care of any fix I might need for the near future. 🙂 As in SoCal, most of the folks I observed in malls I've visited in Luzon were there for the air con and possible a coke or snack. Plenty of money paying customers to be sure, but many more window shoppers enjoying the weather. 😉
Wonder if there was a "filming fee" that you forgot to pay? 😆
Hi Paul – Ha ha… I hope I don't find that I owe any filming fees!
You are very right that the mall here is used as a place where you can go enjoy the air conditioning, getting out of the house into a comfortable environment, while not having to pay for the air-conditioning! That is very true!
Check this article that I wrote last year for more on this!
it's obvious that it's a security thing. the gaffe was made by that first "sikyu" and then later the staff not telling you why it's not allowed. it's pretty clear why they felt the rule was needed – not that i agree with it. just looks like the mall needs to work on their communication skills.
i can see how the first security guard was not familiar w/ company rules about the unusual request. the staff simply screwed up. maybe didn't know how to word things out without accusing you of being a threat? but that would be defending their ineptitude. ah, pinas.
let's have a regular show.
next week: watch as bob tries to see how long he can film in nccc before he gets cut off!
then in 2 weeks: witness as bob, in new track shoes, tries to break the record in gmall.
in 3 weeks: drama at victoria plaza as bob sprints from one end of the mall to the other. evading as many guards as possible. will he make it?
and in a month: indiana bob solves the maze of aldevinco. filming while being chased by the evil guards & local merchants (trying to sell him souvenirs & sacred relics).
yeah, i'd watch that.
Hey macky! That "Indiana Jones" is just too over the hill! That guy is already old, so I don't want to be "Indiana Bob." Nope, I'm not having it! Can't I be more like "Jack" on 24? Now, that I could get in to! I don't know if we have the production budget to do a 24 LiP production, though!
Yeah, I think the whole "you can film"/"hey, you can't film" thing was just a comedy of errors. It doesn't bother me, although it isn't the way I wanted it to turn out.
What i do notice in the Malls there is the noise!(I think filipinos cannot live without noise!) it comes across on the video, maybe im just getting old haha but i find the constant noise there a pain! the worse thing that gets to me is the icre cream selling ringing that damm bell! In Gaisano Mall there is a coffee place near a ice cream stand, you think you can sit down and relax and take your time over a coffee then before you know it Ring Ring Ring how those girls do it i dont know as when they go home to bed they must hear ringing in their ears all night! 😯
moan over! haha
re business have to remember that a 1/3 of filipinos earn less than a $ a day. Im think internet cafe but it has its known! problems( have seen a few advertised recently for sell assume), its not easy to have a proftable! business but its not impossible i guess.
ps. thx for car article Bob
Hi Bob – As a regular visitor to your site to find out if I could LIP, I find seeing a " glass & chrome" American style mall quite repulsive. Whatever happened to the dream of idealic beaches, roadside barbeque, tricycles, coconuts etc. If I do oneday live in the Philippines it wont be to a city that offers nothing more than I already have where I am. The world is a changing place and I find it perplexing but understandable that people want to live like westerrn cultures, but are they giving away paradise for materialism?
Bob
Anthony makes a good point here about values changing, but its like the story of an isolated tribe first being given a TV, EVERYONE watches the TV, what happened to the stories round the fire, the tribal history being chewed through in detail, no, its tom and gerry from now on
Philippine people like malls, they aspire to western modern lifestyles, that is just the way it is. But anthony, davao is the third biggest city in the philippines, there is a vast under-developed area here, if you want to find that paradise, its here don't worry, but me, sorry i too like cinema, restaurants, i'm a town person and davao suits me fine (there are also plenty of beaches and secluded areas very close by)
good luck anthony in finding your shangrila over here, come on try you will enjoy looking
best regards
Hi Bob,
Keep up the filming. Really enjoy seeing your work.
Trevor
hi Bob,
Agree, it may come across as demeaning to say 'because they are filipinos' and I should probably be one of the ones to take offense to that. Unfortunately though, the typical mentality of a security guard, store clerk, or someone in that level of employment AND FILIPINO
oops…hit the submit comment too soon.
Unfortunately though, the typical mentality of a security guard, store clerk or someone in that level of employment AND FILIPINO is to often just say things without really taking the effort to think any further than how to pronounce the words. And this isn't too surprising even to other fellow Filipinos — and Brian, as you can see. I'm not saying they're bad people — I admire anyone who works an honest job for a living versus stealing or committing other crimes to make money. I think it's sad that as much potential most Filipinos have to cultivate their naturally given intelligence, that they don't do it, and thus do things like this 'because they're filipino.
But…yeah…I'll try to be nicer next time 🙂
HI graham – Yep, Mall noise is a major thing! It used to bother me a LOT, but I've kind of gotten used to it a bit, so it only bothers me a little now! 😆
Hi anthony – There are still great beaches, tricycles and roadside bbq here! Don't worry about that, these things won't be going away anytime soon! That said, nothing wrong with giving the people here nice places where they can buy goods! I mean, they deserve more than just a bunch of roadside sari-sari stores, right?
Hi rick b – Yes, values are indeed changing in the Philippines, and I think a lot of it relates back to my previous post about OFW brain drain too. It's unfortunate, but also many changes are for the good as well. As you say, people enjoy having nice places like malls and such where they can go shop and have a nice time.
Hi Trevor – Thank you very much! I'm glad that you enjoy the videos!
Good afternoon Bob!
I miss SM! Though as what Mr. Randy C has said that its too noisy! Especially during Christmas time! I attempted to send SM suggestion/feedback form (got it from the Customer service) explaining that what is the right decibel that is healthy or shall i say just enough for human – – too loud is not good for the ear ") but too bad i failed to mail it last time…
Anyway, when I'm on vacation what i normally do is to go to SM early (and during weekdays).
Thanks for the video!
Hi Marygrace – Thanks for your comment! Indeed it is quite noisy there – loud music being played on the speaker system, etc.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the video!
hi bob,
that was weird but thanks,i finally saw it this time,i enjoyed it a lot…i observed that there were a lot of new stores and restaurants than the last time i was there exactly a year ago…it was fun while it lasted.
Armi
Hi Armie M. – I'm glad you were able to see and enjoy the video! Must have been some kind of technical glitch last time you tried! 🙄
Hi Bob – My comment yesterday was meant to be a bit "' tongue in cheek' and Im sure you understood that. If one day I do end up in the Philippines it sure would be preferable to have access to the mod cons we have been accustomed to in the western world. Gotta go now as it is a beautiful sunny day here, and the best beaches in the world, only 5 mins away are beconing.
Hi Anthony – Yeah… no problem! Have fun in the sun!
Hi Bob,
Keep up the good work, Please let me know when your book is out, as I would be interested in purchasing a copy. Hope to be joining you soon in LIP.
Regards
I have a Filipino friend that lives in GenSan. We often exchange video showing things from our daily lives like trips to malls. None of use ever had a problem like you had and we both have taken videos inside of malls. Even in a store or two before. The difference was it was a cell phone that was used maybe.
Hi Tony – Thanks for your support… when the book is ready, I'll be announcing it here.
Hi ben ream – I think that is a distinct possibility, the cellphone is more unobtrusive.
there are a lot of better looking malls in metro manila ( powerplant mall, greenbelt, trinoma, sm MALL OF ASIA etc) and this vid only represents malls in provinces and are a few years back compared to what you will see in the metro. doesnt give any justice to the 'metro' malls. and i must say, the metro manila malls are way better than those in US.. even better than rodeo drive! rodeo only has a vast collection of designer boutiques.. i missed the malls in PI when i went to rodeo the first time.. so much for my anticipation! too much hollywood movies perhaps…
Hi haily ong – Yes, malls in Manila are more up to date than in many areas – that does not mean that they are better or worse, though, just different.
Hey Bob, too bad you were cut off. But you failed to mention where cinemas are. Usually, they are on the top floor, the floor where you said "there are few shops, just computer shops". I wonder though what video cam did you use. Would it be different if you were like just shooting pictures and not recording it?
Like most pinoys, I was a mall rat when I was there. When americans try to lure me with their malls here, they ask me instead what kind of malls I had it in the Phil when they see I was not as impressed as they thought I would be.
How do I describe Phil malls? It's the place where you could get a haircut, have your body warts removed or even your tooth, or perhaps catch your Sunday mass, then have dinner and watch a movie later. If you noticed, there's been no mention about shopping yet, of course, there are great stores to shop around except that it's not a higlight of what a mall is. And there's interesting crowd of grifters who's in direct competition with the mall when it comes to taking your money.
To Rina,
I am assuming that you are a Filipino and the only explanation for thinking the way you think is because you hate being Filipino yourself. And expalining to Bob ( & even apologizing no offense meant to Bob who rightfully didn't agree with your words) the Filipino psyche as manifested by our inability " to pronounce the words. Now even if I have to quote what you wrote, I have a hard time understand WTF are you trying to say.
The security guards and the rest of Filipinos in the service sector are inarticulate because "THEY ARE FILIPINOS"?
You must be in severe self-loathing mode. & if you think that pointing out to non-Filipinos the ills that Filipinos will make you less Filipino and more of being "non-Filipino" then go ahead, be a white man's dream. Just do not speak for the rset of us Filipinos on what we are and what we are not because you do not know what you are talking about.
Hi Roy – Thanks for visiting and leaving your comments! Yeah, I was planning to head down to the cinema next, but unfortunately, I didn't make it down there before being cut off. The Cinemas in SM Davao are on the 2nd floor, 3 screens on each end of the mall. There is a 3rd floor, as I mentioned, but it is only small, not big enough to house the 6 screen cinema. The 3rd floor consists of computer stores and cellphone stores, not much else.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Hi Bob,
I just found this latest blog of yours. I can only say WONDERFUL! This brings back many good memories of my trip to Davao last week. I, too, took my camcorder to SM Mall and NCCC Mall with no problems. Of course, I was so busy looking at things that I didn't record anything. I can't wait to come back to the Philippines for a much longer visit.
Cheers!
Hi Henry – Thanks for visiting this site, I'm glad to know that you enjoyed it! I hope that you'll be back regularly too, and participate in the discussion.
It was a pleasure to meet you while you were visiting Davao!