Flying kisses to SM Mall of Asia or the sound of the barkers from Pasay Rotonda ushering commuters to board the iconic Manila jeepney?
Hailed as the 3rd largest mall in the world, Mall of Asia can be a backpacker’s friend while visiting Manila. Yeah, I know what you are thinking, and I’m not kidding. You would probably say, “I wanna go off-the-beaten” or “What will a backpacker do in the mall, he should be in the mountains trekking?”
Photo Credit: Robert E.
Let me cite an example- Last weekend, I toured a CouchSurfing friend from the US (who works in Korea) in Manila. I was surprised that she included this gigantic mall in her itinerary. When I asked why, she said, “It’s the 3rd biggest and I want to see.”
But SM Mall of Asia (MOA) offers more than that. I have learned to appreciate this mall for at least 3 things:
1. Romantic Sunset!
Photo Credit: Apol
As you sit back an relax at the long water break facing Manila Bay, you are rewarded a sweeping view of the sea as far as the eye can see. Be there between 5:45pm and watch God paint with different hues of blue, orange, yellow, violet. Don’t forget to hold your girlfriend’s as the sun begins to set and utter the sweetest “3 words” with all your heart- cheesy it may seem but believe em girls like that. Mwah!
2. Rock! Feast! Chill!
When I was still living in Manila, a week will not end without me walking along the bayside area listening to bands, being amused by the mime dancers or just sit on the breakwater to enjoy the sound of the gentle waves. If you are hungry (after the walking tours in Binondo and Intramuros area) you can have a feast of grilled liempo, fish sinigang or buttered shrimps. Order some booze with friends, it will definitely add zest to your night life. Mwah!
3. Cause Baby, You’re a Firework!
Mallers flock to watched the Pyrolympics, UK fireworks
Every weekend, the mall brightens the night sky by showcasing firework shows. If you are lucky enough, you might catch the Pyrolympics held annually. I can still remember watching Pyrolympics the first time (December 2005), it was such a hit, we got stuck on traffic and have no choice but to stay until midnight before our van can move. Last weekend, I was invited to witness the battle between Portugal and U.K. and as usual, heavy human traffic. Everyone loves MOA, everyone is excited to get his/her ticket to have a nice viewpoint. Some are contented to see the display of lights at the far side for free. Mwah!
Special thanks to SM and Melo of http://outoftownblog.com/
I agree with the first one, the sunset is really WOW! and I’m going back there just to take pictures of the sunset, see you soon MOA, mwah!
they say that manila bay has one of the best sunsets in the world. one the reasons why a lot of countries tried to occupy us. 🙂
hahaha… di nakapag resist 🙂
MoA everyday of my life! Woot! ^_^
Okay James, you convinced me well enough to add this place to my bucket list of places to see in my homeland… Definitely, worth seeing… and shopping is my craze so since this is the third largest mall, i’m willing to splurge a month salary.. Hahahaha! Cheers!
enjoy shopping! hanggang window-shopping lang kasi ako.hahaha
hahaha ayan na! join us sa 12 para makumpleto ang We heart MOA Movement. teka lng gagawan ko din yan ng post. 😉
nice to see yah kanina, why not… sige, manggugulo lang ako sa 12. we heart MOA! welcome to the club
madalas din ako sa MOA. just like you, favorite mall ko din yan… hehehe!!!
high-five!
MOA advocate! Congrats pare! Awesome post, because nobody thinks its a travel destination, not a lot of people go there for the trip. Hence, it becomes an off the beaten path! ha ha
I’ve been to SM MOA almost every weekend because it has everything to offer aside from shops… nightlife and drinking sessions as well as get-together dining is popular here and because of its proximity to my circle of friends and from workplace.
MOA is also a good place to spend holidays and great family bonding. Two Christmas holidays with my family in the last 2 years is spent here. The Marina Bay is my favorite spot and watching Fireworks is one of the best activity in the mall.
sarap mag mall kahit na window shopping lang, konting pa aircon, kain sa foodcourt… masaya pa rin basta kasama ang tropa or pamilya… naalala ko nung bata ako na parang pasko ang pakiramdam kapag pupunta sa mall at kakain sa Jollibee 🙂
Hahaha! Katie Perry talaga… At last, a “mwah mwah” post!