Early Christmas shopping at Greenhills

MANILA, Philippines -  Christmas celebration in the Philippines is the longest. Starting this month, we can hear Christmas songs and enterprising souls making Christmas lanterns and other decorations for the Yuletide season. Some shopping malls are also preparing Christmas decorations for public viewing.

This early, some companies give Christmas bonuses to their employees. Thus, others can buy early Christmas gifts for family and friends. Shopping for Christmas gifts as early as September is an ideal time because prices of gifts are relatively cheaper and malls are not yet crowded. As December comes close, prices become higher and shoppers become bigger.

For a pre-Christmas shopping, the ideal destination is the tiangge (bazaar) at the Greenhills Shopping Complex, where close to 2,000 stallholders will showcase their products and goods in the 21st annual National Antique show which starts from Sept. 12 to Oct. 6.

PATEPCO president and CEO Henry Babiera offers tips for budget-conscious shoppers. Shoppers can get lower price of goods and services, especially if they know how to haggle. Babiera shares one must have a complete list of items one plans to buy and sticks to that list. The purpose of the list is to prevent one from impulse buying. Then, check how much cash or credit you can spend.    

Go around and compare prices. For example, when shopping at Greenhills, go from one booth to another. Check the merchandise and ask the price. The Greenhills Shopping Complex is a landmark in the San Juan-Mandaluyong area and a bargain mecca catering to people from all walks of life. It offers affordable goods and is convenient, accessible and safe.