SHOEpper's Guide 4: Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Laguna

I've always believed in hitting two birds with one stone. 

You got it: I had it all planned. Thanks to my careful planning and extensive research. 

The roadtrip to Tagaytay was done for two reasons: a.) to celebrate mother's day and b.) to be able to check out the outlet stores in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. 

Earlier on, what I knew about Sta. Rosa Laguna was limited to the following facts: that it was where my grandmother lives and that it was home to several manufacturing plants e.g. Coke, Ford, Unilab etc.

But while researching on driving directions to Tagaytay (sue me), I stumbled upon an interesting keyword: outlet stores. Outlet stores in Paseo de Sta. Rosa to be exact.

My, my....doing the math means: Outlet Store = Sales + Purchase

Quickly I jotted down the directions and marked the key areas using the google map in my Ipad (I swear I will love Apple forever!). I found out that Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Greenfield City's main leisure capital,  was strategically located along the highway going to Tagaytay and was considered to be the next "it" destination of the south. So go na! Haha!

Finally, my much awaited day came and I excitedly told my Mom and Tita Virgie my plans. Instantaneously, their eyes lit up, much to my satisfaction.

It runs in the family. Haha!

So after spending a whole day in Tagaytay, eating bulalo while being tourist-like, off we went to Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

It was heaven indeed for SHOEpaholics like me. 

Who could have imagined having a haven of branded goods sold for so much less can be found in this rural area?

I quickly scanned the stores in sight. 

Ahh...Adidas. My favorite. I can smell the discounts from where I was standing. Haha!

The 30% -50% discounts were too much for me to take. 

Of course Nike was nearby with its huge shout out. SALE kung SALE!

True enough with discounts up to 40% off.

Bet you weren't expecting to find Benetton here. But lo and behold. 

Not bad at 20% - 30% off on selected items.

It was a pleasure indeed seeing Havaianas at 30% off. 

May not be shoes but having Sanuk onboard is a most welcome treat!

Since summer isn't over yet...never too late for Speedo.

And if the sales in the outlet stores weren't reason enough...perhaps getting a 50% off on my Starbucks frappe was icing on the cake (Paseo de Sta. Rosa is also home to several fastfood chains and restaurants like Jollibee, Red Ribbon, Kanin Club etc.)

We spent the rest of the day shopping to our hearts' content while enjoying each other's company.

Probably one of the best (and most productive, if I may add) Mother's Day celebration I ever had with my mother and favorite Tita.

So next time you're heading to Tagaytay (or even if you're not. Haha!) , don't forget to drop by at Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

It's worth the long drive. Trust me. Our shopping bags can tell. Haha!

SHOEpper's Guide 3: Cybergate Mall, Tung Chung, Hong Kong

Recently, I've been getting a lot of queries about my favorite shopping areas in Hong Kong. It seems that most people nowadays no longer equate summer with the local sands and seas.

Instead, most people have seen things my way: why pay much to get sunburned?

Better to indulge in retail therapy instead. :)

After all, the goods last longer than a fake tan. Hehe.

Anyway, going back to my story.

I recently went back to Hong Kong for my retail therapy. After a couple of months working my ass off, I think I deserved it.

Actually I needed it to keep me sane. And prevent me from getting burned out.

Like a hound that can sniff its way home, I found myself navigating effortlessly towards my shopping haven of choice a few hours after settling in my hotel at Dorsett Seaview at Yau Ma Tei (which proved to be in a very strategic location, as it is just a stone throw away from the Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market and a station away from the Ladies Market at Mong Kok).

Armed with my Octopus Card (a one-card-for-all transportation needs), my little yellow bag (to carry my personal stuff) and my chosen pair of walkers (Zara Espadrilles this time), I braved through the busy streets of Hong Kong and found my way to Tung Chung (after 3 train exchanges), where the Cybergate Mall was located.

For those of you who are not yet familiar with the Cybergate Mall, it is actually an establishment located near the airport, which houses a bunch of outlet stores of different brands. Easily accessible via the Tung Chung MTR Line, the Cybergate Mall has become a favorite destination of both tourists and locals alike in search of original branded goods for less. Yours truly, included.

For SHOEpaholics like me, the Cybergate Mall is heaven on earth. Located within it are outlet stores of some of my favorite shoe brands like:

Adidas

Nike

Puma

New Balance 

Among others.

At a glance though you might be wondering what would set these stores apart from the rest. Well for one, they offer a bigger variety of styles per category, exclusive to the region (some of the pairs I got were exclusively launched in HK, thus none available here in the Philippines. The  chance of seeing someone with an identical pair is when that person  a.:) knows my favorite SHOEpping destination by heart b.) is an avid reader of my blog or c.) robbed me of my precious possessions. Haha! 

The displays were quite attractive and sizes were readily available. 

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Also these stores offer very good deals, relatively cheaper than the local market place. Some even offer rebates, regardless if you pay in cash or card. Tip: Pay using your credit card as the conversion rate is lower. 

Winner Much. 

And the best part: This year-long sale of goods gets even better during June to August, when Hong Kong officially declares its sale months. Up to 80% off! 

Apart from my favorite shoe brands, other retail stores  can also be found in the Cybergate Mall like Giordano, Esprit, CK, Samsonite, Swatch, Levis, Body Shop, Polo and a bunch of other famous brands.

I can't wait to see you again soon Cybergate Mall. :) Just in time for my 30th birthday. :)