Malling as national pastime

It's been a way of life in Metro Manila ever since the big malls were put up. While its so popular in manila, I don't think this hobby (or addiction) has spread so much in the rural and provincial areas to merit a "National Pastime" title. The larger population in the Philippines would probably contest if we ever say it is. Now, texting as the National Pastime would be more appropriate, if you ask me.

there are so many reasons here... we are in a tropical country, it is comfortable to stay, shop and eat in a mall... and instead of going to divisoria, it is safer in a mall... and lastly, many options to choose from...

There are a lot of factors why more and more people go to the malls, especially in the Philippines. One thing is the weather. It is basically hot in the Philippines, averaging a room temperature of 31C-34C and Filipinos tend to go to malls to beat the heat in their homes. Next thing is the non-stop bargains offered by the malls. Almost every payday, malls has to have a payday sale ranging from 5-50% discount. Also, unlike the old times where friends, families meet at a park or restaurant, today people prefer to meet their friends and families at the mall where you can do your shopping or eat while waiting for friends you're gonna meet.

Malling as national pastime, it can be and it depends on the purpose why there are many people going to the mall. Increasing number of big malls in the philippines means this business has positive market in this country. For Class A and Class B market they went to the mall because they have the money and spend to the mall. Mall is already a one-stop shop and will cater different needs of your family. You can watch movies, you can to purchase the grocery for the week while the kids are playing in the certain area of the mall. It also saves time in doing many things for the whole family. For Class C and Class D market, it became a pastime if you had no money. Just go to the mall meet with frieds. Some reason also is that you can enjoy the aircon in the mall than staying at home during hot days.

I guess its the weather that makes this phenomenon a reality. Staying at home would just not only bore you but the weather or climate will make your sweat out there. Going to parks is not advisable anymore since the pollution from the traffic outside will just stress you more than relaxed. On the other hand if you go to malls you have all you need resto, movies, bills payments, banks, tiangge supermarket/grocery.... what more will ask for is there. So why not stay in the malls its cooler in there than any other place.

It could also be that malls offer a one stop convenience for people on the go. They can meet their friends as well as do a lot of errands while in a mall. In this socially stratified country, malls also offer a venue where the delineation is blurred because both the masses and the elite are in the same place. For the masses, it could also serve as a status symbol that they can 'afford' to be where the upper classes are. For some reason, a consumerist attitude has been in the psyche of most of the Filipino masses. This results in enormous purchases using what little individual spending power these people have. Malls (SM, in particular) have sprouted all over to cater to this unsatiable need to spend.