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For CIS and Eastern European food products in Manila, try Santis Delicatessen (opposite Landmark in BGC) for items like cheese and sausage. For bread, Lartizan is recommended. Cottage cheese is difficult to find; making it at home is suggested.

High-quality cheese and butter, comparable to Western standards, can be found in the Philippines and Sri Lanka by purchasing imported brands, often from New Zealand. These products are typically more expensive than local alternatives.

New Samsung phones can be purchased in Cebu, Philippines, at major shopping malls such as Ayala CBA, Central Bloc, and SM. The Samsung Experience Store is located on the 3rd floor of SM Seaside City Cebu (Cebu South Coastal Rd, Cebu City, 6014 Cebu, Philippines). Prices for new phones have been reported to be slightly cheaper than in Russia. Information regarding the availability of used phones in these malls is not clear.

Luxury retail stores in Manila often require customers to present a passport for purchase registration, especially when paying with virtual cards or non-local credit cards.

Ube (purple yam) is currently expensive in the Philippines, particularly on Palawan, due to high demand and a poor harvest. An example price observed is 330 PHP for 150 grams at Astoria. Local availability and pricing can vary. It is advised to purchase Ube if found at a reasonable price given current market conditions.

Store prices in the Philippines are notably affordable, significantly lower than in Russia, with many items being comparable to regular domestic store prices.

Popular online shopping platforms in the Philippines include Lazada, Shopee, and Shein. Deliveries are typically made directly to the customer's door.

When packing for the Philippines, consider bringing at least one light sweater or jacket. Air conditioning in transportation (buses, ferries) and airports can be strong, making a light layer useful. If planning to stay in mountainous regions, warmer clothing might be necessary. For pet owners, specific pet food brands like Royal Canin can often be found on online platforms such as Lazada or Shopee.

Marlin is a highly advertised fish but may not be appealing in taste, especially when prepared by local methods in the Philippines. Lapu-Lapu is considered a preferable local seafood option. Fresh Lapu-Lapu can be found at markets for a lower price compared to marlin.

Avoid purchasing overpriced tourist SIM cards sold at Philippine airports, which are often bundled with unnecessary services and cost between 2500 to 4000 PHP. Standard local rates are much cheaper: a local Smart SIM card with 70 GB of 5G data costs around 1050 PHP. Basic data packages can be bought for 100 PHP (25 GB) with top-ups of 25 GB costing 199 PHP. Alternatively, travelers can purchase affordable eSIMs via platforms like Trip.com beforehand.

In the Philippines, tipping customs can vary. In tourist areas like El Nido, a 10% tip (around 400 PHP) was highly appreciated in an expensive restaurant. On Boracay, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill.

For new bicycles in the Philippines, pricing can vary significantly. While specific price ranges are not detailed, potential buyers should expect prices to start from a considerable amount. It is recommended to research local bike shops and online marketplaces to get current estimates and understand the different price tiers based on brands and specifications.

Shisha tobacco in the Philippines is generally considered to be of low quality, impacting the quality of hookahs. There's a Russian cafe on Mactan island that reportedly imports tobacco from Russia, offering better quality shisha. Tourists may consider bringing their own tobacco if quality is a priority.

Recommendations for souvenirs from the Philippines. Options discussed include local alcohol (Rum 'Don Papa' for quality gifts, 'Tanduay' for souvenirs), pearls, and dried mangoes. The practicality and availability of these items in Russia are also considered. Wooden masks are suggested as a unique souvenir.

Used vehicles in the Philippines can be purchased via 'repo' channels (repossession sales from defaulted loans). Prices for used models like Yamaha NMAX can drop significantly below market value (e.g., under 60,000 PHP compared to 150,000 PHP for new). Foreigners can legally purchase and register vehicles in their name through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) by performing a transfer of ownership. It is standard practice to hire a local mechanic to inspect used vehicles before purchase, as there are no dealer warranties.