Philippine malls are much more than just places to shop

Manila

AS she eyes the colourful ice creams on offer at a Baskin-Robbins in one of Manila's most luxurious shopping centres, Philippine teenager Jamie Gamboa admits to being an incurable mall rat - but not only for the shopping.

"It is the only place where you can just walk around without having to spend, and there are a lot of things to entertain us," said the petite 16-year-old, surrounded by a gaggle of friends. "We tried other places but it's more of a hassle. In parks, there isn't enough to do. A museum or a zoo isn't a place you go to more than once."