Not all toys are created equal-a fact that, SPOT.ph found, also applies to the bedroom. A look around Manila’s adult toy stores uncovered each city’s favorite things:
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PASIG
The Pleasure Place
Ground Floor, Metrowalk Complex, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Operating hours: 1 p.m. to midnight from Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays
Website: www.pleasureplace.com.ph
The favorite:
Stimulators and vibrators, as well as whips, paddles, nipple clamps, ball gags, hand and ankle cuffs, ropes, blindfolds, masks and candles-even anal toys in every shape, and color.
The Pleasure Place carries several different types of the vibrator called The Rabbit-just like the one Miranda introduced to the girls in Sex and the City. There’s also the Hitachi Magic Wand, which has a reputation for being the Rolls Royce of vibrators.
The scene:
Clean and well-lit, The Pleasure Place’s scantily clad mannequins are a tell-tale give-away that this is no ordinary lingerie shop.
Store attendants are very professionally dressed in uniforms (the store is stocked with shoes and designer bags, giving self-conscious shoppers a plausible alibi), and purchases are placed in discreet brown paper bags.
A little extra:
Store owner Eleanor
MAKATI
Nice and Nawty Love Place
5747 P. Burgos corner San Lucas Street, Makati City (in front of J.Los Inasal)
Operating hours: 12 noon to 10 p.m., Monday to Sunday
The favorite:
The tickler, a short, tube-like object made of rubber that looks like a durian, sells briskly thanks to its affordable price tag. (We’re told that most of the people who buy it say that "it’s a gift for someone.")
The scene:
Nice and Nawty is a small shop with pale pink walls and dimmed lights tucked between a Korean restaurant and a mix of convenience stores and pension houses. The ’toys’ are displayed on glass-top shelves for easy browsing.
The store’s staff will let you ogle at your leisure, then maybe try to make you buy a vibrator or a box of condoms before you leave. Purchases are slipped into a black shopping bag and gift bags are available for a minimal price.
A little extra:
You can order from their
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MALATE
Love Store
1095 P. Ocampo Sr. Avenue corner Conchu Street, Malate, Manila
Telephone number: ï¿½ 530-9020
Operating Hours: ï¿½ 9:00 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday
Website: www.adults.com.ph
The favorite:
Vibrators-The Love Store has more than 10 different kinds. Tip: You might get a freebie if your purchases exceed P1,000.
The scene:
The Love Store is on the second floor of an old commercial-cum-residential building in the residential area of Malate. When we asked for directions, we were told to "go up a flight of stairs when we see the white gate."
Manned by two guys in house clothes, the small, run-down showroom is stocked with shelves full of vibrators in every size and shape along with novelty items such as body crayons and edible undies. If you’re not serious about buying, the seedy atmosphere won’t make you want to stay longer than necessary.
Special services:
You can buy online with a credit card or Paypal, and they deliver via local couriers or pick-up at LBC branches.
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QUEZON CITY
Bare Essentials
2nd Level Atrium, Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City
Tel. Numbers: 995-0848/ 932-7774
Operating Hours: ï¿½ 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Other branches: 2nd Level (near Pixie Forest court) Festival Mall, Alabang (809-0907) and at First Basement Level, Makati Cinema Square, Makati City (0928-983-0146)
Website: www.bareessentials.com.ph
The favorite:
Sexy and playful lingerie, some with quirky names like "Willie Warmers," (prices start at P1,000).
The scene:
Essentially a lingerie and hosiery haven, Bare Essentials also carries "sexy" items in its boudoir-like shop: vibrators, toys, more explicit materials and a selection of lubricants are tucked away in a section further inside the store, and the helpful staff is all female.
A little extra:
You can place orders via e-mail: bareessentials_alimall@yahoo.com and bareessentials_festivalmall@yahoo.com and your packages will be delivered through LBC.
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Click here to read the Newbie’s ï¿½ Guide to Adult Toys.
Pleasure Place images by Dakila Angeles.
