I've been away too long from my home country but will be there in February-March 2006. I hear that there are places in Manila or neighboring areas where I can get shoes custom-made. Does anyone know? That's at the top of my "must-do" list while I'm there as I'm quite tired of buying expensive uncomfortable shoes here in the U.S. and I'm no Imelda. Many thanks! I've been surfing the web, believe me, but can't find any info on this.

We will be in Manila in late Feb/early March. My wife was born and grew up there. She loves to shop when we travel but when it comes to shoes she does not look for them in Manila. I think you are better off shopping for shoies here in the states. Where do you live. Do you have a Nordstroms near by?

BillT: I'm a savvy shoe shopper here in the U.S. I lived in Manhattan for years and shopped the high end stores and now live in Washington DC and shopped the high end and discount stores -- nothing works for me unfortunately. I gotta have shoes custom-made for my exclusively problematic feet. If I get them done here or in Europe, I'll have to cough up about $800 and up. I know Manila has custom-made shops -- I just don't know where.

OK I will ask our relatives in Manila if they know of any shops- give me a few days and lest see what we come up with.

I've recently returned from the Phils, was there for all of Dec 05 until Jan 2nd. If you haven't been back in a while, be prepared for many changes.

You should check out Marikina. As you know it's been our country's shoe maker capital. I have no doubt you will find custom shoe makers there.

You should try this forum. It's much better because the locals are members and often answer your questions:

http://forum.virtualtourist.com/4/fo...FUnG7B0#195242

Marikina is the shoe capital of Philippines. They actually opened a museum dedicated to Imelda Marcos. Anyway, try going to the malls in Makati or in Greenbelt area.