Hi there,
just back from the Philippines this morning.
The Mall of Asia is not just like any SM: its the biggest mall in Asia, probably at least 6-10 times bigger than any mall in the UK (Bluewater, Milton Keynes, etc). All the world's top stores have outlets there: well worth a visit, and worth eating at Jaipuirs Resturant at Bayside.
Wife & I stayed at the Kabayan Hotel, 2878 Zamora St. cor. Edsa Rotonda, Pasay City.
Tel: ++63 (0)2-6345562
http://www.kabayanhotel.com.ph/pasay.htm. Its a 100 pesos a/c taxi ride to the Mall of Asia. Hotel is clean, cheap (from 800 pesos @ night): good value are the twin executive rooms with a/c, minibar etc @ $43 @ night.
Cheers,
Nigel