I've had a recent interest in kooky jewelry using found objects and odds and ends, stringing them…read moreonto chains or rope and wearing them as necklaces. There's really nothing skillful or crafty about it, but it's fun to do with stuff that are pretty but you have no idea what to do with them. And I don't know anywhere else to get small chains but in Quiapo, at Joyo Fashion Accessories. It's very easy to miss this store walking along Evangelista St. from the Recto LRT Station, since it's covered by the area's wealth of stands hawking religious items, flowers, and candles, but it's not hard to find, really, since it's near the church and one of few stalls there that aren't selling construction supplies or phones and gadgets. If you've ever been around the stores in Quiapo, it's very much like most other places there, just stacks and racks and walls of stuff everywhere. You see necklaces, earrings, rings, and other accessories first before you get to the actual good stuff--beads, charms, trinkets, lace, cording, and other things you'll need to make your own jewelry. There are other places in the area selling similar things, but Joyo has an advantage being closer to Recto Station, and being in the somehow calmer, less dense area of Quiapo.

My first and only time in Craft MNL was for Gail's Copperplate Workshop. The place is a little…read morehidden along Arnaiz Avenue. Parking is kind of difficult but commuting to the place is pretty easy. There's no elevator and it's in the third floor so better get some cardio ready. Gail's workshop was sold out! There were two tables and it was a little tight, but we all managed to do our calligraphy and learned a lot. Craft MNL also offers other craft classes like paper marbling, knitting, rubber stamp making, etc. so if I were you, I would check out their Instagram page to get some updates on the different classes that they have to offer!

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite textile stores from Cebu was doing a pop-up here in Manila. I…read moreImmediately planned to visit it, somewhere in Makati. I was really hoping to find a lot of cute finds for myself but found something better instead, Craft MNL. It's a creative space for people to come learn or share their crafts with others. They offer a lot of classes from knitting to silk-screen printing. The cost per class isn't to expensive considering they provide the materials and the schedules aren't too bad either (they consider working hours!). The workshop is also so creatively decorated, really conducive to bring out the artists in you! The people who work there (sorry forgot their names!) were super friendly and talked me into trying a few classes. They constantly update their workshops on their website so go check it out and learn something new today! I think they also offer private workshops, sounds like a good idea for a birthday or a corporate event!

I have a love-hate relationship with this Carolina's branch. Don't get me wrong. It's conveniently…read moreplaced in my turf (Ayala is my territory, don't argue). In recent times, they have been improving the shop, like adding more stocks and re-arranging the stuff for easier access. It's small, so a smarter way to organize the items should be in order from time to time. It's actually pretty convenient that in theory, it would take me an hour to drive there, buy what I need and get back to working on my dresses...given that the staff would actually accommodate me. I don't know if it was me being insensitive to the amount of work the staff here are doing but it takes like ten minutes to have your order cut for you. That's sort of frustrating time-wise because what if I just need a yard of one ribbon? It's been known in the fashion world that the service here has a little bit of attitude, but maybe they just need to hire more people. A lot of customers need service at the same time here after all. Overall though, its existence worked wonders in my life, especially when I have some emergency fashion supplies needs. I guess the saving factor in this branch is the occasional (and pretty much unannounced) super sale. They lay out two huge bins filled with older stocks that are still in good condition and you can buy them in bulk. That's actually how I ended up with a mini Carolina's of my own at my workshop!

Carolina's Lace Shoppe is the lazy, city-dwelling, crafty girl's solution to immediate fabric and…read morecraft needs. A lot of craft places require you to venture out to Divisoria, Recto, and Quiapo, and it's quite inconvenient if you're not located near those areas. Carolina's is like your craft convenience store. Yes, prices will be a bit higher, but saves you time, energy and transportation costs. They've got a good selection of fabric and clothes-making materials, so this is a good place to get stuff for those one-off projects, or if you're personally sourcing out fabric and materials if you're having custom clothes tailored. If you make accessories and jewelry, they have a good selection of beads, locks and chains. If you're looking for crochet threads and yarns, they've got a ton of colors to choose from as well. It's great how the existence of Carolina's in malls and other more accessible locations really inspire crafters and make it easier for them to keep on creating despite a grueling, 9-5 day job. Small conveniences such as these go a long way!

Kultura Filipino is conveniently located in the Mall of Asia. The Mall of Asia gets a lot of…read moretourists each day (especially those who might be flying back home soon), so that was a brilliant idea to put this store inside the mall. Kultura Filipino has a wide variety of pasalubong (souvenirs) to bring back as gifts for loved ones or as keepsakes for yourself. The prices aren't the cheapest, in fact you can for sure find cheaper souvenirs elsewhere throughout the Philippines, however, the items here shouldn't break the bank (especially if you are on a budget). I for one like Kultura Filipino and their items due to the variety and the convenience, since I can make last-minute pasalubong purchases before going home. I look forward to visiting the store again on my next trip back to the Philippines.

For anyone coming to the Philippines and don't have time to go to other places for souvenir things,…read morethis is the store to go to! They have all the native items to buy from clothes including barong, shelled dishes to frames, pasol (lighted stars), jewelry to sweets. Very surprised there was a store like this in the SM Megamall (mega A side). I liked everything but only limited funds to buy a lot at the time for me. The prices of course is a little expensive here but if you have no time and still have to travel to get to the cheaper store, I would just buy from here. It's organized and clean. [121/100]

Tribu Kalokalo is a tiny hidden gem taken straight from Bohemia, right next to the indoor entrance…read moreof SM Marketplace in A.Venue. Tribu Kalokalo is a pleasant surprise in that it feels like a popup convenience store for fascinating ethnic trinkets such as large dreamcatchers, pipes on rope necklaces, large precious stones (replica or authentic, they'd look really pretty as room decorations), faux animal skins and bohemian garments like scarves, hats and all kinds of beaded jewelry. If you'd like to score some Boho swag without breaking the bank, stop by this humble little stall.

Each time I pass by home décor and fine jewelry store, Firma in Greenbelt 2, I always do a double…read moretake. Consistently well-designed and always remarkable, Firma's store tableaus are always a source of inspiration. They are always a good introduction of what's in store for its visitors. Filled with lovely (and very expensive) pieces for the home, Firma's selection leans more towards an Asian or Eastern sensibility. (It's also noteworthy to point out that Firma is the brainchild by the same duo that own AC+632 in Greenbelt 3, a home décor store with a more European sensibility). It's always a pleasure for my to pore over Firma's selection of fine trays and china, sculptural home décor items and incredible fine jewelry made by local artisans. Aside from the décor and jewelry, there is also a selection of quirky hats and handbags for the lady or gent with offbeat taste.

My mum's an interior designer so she'd always take me with her when I was a little kid (until now…read moreactually, haha) whenever she'd go canvas for items in furniture or home accessories stores. It has actually turned into a special mother-daughter time. Firma to me is a unique furniture store...unlike any I've seen because of the amazingggg, must-see store displays that change every month or every other month (Seriously, I need to know who does those. I want to hire them to design some of the rooms in my future home!). They are art masterpieces on it's own. I also love the very homey vibe you feel when you enter the store. It's like you're transported to a beautiful, exotic, old-world Eurasian country. The only thing missing is a wise, old Chinese man greeting you by the door as a bell chimes. Their home accessories are quirky but glamorous and you can also find some vintage items there. If you love statement jewelry, you will LOVE their display of gorgeous wildlife, nature and sea inspired pieces. They're like gems you'd find in a treasure chest. I only find the store a bit small. I wish it were bigger as I'd love to see more stuff from them. I've bought bohemian-y jewelry from them before and they have turned into everyday jewelry for me and I do get a lot of compliments from wearing them. I love stopping by the store every time I'm in Greenbelt.

Nobody was willing to help. Either staff were busy with their task or chatting with other staff…read more Noone offers to help you find things. The cashier was not nice.

We stopped by here to look for books for my classes, but I didn't find anything that would be…read moreuseful. What I drooled over were their stock of stationery and pens. Omg their selection of pens is pretty incredible. There were several aisles of different kinds and colors of pens, markers and pencils imaginable. I was so tempted to buy pens 'cause they were so inexpensive, but then I saw the line and I didn't want to wait. It's Christmas time so it's a super busy time in the mall. This bookstore also had lots of toys on the ground floor, and art and school supplies on the 2nd floor.

UVLA is one of my favorite stores to visit in Cubao Expo. It is one of the many antique shops in…read morethe compound but it has a bit more of a quirky twist to it compared to the rest of the antique shops in Cubao Ex. It is where i bought my skeleton pipe made out of resin. It's got a lot of old toys and collectibles that would make a great addition to your home or the perfect gift to give a special friend. Some items you will find here are collector's items from Disney like music boxes or cartoon figures from their iconic films. Band merchandise can also be found here like Beatles posters, lunchboxes, mugs, and much more. You can also find merchandise with iconic actresses like Marilyn Monroe. The rest of the store features home furniture that will take you to another era and perhaps leave you nostalgic which will make you buy something. Maybe it becomes harder to let go of the thinga here because they are all waiting for someone to take them home and treat them with the proper care they deserve.

The name of the shop alone got me curious to enter - Unique Vintage and Lost Art (UVLA) store. Sure…read moreenough, when my friend and I come in, there are vintage items everywhere - vintage furniture and appliances (yes, a phone, an electric fan and a sewing machine!), vintage decor, vintage toys, and even vintage books and photos. They have a vintage bike, too - I wonder if it's easy to use? I like the old-fashioned gas lamps (gasera). I was able to only see the modern ones in action during the days when brownouts in Metro Manila were quite normal. Some of the items here are collected by the owners during their travels in the Philippines. They are quite the vintage aficionados. UVLA to me is easily one of the most interesting stores in Cubao X, and Cubao X is already interesting as it is. It's quite fascinating to see cool, nicely-designed items which are older than you are.