There seems to be a whole slew of independent groups organizing one or two day pop-up shopping…read moreevents these days. Personally, I feel that there are only quite a few that are actually worthy of a visit. One of them is The Caravan, which is a lifestyle market that usually pops up at the Proscenium's Kirov Model Unit located beside the Rockwell Tent at the Power Plant Mall. Usually a two-day affair, The Caravan has a carefully and thoughtfully curated group of vendors selling one-of-a-kind home décor, beautiful jewelry, clothes, accessories, locally produced beauty products and even artisanal food choices. I'm not exactly sure what their schedule is, but The Caravan usually happens twice or thrice a year. For a better gauge of their schedule, it would be good to start following them on their Instagram account - @thecaravanph.

Recently, a new community organization called The Block Party began hosting a series of fun pop-up…read moreevents in Makiling Park in Ayala Alabang Village. In this particular pop-up, you'll find lots of great food, artisanal and crafty finds that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. To add another cool element to the pop-up, a small "barnyard"/petting zoo where kids can play with some farm animals was also set up. Pop-up events have been taking place all around the city recently and personally, I think the The Block Party has been the most fun, family-oriented one of the whole bunch. It almost feels as if you're in a big party in a good friend's backyard. What I particularly like about the event is meeting the artsy vendors who were selling their crafty pieces, lovingly made by their very own hands. From posters to cards, to framed artwork and graphic novels, to leather goods and glassware made out of old bottles, The Block Party was filled to the brim with a lots of cool, creative finds. The organization has only put up two very successful pop-ups and with the turnout and success of the events, I only hope that they continue organizing the coolest block parties in the South.

This is one of my favorite event venues both as a participant and as a merchant. I love that it is…read moreso accessible because it's just right beside Powerplant Mall. Whether you're driving, taking a cab or even using other modes of public transport, it's so easy to get to. The tent is pretty big, it has comfortable air-conditioning, the bathrooms are right beside it. I've joined as a merchant for Mommy Mundo bazaars when they were still holding them here and that was one of my most productive selling days. Mommy Mundo transferred to a different venue last year because they were told that Rockwell Tent will be undergoing some remodeling. While we had high hopes for the new venue, it really didn't perform as good as when we were in Rockwell Tent. Foot traffic was cut by about half just with that move. I do hope they give Rockwell Tent a makeover. But even if they don't, I love it just as it is. I will continue to visit the bazaars there and maybe even join a few that will be held there.

The Rockwell Tent has been one of the most enduring event centers and venues in the metro. NBC, a…read moresimilar tent-like venue has bitten the dust last year, and Rockwell remains as a place that can be transformed to suit every function or event, such as parties, product launches, fashion shows, musical events, bazaars and flea markets, programs and wedding receptions. A lot of really memorable events have happened in Rockwell. It is a favorite performance venue for my samba school and community, and we would hold concerts, performances, football viewing parties and similar events in the tent. You don't have to worry about the place being too warm because their air-conditioning game is always on point. Several independently-organized bazaars also often pop up in the tent from time to time, especially during the holiday season. It is where I usually shop for presents, since they are very selective with their tenants. All the bazaar sellers actually hawk interesting and moderately priced gift items that make my Christmas shopping hassle free and worry free! I also like that I'm almost always able to hail a cab in mere minutes, a feat that is almost impossible elswhere.

Aside from having a stand-alone furniture shop, Bungalow 300 also comes up with a fun series of…read morepop-ups all throughout the year. Filled with unique finds and one-of-a-kind items, their pop-ups are always must-visits. Each pop-up usually has a theme and each theme depends on the vendors or brands that they partner up with. The vendors they tap are usually home decor brands, skin-care lines, independent clothing and accessories brands, fashion designers, jewelry designers, and even fine-art galleries. What's most interesting about Bungalow 300's pop-ups are the venue choices they have for them. Sometimes, they are housed in their own store in Alabang, other times they hold it in a mall. If they're feeling really creative, they take over a home and dress it up in their signature-Bungalow 300 look. To make sure that you don't miss their pop-up schedules, it would be best to follow Bungalow 300's Instagram account (@bungalow300) or to sign up for their newsletters on their website at www.bungalow300.com.

Who says socks can't be a fashion statement? Iconic Socks is a kiosk located at the UP Town Center…read moreMall that sells socks in a variety of cool and hip designs. Ranging from shin-high to ankle socks, this store will actually make you want to invest in them. The socks are pricey though, but hey, what can you expect from something so well designed? There's just too much to choose from actually! It actually makes you rethink their functionality.

We arrived to Legazpi Sunday Market around 10am and it was already bustling with people, especially…read morearound all the food stalls. It was nice to see a variety of things to eat or drink and even purchase like handmade clothing, bags, and trinkets. Since the market is right by the park, you have access to the restrooms and places to sit and eat. So we ended up staying in this area for a good few hours. We had a pleasant time, so we highly recommend checking it out!

Outstanding Sunday market if you want to stroll a bit and have a bite. The vendors were all…read moreextremely friendly, especially the chicharron tita who adopted me on the spot. While it initially appears very small, it's like Harry Potter waved his wand with the spell to make the inside of the tents bigger. It was a veritable maze of delicious goodies. Great spot to walk off a long flight and take in the local eats.

Yabang Pinoy is a collective of like-minded individuals who are in the pursuit of Filipino…read moreexcellence. They passionately support Filipino products, ideas and services and work hard to instill a concept of pride in Filipinos, old and young alike. Founded in 2005, they became the pioneers in the Filipino pride movement, working mostly with Filipino youth to get their message across. A few times a year, Yabang Pinoy plays hosts to the Global Pinoy Bazaars, a series of shopping fairs and fund-raising events that highlight proudly Filipino-made products, brands and concepts to the interested public. Without a doubt, these bazaars are proof that Filipino brands can complete at the global stage. So if you're curious to see what your creative fellowmen have to offer, a visit to the Global Pinoy Bazaars is a must. To ensure that you get the schedule of bazaars, make sure to sign up for the Yabang Pinoy newsletter at yabangpinoy.com.

Fab is a little wing in Robinsons Metroeast mall where they have a bunch of clothes, shoes, and…read moreaccessories stores selling some unique items you don't see in the usual tiangge. It's like a more curated bazaar where spaces are taken up by independent shops more than just resellers. They don't have dirt-cheap items, but it's all still very much affordable! There are some recognizable shops like Girlshoppe but there are many other interesting shops that have unique, nice looking, custom products like The Heel Project Manila. They have durable, nicely designed heels and sandals that they make themselves from their factory in Marikina! You can even have one specially-designed for you alone. There's another store that makes nice swimwear for around 500 for the whole set! There's another that has 80s and 90s style shirts and sweaters that would work great for fun themed parties, hahah. Most of the stores generally design and make their own items. You can stock up on both trendy pieces and well-made basics to add to your wardrobe!

The Sidcor Market I grew up with can be found in EDSA corner Main Avenue--the current location of…read moreHypermarket Cubao. As far as I can recall, it was 8 years ago when it was launched again in Centris. I often visit every Sunday morning for my favorite Empanada, Pad Thai, and Buco Sherbet. This is home to a variety of food selection from regional cuisines to international flavors. Sidcor is also a great source of fresh produce, organic vegetables, and fruits. The price is at par with local neighborhood palengke and definetely cheaper than supermarket. Sidcor is open from 6:00am to 1:00pm but fresh market's stocks runs out easily. Be sure to arrive earlier. There are a lot of parking spaces available at Sidcor as well. Commuters can take the Quezon Avenue MRT station. It's a walk away from the train stop.

Spent a Sunday morning here is fun. Here you have 2 prices,…read morelocal and expat. Unlike in salcedo sat market, here you can find avocado for 150/kg, while it's 250-300php in salcedo! You can also find quite good collection of plants to decorate your home. Super hot though!!! But will come back!

Z Roof Deck lives up to its name as a solid rooftop bar in Poblacion. While it isn't the highest…read morevantage point in the area, it still offers a great perspective of the neighborhood, with particularly nice views of the illuminated Rockwell buildings and the distant BGC skyline. The atmosphere is definitely a vibe--chill and social. Music starts up later in the evening (around 9 PM, I believe), which helps transition the mood as night falls. We visited fairly early and enjoyed the shift when the music began. However, one interaction notably dampened the experience. A brief, joking conversation with a bouncer took an unexpectedly dark turn. When I lightheartedly asked if anyone had ever tripped on the spiral staircase, he replied, "Only if I throw them off." Joking or not, for someone responsible for patron safety, this felt in poor taste and sounds like he wants to look or sound intimidating. It's a remark that unfortunately sticks with you. And it was of bad taste. Overall, Z Roof Deck has much to offer in terms of views and ambiance, but attention to staff training and customer interaction would elevate it from a good spot to a great one. 2 star from poor choice of words from the security at the roof deck. You want to be funny? Tell a better wholesome joke.

The happy hour is awesome- you get a free drink! The view is cool, you can see a lot of the city…read morefrom here. The only drawback coming here is that you need to buy a bracelet and put a minimum amount 300 pesos per person but if you choose your poison correctly it can get you 2 drinks or 3 beers :)