It’s been awhile since Ukay-Ukay shops have been popular in Manila. It may have been still a shopping destination but its fame slowly fades away. Sprouting on a very fast faced and eventually fades out as the business owners started to feel that the business they put up isn’t profiting. But still, a few places still stands out and offers a gold mine for fashion enthusiasts. I listed down some of the places I personally love to visit and possibly a few places you should be visiting too if you are on a hunt for that perfect Ukay-Ukay statement pieces.
Top 5 Ukay-Ukay places you should visit
5. Ukay Ukay in Bambang Market
A few walks away from LRT Bambang Terminal Station you’ll find a haven for vintage clothes. Bambang Market has become a popular destination for hunters for the variety of clothes you’ll find at the place. Ukay-ukay items are priced starting at 50 and up, some brands goes up to 350 if it’s something that is branded. Though the only problem you could probably encounter is that most of the stores doesn’t have a room for you to fit the clothes. So you be good in figuring out the right fit before purchasing an item.
If you want to Ukay hunt and do your grocery at the same time this could be the right place for you.
Tip: Bring a fan for it gets a bit hot in the place. Also visit shops in the afternoon for most of the stores are close in the morning.
4. Muñoz / Congressional
In the busy street of EDSA cor Congressional avenue you will find a goldmine. Muñoz is definitely one of the places to visit if you are on a look out for something trendy yet good for your pocket. Just a few walks away from EDSA and you’ll find Ukay Ukay shops lined up from the corner down Congressional Ave.
A jacket I got for Php 55 ($1)
Tip: Visit those that are on sale first or stores with signs like “70% off” you’ll be surprise what Php50 can buy.
3. Makati Cinema Square
Ukay-Ukay items I got at Makati Cinema Square
Just a fitting place for the Ukay-Ukay clothes hunt, Makati Cinema Square could be as vintage as the clothes you’ll find at the place. But you’ll definitely enjoy digging around the place. What I like about the Cinema Square is that it is ventilated compare from other Ukay-Ukay shops.
Tips: Dress down. Wearing comfy shoes and clothes would be very advisable specially if you would be allotting more than an hour of shopping.
2. Starmall, Alabang
And if convenience is what you are looking for a trip to Starmall Alabang is the best place to be. The former Metropolis mall houses lots of amazing items to haul, definitely an Ukay Ukay experience leveled up. The whole place is air-conditioned and the usual pungent smell of the old clothes is minimize. If hungry, you can also have some snacks and dine in at some of the food stalls inside the mall. This could give you enough energy to do another round of rummage.
Tip: Have someone accompany you. It would be fun to dig into and compare clothes you’ll find.
1. Anonas, Cuba0
If you’re up for the real game, a trip to Cubao could be very satisfying. True bargain veterans would really enjoy the Ukay Ukay place in Anonas for it spans an entire building carrying different brands. You would definitely run out of time digging if you visited a bit late.
Tip: Bring cash in small bills and bring out your haggling skills.
