Ukay-Ukay and the Value of the Unnoticed

Photo Courtesy: pexels

HOW do we often love pre-loved? How do we frequently give second chances to second-hand? Are they worth it? Do they deserve it?

The faint scent of mothballs contentedly clinging to each fabric occupied your sense of smell as you entered the room—not too subtle yet unmistakably announcing its presence to everybody who had dared to step inside—for those pairs of curious eyes eager to know what kind of world it offers, to see the wonders traveling amidst prices.

This walk-in closet is massive and spacious enough to celebrate all colors, objects, and sizes. Everything is in its correct position, neatly placed after one another. Filling every space and occupying given areas either to shy away from people or to present themselves proudly.

On the west side, is the stereo speaker on its element, having a blast with a steady bass with a familiar R&B beat that instantly pulls you back to your late-night drives to a coffee shop nearby, full of heartbreak anthems with Ne-Yo’s angelic voice conveying love and loss. Reciting each lyric with emphasis on the past.

In the same manner, the woman’s smile at the counter brings back old memories of handing over a crumpled bill you got after buying a dirty ice cream—the avocado one—by the side of the cathedral before riding a jeepney.

Ate’s hands—as you cannot recall the woman’s name anymore are still calloused yet still bear gentleness as she carefully folded your previous finds into a reused brown paper bag the last time you went there.

The scene before you feels too familiar—nostalgic even. Everyone looks like busy bees roaming around every corner, eager to find the one—the best among the rest, while the pre-loved pieces continue to take their chances to catch someone’s attention. Hoping to be chosen and finally see the world outside the chaotic store. To be admired in front of the mirror, like how they were before.

The art of thrifting.

Welcome to the world of ukay-ukay, a unique treasure hunt where second chances are embraced.

People say that the act of thrifting is an exercise in patience, in the game of finding the best piece. Instantly drawn to vintage clothes, denim jackets, colorful blouses, original bags, and branded shoes, you found yourself in the exact thrift store where you used to spend your vacant time after a long day in school—along Recto Avenue in Quiapo, Manila.

Happily rummaging through each aisle, you flip through each hanger with quick, deliberate hands. Silently involving yourself in a sudden race against other shoppers, hoping to stumble upon the best finds the room could offer.

Ukay-ukay once felt like something to be embarrassed about. In addition to being more affordable, it also reflects a person’s purchasing capacity. Yet today, thrifting has become a classy proof that even the most valuable pieces can be found in the most unexpected places.

It’s not just because you can get a piece of clothing at a lower price that you want to go thrift shopping. But for you, it’s therapeutic to look at a variety of clothes along with many others who want to buy. Even though it’s tiring and your legs get sore standing and walking around the store, or even if you don’t end up buying anything, you’ll still keep coming back here. Hoping that when the store reopens, you will have something to take home with you.

Floral sundress—a go-to outfit for Sunday.

People say every piece of clothing you own carries a special story to tell. There is one you bought from Bagiuo five months ago, one purchased from an Instagram shop out of boredom, and one you accidentally saw in a shop on the way home.

Today, you hadn’t intended to purchase a dress, but upon seeing a light, floral sundress at the end of the rack, you found it hard to resist. As if there was a magnetic force between you and the dress that whispered you encouragement to try it in the fitting room, and see where you both can go.

It was airy, flowing, and ideal for your upcoming summer getaway with your college friends. It was too charming not to explore its beauty. The tag₱250—seemed a bit inexpensive, yet the fabric was soft and durable, and the quality was surprisingly nice. Without hesitation, you tossed it into your pile, already imagining yourself wearing it at the beach.

Shoes: 70% off.

Finding shoes wasn’t on your agenda for the day. You were simply there to look around—perhaps to find a vintage jacket or an interesting shirt. However, as soon as your gaze fell upon a pair of gently used Adidas sneakers—somewhat scuffed yet still stylish and brimming with personality—you realized you had to take them home. It felt like an instant bond as if they were destined for you. And just like that, your leisurely browsing transformed into an unexpected but fulfilling purchase.

Vintage denim jacket.

This ukay-ukay denim jacket, once longing to explore the world outside the packed racks under the poor lighting of the store—overlooked and abandoned, its opportunity for a fresh journey is fading away. Until you give it a chance. Thinking it is exactly what you want—slightly oversized, while its color is elegantly fading from its previous style. Perfect for a simple white tee waiting inside your closet.

The value of unnoticed.

There is an odd sense of comfort in the scent of pre-loved items. A mixture of memories and a blend of peaceful adventure against the store’s closing time battling for opportunities to find pieces to take home.

Similar to ukay-ukayan, life is a compilation of numerous undiscovered and unwritten reflections just like how the best ukay-ukay finds are often overlooked by others. Just as much as the most significant opportunities in life can arise from the most unforeseen circumstances.

To an untrained eye, ukay-ukayan is only about old and unwanted clothes from foreign closets. But for people who refuse to see them that way, this place is a goldmine of forgotten beauty—where each wrinkled fabric possesses function beyond its external allure. A person will always recognize the genuine worth of an item of clothes or shoes, so the narrative doesn’t end here. It will continue to be worn even if it appears outdated to others and is inexpensive.

You can step inside a thrift store without expectations, but somehow, after a couple of hours of looking, you are about to walk out with a bag full of memories and treasures.

A beautiful dress may hang for months or a year before somebody takes a glance to see its potential, giving it a second chance to feel the warmth and experience the world again. Just like us, it might take time before we see our capabilities—for us to learn about the things we can do no matter how hopeless we think we are. And just because ukay-ukay pieces are not under the sparkling limelight, it does not mean that their contributions are any less meaningful.

Ukay-ukay teaches buyers that being unnoticed does not necessarily mean being unworthy. That there is hope, hidden in between. Life can sometimes be found in thrift stores, where people wait in silence to find value even in the most unexpected moments.