YEAH, shopping at the mall is fun, but if you’re someone with Main Character Syndrome (non-derogatory), you know that there’s just something about unique, one-of-a-kind clothing that hits different. That feeling you’re at a function and you know that no one else is dressed like you – it’s unmatched.
What people like about going to the mall, however, is the convenience of it all. There’s no need to go on a scavenger hunt for a decent top or to look around in a bin of accessories just to find a matching pair of earrings. That convenience – that accessibility – is probably why pop-up events like flea and creative markets have been on the rise.
Aside from putting a spotlight on local brands and shops and helping local communities, local pop-ups are a way for people to gather, bond over shared interests, and fall in love with pieces of clothing that they know were carefully curated just for them.
If you aren’t yet in the know of upcoming pop-ups, here are some that you can check out for the rest of May until June.
When: May 24, 2024, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: HUB Make Lab, First United Building, 413 Escolta St. Binondo, Manila
If you’re free this Friday, HUB Make Lab is hosting Watchamacallit: A Local Creatives Market, where several talented local makers will be selling their crafts.
Artists like 02Shaku, Unardent, Crumbs of Wonder, Soft as Dune, Mackysaur, and many more will be tabling at this event.
If you’re looking for clothes for a Hot Girl Summer, Club Femme has got you. For an entrance fee of PHP 50, you can buy from your favorite online shops in real-time.
While you can register for this event, walk-ins are also welcome. The merchants that’ll be at the event are as follows:
If you’re into abubots, doohickeys, and thingamabobs like stickers, clay creations, accessories, and paintings, this is the event for you. The best part? Entrance is free!
When: May 25, 2024, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: Guijo Studios, Makati
If you’re looking for clothes for a Hot Girl Summer, Club Femme has got you. For an entrance fee of PHP 50, you can buy from your favorite online shops in real-time.
While you can register for this event, walk-ins are also welcome. The merchants that’ll be at the event are as follows:
- Dot Coffee
- Fotografi MNL
- Ardourela
- Beyond Collective
- Russet Accessories
- Burst Swimwear
- Kali Studios
- Gigi Studios
- Heure 1:41
- Muli.MNL
- 20Blooms
- Ysab & Mom’s Kitchen
- Vin & Tin
- The Future Is You
Take note: outside food will not be allowed into the venue, but there are many food booths to choose from once you enter the event. There are also several parking areas around Guijo Studios, so finding a place for your car won’t be a problem.
Get your photos taken, buy a little drink, and shop for swimsuits, sundresses, and accessories, galore – all perfect for your upcoming beach trip.
When: May 25 to 26, 11 AM to 9 PM
Where: G Studios, Alabang
Returning to the flea market scene is the South Trading Post, promising to bring the feeling of childhood nostalgia to buyers. Their two-day event is set to have over 40 merchants, with some being:
- Common Mode
- Cold Thrift
- Orange Vintage
- Vintage Party
- The Freeform Objects
- Solasta
- Jess Thrifted This
- The Weeknd Studios
- Blacklist Vintage
- Wayback Vintage
- Sugar Punch
- Vintage Gypsy
- Nue Studios
- 11 Kaps
- Meraniel
- Milagro
- Nomads Hunt
- Luntiang Palamuti Atbp.
- Past Lives
- Broke Hustler
- Revibe Culture
- Manong
- Russet Accessories
- Love, Dianna
- The Archives Vintage
- 10 Cent Art
- Pick Your Poison Manila
- Juicy Slut
- Film Camera PH
- Sumoswag
- Bambi Crafts
- Bodega Scout
- Pristine Records
- Studio Don Don
You can also get food and drinks over at Kombi Brew, The Kind Cookie, Onlypans Taqueria, Shackles, and Da Gianni.
There are also a number of activities you can enjoy, such as getting your tarot readings done at Tarot For Tia, getting a piercing or tattoo over at Paniki Pierce or Soleil Tattoo, respectively, or even getting your haircut by the legendary haircut specialist Qubo. You can also make a lovely bouquet over at Estelita or immortalize your memories over at the Funky Fotobooth.
This event has no entrance fee, so feel free to bring along as many people as you want to check out the goods.
When: June 1 to 2, 1 PM to 9 PM
Where: XCeption Makati, The Biltmore, 102 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, 1200 Metro Manila
The Amekaji Store is hosting a two-day event filled with vintage clothing, with the following merchants to be expected at the venue:
- Kina’s VTG
- Amekaji Store
- Studio Rotherwood
- Johnny’s Wear-Alls
- Leon Denim
- 1013artisan
- Vantage PH
- Distressed PH
- ThriftCaution PH
This event will feature items such as casual-style clothing from American and Japanese brands and local brands, as well as other curated vintage items.
Shop for high-quality clothing and accessories like leather belts and jackets, as well as vintage shoes, glasses, and many more.
When:
- PART 1: June 1 to 2 (10 AM to 6 PM)
- PART 2: June 7 to 8 (1 PM to 8 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM on Saturday)
Where:
- PART 1: Odd Cafe, Salcedo Makati
- PART 2: The Playground, YL Holdings 5F, Legazpi Makati
The Pabili Po Community is hosting a two-part flea market over at The Playground in Makati, serving as a celebration for the arts, sustainable clothing, and the talent of the local creative community.
The entire merchant list for this event has yet to be released, but some that have been revealed are the following:
- Milagro
- Cloudy Cart
- Lost and Found Puzzles
- Love Dianna
Aside from buying clothes and drinking coffee, you can also take as many aesthetically pleasing photos as you want at both Odd Cafe and The Playground, with the former’s fun, vibrant pops of color here and there, and the latter’s white, minimalist vibe.
When: June 8, 10 AM to 7 PM
Where: Guijo Studios, Makati
If you’re looking for an event perfect for girls, boyfriends and mermaids, Labebe is holding its first-ever pop-up at Guijo Studios, featuring the following brands:
- Vin The Line
- The Velour
- Wear Classica
- Labebe
- Threadful Club
- Love Dianna
- Pastlives
- Milagro
- Fantasie Gaze
- Lilac Heaven
- Nue
- Wear Kahel
- Manong’s Vintage
- Kookie Market
- Russet Accessories
- Forbies Sweet Treats
- Photobooth by PB&J
- Alofa
Aside from shopping for clothes, you can enjoy taking pictures with your bestie-slash-family-slash partner at the photo booth, dance to the music, or just sit down and enjoy some pastries and drinks while you rest your feet.
Take note: you’ll need to pay PHP 50 to get into the event. It will go to Supremo Furbabies, a non-profit organization in Malabon dedicated to rescuing, adopting and helping stray animals.
