Seven Places Where You Can Go 'Ukay ukay' Shopping in Metro Manila Your fivepeso coin can buy you an ice cream cone, sure. But if you know where to shop, it can also get you a top or a pair of jeans. No one knows this better than Shaira Luna. The former child prodigy turned photographer is a selfconfessed thrift store shopper that she’s called The Queen of Ukay. While most famous ukayukay (thrift store) shops are in Tagaytay and Baguio, the ukay shops below in Metro Manila don’t disappoint, too!
1. Anonas Mall
The four-story building filled with branded ukay merchandise. (Images: Kristine Hernandez) According to the ukay pros, Anonas Mall is one of the best places to score quality items due to its wide selection from first floor through the fourth floor. Probably because
of its accessibility, it is a favorite shopping location of the stylish set and fashion bloggers. How to get there: Take the LRT 2 and drop off at Anonas Station. The exit will lead you to the mall itself.
2. Bambang Market
Locals claim that Bambang is the very first ukayan in Metro Manila. (Image: David Montasco) Manileños claim that Bambang Market is the oldest ukayukay haven in Manila even before Baguio became a famous ukayan. Unlike other ukay shops where you have to dig and go through piles of clothes, items in Bambang are sold in bundles and are priced per kilogram. If you are interested to start your own ukay store, here is a good venue to get your supplies. How to get there: Bambang Market is a fiveminute walk from LRT Bambang Station.
3. Carriedo St., Quiapo
Quiapo is where you pray and thrift shop. (Images: Mariella Centeno) Recently, this ukay shop in Quiapo made a buzz on the internet because of the Facebook caption, “Saan aabot ang PhP5 pesos mo (How far will your PhP5 go)?” While ukay steals can be bought for as low as PhP5, this ukayukay in Carriedo St. offers buyonetakeone promos. Considering ukay literally means to dig, this is by far the most organized thrift shop you’ll encounter. You can find not only jeans, dresses, and bags but also curtains and swim wear, too! Located near SM Clearance outlet, this one can be your next favorite shopping destination in Quiapo. How to get there: From Carriedo LRT Station, walk to SM Clearance outlet near Quiapo church and find the ukayukay store.
4. Makati Cinema Square
Makati Cinema Square is your one-stop-shop for budget-friendly buys. (Image: Make It Makati) Luxury malls don’t solely define Makati City. Makati Cinema Square has been a hub for bargain finds long before big malls dominated the city. Prices of items inside might be steeper than other shopping hubs but you can find several ukayukay stalls where you can discover a wide selection of clothing, bags, and shoes.
How to get there: From Gil Puyat LRT Station, take a jeepney to PRC and get off at Chino Roces Ave. Ride another jeepney bound for Walter Mart Supermarket/Don Bosco and drop off at Makati Cinema Square.
5. Raberly, North Edsa
Raberly takes pride in being one of the most spacious thrift shops in the north. (Image: Raberly Dry Goods)
Situated right beside the MRT North Avenue Station, Raberly is home to imported merchandise at relatively cheap prices. If you want a great steal, make sure to watch out for the season when they mark down prices. Your PhP500 can already give you unique ensembles for your daily outfits. How to get there: Take the MRT and drop off at North Ave. Station.
6. UkayUkay Wagwagan, Pasay City
Wagwagan has good ventilation so you can dig all you want hasslefree. (Image: Philippine Primer)
This is the best place to scour ukay finds because prices become cheaper every week until all goods are sold. Aside from that, this UkayUkay Wagwagan branch in Pasay Rotonda is conveniently located near MRT and LRT Taft and can be reached by riding a bus and jeepney. Pray that no one will take that item you’ve been meaning to buy so you can score it for as low as PhP10. How to get there: Take the MRT or LRT 1 and drop off at Pasay Taft.
7. Starmall Alabang
Ukay-ukay shopping can be convenient when done inside Starmall Alabang. (Image: Starmall)
The digging game is easier in Starmall Alabang as it is located inside the mall. After hours of choosing, you can drop by nearby food chains and entertainment spots within the mall to wind up before going home. Frequent shoppers also note that the ukay smell is much tolerable in Starmall compared to other ukay shops.
Tips
Shopping in ukayukay is fun! Keep these tips in mind before visiting a thrift shop. • Dress comfortably. You can dig better and longer when you are at ease with what you’re wearing. • Bring cash. A credit card has no use in thrift shops. • Be patient. You need to dig through piles of clothing before you find a good piece or two that will look good on you. • Try them on. Despite the dirt and smell of clothes from an ukay shop, it’s the only way to know if a garment fits you well. • Haggling is welcome. The more items you buy, the higher the chance of getting them at a lower price. • Don’t go to the New Arrivals section where prices are higher than regular items. Instead, go to the cheapest section. Did we miss your favorite ukayukay shop in Metro Manila? Share them with us so we can feature them as well! Click the store links to see the exact addresses and contact numbers of featured establishments. Prices may change without prior notice.