The Ukay Queen Shaira Luna has spoken: “It doesn’t matter where you ukay, just dig through.”
But in case you want to put your thrifting skills to a test, here is a list of our favorite ukay-ukay stops. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, for costumes or for others, these bargain shops are one-stop shops for your needs. You just have to set a budget and put your stylist hat on.
- Baguio
They call it wag-wagan in the North.
From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., shop for vintage goods at the night market on Harrison Road. The stalls also lower their prices when you shop at a later hour.
Behind the Baguio City Market is the ukay-ukay haven called Hilltop where you can own secondhand pieces for as low as P3. There are also shops that only carry shoes and bags. Some stalls even sell at a flat rate of P100 for any pair of shoes!
The Bayanihan Center on Otek Street near Burnham Park is one of the priciest wag-wagans in Baguio, but if you’re after that affordable LV handbag, this is the place to be.
- Tagaytay
If you’re not game to travel eight hours to go on a wag-wagan shopping spree, Olivarez Plaza in Tagaytay City also has a lot of ukay-ukay shops. They even have a space for luxury items for those who hunt signature items but do not want to pay full price. We even saw one stall that has a sign “Class AAA.”
- Anonas Mall
This is the favorite stop for thrifters in Metro Manila. The mall has four floors dedicated to ukay-ukay clothes, accessories, shoes, toys and bed sheets.
- J.P. Rizal corner Pasong Tamo
This ukay-ukay shop beside Goldilocks PRC never runs out of good stuff. The best part? They are open until 11:30 p.m.
- J.P. Rizal corner Makati Avenue
If you’re stuck in Makati central business district, why not make a stop here? They never run out of items on sale.
- Makati Cinema Square
This establishment in Makati is a one-stop shop for bargains—books, phone accessories and, of course, clothes! The prices of items are a bit steeper, but there are a lot of ukay-ukay shops in this mall.
- Sta. Ana
“Insider tip: Take a jeep to Sta. Ana Church, maraming brands there. It’s good there,” Shaira said.
Happy digging!—Vinz Lamorena and Nikka G. Valenzuela