Sinking into the cushion of a stylish chaise lounge, you wonder if you really do need a new chair or if you’re just pulled in by its ergonomic qualities. Waiting at the checkout belt, credit card out and at the ready, you gaze greedily at a pack of trout sashimi, Malagos Davao blue goat cheese, and ribbons of Tagliatelle. Arms already loaded with shopping bags, you give yourself even more of an arm workout with a new batch of home supplies in your basket, toting a few new frying pans and stationery.
Suddenly, you’re standing in the middle of the mall, wondering: How did my quick errand come to this?
The answer might just lie in the fact that new stores keep popping up around the city, with four new ones to be specific—and each a very reasonable, valid explanation for why your afternoon disappeared into an all-out shopping spree.
Tahanan’s designs will blow your mind
It’s not difficult to get sucked into the design ethos of Tahanan. The Manila furniture house, founded by Thea and Carlo Yu, along with creative consultant Brian Ver, elicits reactions of wonder that make you stop, marvel, and ask: “How on Earth did they think of that?”
From cabinets with tetrahedron accents and textured stone door handles to a marble side table that pivots back and forth, and lighting fixtures that mix a sense of whimsy with sculpture, the designs sourced from Italy, the Philippines, and beyond echo Tahanan’s philosophy of making furniture pieces feel loved and lived-in, instead of just filling a room.
Its first-ever showroom, which opened last May, is also laid out like a home rather than a retail floor—which can be either calming or dangerous, depending on how attached you are to your budget.
The Tahanan Showroom is located at the YMC Building, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City
Read: Benji Reyes on the art of carving stories
Crate & Barrel might convince you to do a living room overhaul
With Crate & Barrel, you often find yourself going in for one candle to decorate your Christmas table, and then coming out with a new set of plates, a vase, a bedside table lamp, linens, and a tablecloth. Or, if you’re feeling a little extravagant, a dining room set of chairs and tables.
The global concept continues to expand and evolve with its newly reopened SM Aura branch. Veering away from package displays, the brand has revamped its layout to be more intuitive, featuring airier layouts. So instead of focusing on individual products, customers can imagine whole dining rooms or living areas, with the whole vision laid out right in the store.
There are also complimentary Design Desk consultations for those seeking a little extra style guidance.
Crate and Barrel is located at Level 3, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street, Corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig
Mr. DIY makes everyday errands a little more fun
There’s a reason people joke that no one leaves Mr. DIY with just one item. Mr. DIY has often been mistaken for just a hardware store, but it’s actually miles away from that concept, as it’s grown into a one-stop-shop emporium.
Recently, Mr. DIY opened its 1,000th store at the Circuit Makati, after beginning with just one store in Bulacan in 2018. What they call their newest “elevated concept store” reflects how Filipino shopping habits have evolved.
“Affordability wasn’t enough anymore,” says CEO Roselle Andaya. “Customers also wanted a better experience.”
Pairing its value-for-money promise with a more intuitive shopping environment, Andaya describes Mr. DIY as accessible—not just through price, but as a true one-stop shop for the whole family.
In this new Circuit Makati branch, it’s easy for a set of batteries to grow into a trolley filled with storage organizers, kitchen gadgets, stationery, pet toys, beauty products, school supplies, tech gadgets, and even food. This branch has officially credited Disney merch, too.
Mr. DIY Ayala Malls Circuit is located at Level 2, Ayala Malls Circuit, Hippodromo St, Makati City
Leaving with a stocked pantry and a full belly at One World Deli
Part deli grocery and part café, One World Deli is a valid reason to cancel your afternoon plans. And their newest branch at BGC Park Triangle is absolute heaven for delicatessen enthusiasts.
Central to One World Deli’s ethos is responsibly sourced groceries. And the brand’s sixth location continues to stock the shelves with artisanal pantry staples, curated wines, hormone-free meats, sustainably sourced seafood, and fresh produce.
At the new BGC branch, you can also cook your cut or catch at either Meat Anton or First Catch Seafood Paluto. Or keep it casual with a grain bowl and a snack at the Salad and Sandwich Bar.
One World Deli BGC is located on the ground floor, BGC Park Triangle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig