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MANILA
Pinoy Pride
By Tata Mapa
As a writer and stylist, I always try to
inject a subtle Filipino touch into what
I do, so anything from an embroidered
runner to an
ikat
clutch might find
its way into my ensemble. It’s a
philosophy I feel anyone can apply
when decorating a home, setting up
a centerpiece for a party or dressing
for a big night out. The best part? Fab,
Filipino finds can be found in havens all
over the metro.
Why shop here:
If you’re looking for
unique and homegrown products
that make clever use of indigenous
materials — not to mention employ
local workers — Manila is the place in
which to run wild. Our local products
have been making a statement abroad
and I love finding pieces that are sold
for so much more in the US or Europe
at bargain prices here. Local products
have dramatically evolved over the
years. Quality and workmanship are
much better, designs are more inventive
and the items span a broader spectrum.
The bonus:
Traditional weaves, patterns
and materials are moving into the
mainstream, adorning everything from
the handbags of famous stars to the
dinner settings of celebrity arbiters of
style. If something in the malls is out of
your price range, you’ll be sure to find
something inspired by it in the markets.
Don’t miss:
The Kultura section of
SM Department Stores, Rustan’s
Department Store’s Filipiniana section,
Balikbayan Handicrafts and the
Greenhills
tiangge
.
Smaller, must-
visit boutiques include Mananzan
Handicrafts in Intramuros (
mananzanhandicrafts.com
);
Team
Manila for cool graphic designed Pinoy
T-shirts (
com
);
Sesou Nature Source (
sesou.multiply.com
)
for organic beauty
and home products, and TdLG for
statement-making accessories.
Tip:
Bring your own shopping bags
when hitting up the markets. The use of
plastic bags is now discouraged all over
the city, so it’s nice to do our bit.
Cebu Pacific flies to Manila from across
the network.
Clockwise from left: Tweetie de
Leon’s designs at the TdLG store; pick
up proudly Philippine-made goods at
Balikbayan Handicrafts at Rustan’s;
check out the selection at Greenhills;
try the organic beauty products by
Sesou Nature Source
