So you plan to travel to the wonderful city of Baguio?
How about trying to add some time in your itinerary to visit the ukay-ukays around Baguio? The city is not only known for its cold climate and rich cultural traditions but also for its large ukay-ukay/ wagwagan industry. I personally love thrift shopping and most of my clothes and shoes are from the ukay-ukay. I get to buy a lot with just 200 pesos in my pocket.
Almost every part in Baguio has an ukay-ukay shop. Some even sell outside of their homes! But here are the most popular places to go thrift shopping:
- This is one of the best places to go. Along
Block 3: Tools and Wag-wagan section, the whole place is filled with a wide selection of clothes with 10 pesos as the cheapest. The place is huge so you might get confused as you go around. Also, the place is congested and usually crowded. Keep a look out for pickpockets and salisi gangs.
- Skyworld - is located at the corner of lower Session Road. If you are looking for premium designer brands, you can find them here. Since these shops sell the best items, the prices offered are quite expensive. Even so, some people don't mind just as long as they are original and cheaper than the original.
- Shops near Malcolm Square - You can find some shops beside Malcolm square. Most of them sell shoes and some shops are hidden. Better check them out since most shops that are secluded tend to give the best items in cheaper prices.
- Bayanihan
- is an old hotel building located at the northwest of Burnham Park. It also has the cheapest ukay-ukay stalls. Just like the one in Hilltop, it is also difficult to navigate the maze of stores. The stalls located outside of the building sell popular branded items and prices are much lower than the ones found in Session Road. Take note that the stalls usually close around 6 or 7:00 pm.
- Harrison Road - Harrison road and the side streets between it sell ukay-ukay items as well. Not only clothes can be found here but also books! This is one of the most popular places to go especially when thrift shopping at night. The stalls in the night market start setting up at around 9:00 pm. If you get hungry, you can find people selling street foods.
Before that, there are some reminders before buying anything from the ukay-ukay:
- The name ukay-ukay comes from the cebuano word halukay which is hukay in Filipino and to dig in English. Since most of the items are sold in big boxes, you have to dig around the box to find the items that you want. Just make sure to wear comfortable clothes when going around.
- Wagwagan is an Ilocano term that is widely used in Baguio. It means to shake in English. The items are usually old second-hand clothing so it can be really dirty. You have to shake off the clothes to get rid of the accumulated dust and dirt. If you have allergies or asthma, take your medicines first and bring a face mask or a handkerchief.
- Since the items are dirty, you have to wash them properly before wearing it. You do not know where those clothes came from so better be safe.
- When looking for an item, make sure that it has no defections. Check for stains, holes, threading and stuff before buying. Usually, THERE ARE NO RETURNS. But if those defections are repairable, you can use that as a bargaining chip.
- Lastly, have enough time and patience when thrift shopping. Choose the right people to bring with when going around. It should be a fun experience. You won't enjoy it when you have a companion who keeps on complaining. You can always go alone if you want but in places where it is safe and not secluded.
Happy Thrift Shopping!
