I took me quite a while to place the correct categories for this place, as there seems to be no…read morecategory called "CUTE THINGS YOU DON'T NEED BUT WILL BUY ANYWAY". Yelp, get on it! I'm a sucker for anything that has animals on it (NOT their skin! Ditch fur and leather, please!). Or polkadots. Or vegetables. Or fruits...Or all! This place is for every girl who likes "kawaii" things --BUT of course, that wouldn't be appropriate to say because this store hails from Korea, so instead, say "gwi-yeo-wo-yo"! Are you celebrating someone's birthday soon? If so, this place has the cutest little party hats (of course, with animals!) to top your dear celebrant's head with, greeting cards, party "gear", and other colorful festive things! If you're a sock collector, then this is the place to get cute silly socks! Pretty notebooks that are too cute to write on? Check! Mushroom lamp? Check! And if you have not outgrown your sticker addiction, they have soft, "pillow-y" ones that are just ~squeeee~! Koreans really know how to make things murderously cute! Take my money!

If you're like me who likes random stuff, you would love this store! Artbox is more than just a…read morestationery shop. Sure, they have really cute paper products like notebooks, planners, stationery and even greeting cards, but they also have other cute stuff like accessories, printed paper bags, birthday candles and hats, clothes, socks, etc. Artbox is a Korean store, and we all know Koreans are pioneers for cutesy stuff! Artbox is the perfect store for you if: A) You're looking for unique notebooks / planners B) Collect pens C) A fan of Korean products Or D) all of the above! You'll surely enjoy ogling at what Artbox offers. And because their prices are very affordable, I wouldn't be surprised if you walk out of the store with a purchase! After multiple visits from this store, I have yet to walk out empty handed. Don't say I didn't warn you!

Paper Stone is a newly opened kiosk in Glorietta 3. This company is originally from Singapore and…read moreit sells different paper products, stationery, bags, mugs, and pens. From the looks of the place, one could tell that the main target customers of the store are young students. Even so, some of the items being sold can be great gifts to older folks. Here's a little secret. Whenever I go to National Bookstore or Powerbooks, I buy a notebook while my wife buys pens. We don't really intend to collect these things but it's like an addiction for us. Besides, we just appreciate good pens and paper products. So when we passed by the Paper Stone kiosk for the first time, we naturally felt compelled to buy something. I wasn't able to find a notebook that suits me because most of the designs on display are either too bright or too girly for my taste. As for my wife, she got a pack of three fancy pens for PHP 89.00. It's not bad considering she intends to give the pens to her niece.

I have never seen a store with so many writing paraphernalia! Seriously, this is a writer's…read moreparadise. In the last couple of years, I've gone from handwriting to the old-fashioned (read: not electronic) typewriter and finally to a laptop. I've been trying to recreate the art of hand-writing everything from love letters to my daughter to postcards. I don't get to do this often for lack of a good pen to write with. When I came across Scribe, I was overjoyed! Fountain pens, ball point, brush pens, quills and ink jars and so much more. It's been years since I've had a Parker Pen with my name on it. Scribe made me want to get one - and of course, I did. Oh, and they've got some beautiful notebooks and journals, too. This store helps rediscover a lost art and maybe even start me on the path to Calligraphy since they do have the materials for it.

Calligraphy has been such a big trend in Manila now! Left and right you will see so many…read morecalligraphy workshops by so many artists. You will also see stores that add calligraphy related merchandise in their stores! Scribe is actually one of those stores that opened up when the calligraphy trend was just starting. But they they don't just sell calligraphy stuff (they're just really known of that). I went on a shopping spree here once because I even so pretty magnet boards! They've got pretty notebooks as well! One thing I love here is the collection of brush pens! Although I get bummed out most of the time because they don't usually have stock anymore of the basic colors like black. For some reason, someone is just always hoarding (I think)! For some reason also, I end getting someone here (even if I don't need)! So for the calligraphy lovers like me, check this store out!

I've always wanted a novelty store in Manila. It was often buying stuff online which was initially…read morefine but with shipping fees and added taxes, it can be a pain. Thank the novelty gods and goddesses someone thought of putting up Quirks! Quirks is a quirky person's Mecca. They sell a lot of unique and fun things like mugs with brass knuckle handles, skull shot glasses, sun jars, grow-your-own-crystals, waterproof world map printed laundry bag (all stuff I got from the store) and many more! I love going in and looking at everything. Too bad I can't buy the whole store! So many cool stuff to choose from. I've already bought a handful of stuff from them before for my family, friends and myself; and those gifts are always a hit! Definitely a store to stop by if you're gift hunting. They'll even give you a points card where you can gain points each time you buy an item and get something for free!

With a storefront that says 'Quirk novelties & curiosities' how can you not be curious what kind of…read morequirky items you can find in this place! Obviously I went in for a look because it's always cool to give unique gifts or funny novelty items to your friends and family. I was a bit disappointed for two reasons. The first reason is the assortiment, there is really not that much to choose from, you can browse through the entire store within 5 minutes. Second of all, the quality of the stuff wasn't that novel, unique or funny or innovative. Items I saw were kinda boring e.g. Desktop putting stationairy set, greeting cards, billfold leather thingees, travel adapters, funny touch pens for your tablet etc. The only really cool thing was the smartphone projector, which was only a bit more than a 1000 php. So very average, 3 stars.

My first and only time in Craft MNL was for Gail's Copperplate Workshop. The place is a little…read morehidden along Arnaiz Avenue. Parking is kind of difficult but commuting to the place is pretty easy. There's no elevator and it's in the third floor so better get some cardio ready. Gail's workshop was sold out! There were two tables and it was a little tight, but we all managed to do our calligraphy and learned a lot. Craft MNL also offers other craft classes like paper marbling, knitting, rubber stamp making, etc. so if I were you, I would check out their Instagram page to get some updates on the different classes that they have to offer!

A few weeks ago, one of my favorite textile stores from Cebu was doing a pop-up here in Manila. I…read moreImmediately planned to visit it, somewhere in Makati. I was really hoping to find a lot of cute finds for myself but found something better instead, Craft MNL. It's a creative space for people to come learn or share their crafts with others. They offer a lot of classes from knitting to silk-screen printing. The cost per class isn't to expensive considering they provide the materials and the schedules aren't too bad either (they consider working hours!). The workshop is also so creatively decorated, really conducive to bring out the artists in you! The people who work there (sorry forgot their names!) were super friendly and talked me into trying a few classes. They constantly update their workshops on their website so go check it out and learn something new today! I think they also offer private workshops, sounds like a good idea for a birthday or a corporate event!

In my own small way and whenever I can, I try to help out people who try to help themselves. I…read morebelieve in the dignity of work so I buy from and support organizations that empower the less privileged or disadvantaged members of our society. One store in Market! Market! that I support (and also promote) is the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan. I have no personal relation to any member of this organization, but I am inspired by the hard work and dedication of those involved in this advocacy. Besides, the workmanship of the items sold in this kiosk is tops, export-quality even. So you won't feel cheated after buying something from the shop. Tahanang Walang Hagdanan is known for their educational products. Instead of buying imported puzzles for my godchildren, I choose their wooden instructive puzzles. Other popular products to buy are Christmas cards, hand-made paper novelties, needlecrafts, house and kitchen wares, and religious items. Whenever you patronize Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, remember that you are helping people with disability to become self-reliant and economically independent.

I come from a family who loves art and literature, so growing up, writing and arts and crafts…read morebecame 2 of my favorite past times. I would usually go to National Bookstore or Fully Booked to get special writing supplies but ever since I discovered the beauty of Scribe, I never looked back. Scribe is a heavenly one-stop-shop for high end reading and writing supplies. It's guaranteed that what your buying is of great quality. All the items have a pre-possesing quality too and would help in channeling your inner Jane Austen or F. Scott Fitzgerald when you're old-school writing using paper and pen. I do calligraphy sometimes, something I learned from my dad when I was a little girl. I love their selection of calligraphy pens as well as their beautiful journals that have a romantic and old world feel. Definitely a store I come back to when I run out of writing materials!

I try my best not to buy pretty notebooks because they're just so darned nice that I find myself…read morenot writing in it, because I don't want my ugly chicken scratch handwriting ruining the perfection of the notebook. That's why I stick to writing everything digitally on Evernote or something. But whenever I pass by a place full of notebooks, I can't help but go in and admire. Scribe is like a writer/doodler's paradise. They have all sorts of writiing paraphernalia, from fountain pens to ink to notebooks with specialty paper. They also sell these certain kind of notebooks that look and feel exactly like Moleskines but sell for about a fourth of the price. During January they even have Moleskine-like planners! I never end of buying anything because the stuff is just too damn nice, but if you're an unabashed notebook hoarder, this is the place for you.

I have a love-hate relationship with this Carolina's branch. Don't get me wrong. It's conveniently…read moreplaced in my turf (Ayala is my territory, don't argue). In recent times, they have been improving the shop, like adding more stocks and re-arranging the stuff for easier access. It's small, so a smarter way to organize the items should be in order from time to time. It's actually pretty convenient that in theory, it would take me an hour to drive there, buy what I need and get back to working on my dresses...given that the staff would actually accommodate me. I don't know if it was me being insensitive to the amount of work the staff here are doing but it takes like ten minutes to have your order cut for you. That's sort of frustrating time-wise because what if I just need a yard of one ribbon? It's been known in the fashion world that the service here has a little bit of attitude, but maybe they just need to hire more people. A lot of customers need service at the same time here after all. Overall though, its existence worked wonders in my life, especially when I have some emergency fashion supplies needs. I guess the saving factor in this branch is the occasional (and pretty much unannounced) super sale. They lay out two huge bins filled with older stocks that are still in good condition and you can buy them in bulk. That's actually how I ended up with a mini Carolina's of my own at my workshop!

Carolina's Lace Shoppe is the lazy, city-dwelling, crafty girl's solution to immediate fabric and…read morecraft needs. A lot of craft places require you to venture out to Divisoria, Recto, and Quiapo, and it's quite inconvenient if you're not located near those areas. Carolina's is like your craft convenience store. Yes, prices will be a bit higher, but saves you time, energy and transportation costs. They've got a good selection of fabric and clothes-making materials, so this is a good place to get stuff for those one-off projects, or if you're personally sourcing out fabric and materials if you're having custom clothes tailored. If you make accessories and jewelry, they have a good selection of beads, locks and chains. If you're looking for crochet threads and yarns, they've got a ton of colors to choose from as well. It's great how the existence of Carolina's in malls and other more accessible locations really inspire crafters and make it easier for them to keep on creating despite a grueling, 9-5 day job. Small conveniences such as these go a long way!

This is one of my favorite bookstores in the Philippines. I love the aesthetic inside and how it…read morewas laid out especially when they have photo of a woman create with books. It was also bonus that my book, Bridging the Confidence, was available at this location. Definitely a must go if you love book stores.

Bookstore -- more than books! (MANILA Philippines)…read more My two daughters would absolutely love this bookstore if we had one in the U.S. My 10-year old niece who resides in the Philippines introduced me to this store when I told her that I was looking for Sonny Angel merchandise for my adult daughter at home who loves this stuff. Not only did they have them but they had so many different kinds of Pop Mart blind box merchandise meaning you do not know which figure you will receive until you buy one and open the box. The bookstore also carries a good selection of Manga books series which my other daughter would be excited to see. For Yuko Shimizu fans... they sell the mural shirts here too. After all the searching for the Sonny Angel merch I was glad to find them in this bookstore and surprised my child with the plush. Customer service was excellent, they were very friendly and helpful. Great prices! The bookstore is located in the Mitsukoshi BGC in Taguig Metro Manila. Review #3294

Deovir is an artist's heaven…read more This could actually be my only statement and it would pretty much sum up Deovir. They have so many items available for use of artists which cannot be found in bookstores. Being the premiere art supply store, they have a wide range of products, from brushes, paints, paper, pencils, etcetera. This goes for even supporting materials such as thinners, binding mediums, and other art-related needs. Being not so familiar with and not comfortable in exploring painting mediums, I recently called them to ask for advice as to what I can use for an upcoming project. I needed to use a paint that would adhere well to textile, will be permanent despite washing, but needs to likewise have the correct consistency for brush calligraphy. With a short discussion of my options, I knew what I needed and even had my orders prepared already for payment and pick-up. Indeed, it pays to go to a specialized shop for, well, special art needs.

For me, a trip to Deovir is always entertaining. I've been known to stay for more than an hour…read moreinside the small space, just browsing through different art and craft materials without a specific agenda in mind and thinking about the creative possibilities. There are canvasses of all sizes ready to be spread with acrylics, oils, watercolors, pastels, etc. There are reasonably-priced, artist grade brushes. There are craft foams, polymer clays, charcoals, and a lot more. If there is something that I need for a craft or a project, I immediately look for it in Deovir. And I get a sinking feeling if I cannot find it in their shelves, because that means that I am unlikely to find it anywhere else locally. The staff are very helpful, and they know what they are talking about. There was this time when I was assembling a painting kit as a gift, and a friendly salesperson gladly discussed the comparative pros and cons of acrylic and oil, and why the former might be better suited for a novice than the latter. Seriously, I look for excuses to visit this store even though I know that it's not good for my wallet. They also have an online shop but sadly, the online inventory is very limited.