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!

Finally, Korea's uber cute fashion is finally within reach! Artbox is full of adorable clothing,…read morestationery, mugs, and what-have-yous! I wanted to get so many things that I don't even need anyway. Like a blanket with a hood. Or an unnecessary number of socks. Or storage boxes. (Well, I may need those storage boxes.) If you're a complete sucker for things with cute animal faces, this place is a must-see for you!

THE place for beginners and experienced crocheters and knitters alike! They have a wide selection…read moreof yarns to choose from and some that are hard to find even online. When you buy a skein they can spin it into a non-knotting ball (its helpful, trust me). Special orders are easy! Maybe because the crochet/knit crafting scene is small in Manila, there are too few local yarn shops. There are many online stores but, it is still good to have a feel of the yarn before you pruchase it. Also, having a shop that has a steady flow if the one particular yarn you need for projects is important. So, Dreams Yarnshoppe is my go-to yran shop! The shop carries a fine selection of designer yarn and brands not available at big box stores. The store is tiny but stocked and the employees are helpful and knowledgeable knitters. This store carries high-quality yarns made of natural fibers instead of mostly acrylic yarn. Cotton, bamboo, and all the new blends are here to feel. Sock yarn, striped yarn, and all the notions and patterns you could hope for. Even if you like to buy online, there is something about touching your materials that is helpful. Plus, they have lots of sample projects to inspire you!

I recently learned how to crochet, and I've since become obsessed with it. If you're surprised,…read moredon't be - I'm actually a billion years old, with the personality of a five year old. Plus, crocheting is great! I decided that this year, instead of hand-making my Christmas Cards, I'd make everyone scarves instead. Because really, who doesn't like a giant, fluffy scarf? If you said nobody, you'd be spot on. But to the point - after a ton of research, I found out that there were only three physical stores in Manila that sell yarn/crocheting needles: National Bookstore, Carolina's Lace and of course, Dreams Yarnshoppe. After having visited the first two and being thoroughly disappointed, I decided to venture out to Glorietta 5. And although Glorietta is a maze to navigate through, the Dreams Yarnshoppe made it well worth the effort! Although tiny, this store has most things you'd be looking for as an crafts person. If I had a cat (eww, but I've got a point, I swear), it would have had a field day because this store is basically catnip. SO MUCH YARN. SO MANY COLOURS. So many sizes! After being repeatedly met with sad, dull looking 4 ply yarn and tiny cotton crochet hooks, this store made it seem like I'd hit the jackpot. I ended up buying 4 skeins of yarn and 2 sets of Susan Bates crochet hooks (10 hooks in total) for PHP 2960 i.e. $65. Which, if you think about it, isn't cheap. Each skein of Lion Brand Homespun bulky yarn was PHP 495 ($11) which is about $4 more than it retails for in the US. The skeins of Big Wheel by Cascade Yarn were PHP 490 each, but that's approximately how much they retail for. The two sets of crochet hooks were marked up by $1 which, in the grand scheme of things, is negligible. Pros: + Yarns of all different plys (4, bulky, super bulky) + A ton of different yarn fibres (merino, cashmere, acrylic) + A great selection of colours + Crochet hooks that range from 1-11 mm, in a variety of materials (aluminum, wood and plastic) + The women working at the store were extra knowledgeable about the amount of yarn I would need to crochet a scarf and helped me buy yarn accordingly + Friendly service + They also sell DMC embroidery thread (although, if you really need some you should go to the dedicated store - DMC Creative World at SM MegaMall) Cons: - Expensive for Lion Brand yarn - Bright fluorescent lighting in the store. I really dislike fluorescent lights. - CASH ONLY Word to the wise: STAY AWAY FROM THE WOODEN CROCHET HOOKS! I was unsure about which kind of crochet hooks to buy, so the ladies working at the store let me try the different kinds of hooks with the yarn I was already buying. The yarn kept catching on the wood crochet hooks due to tiny splinters. They've also got a local/cheaper alternative to the Susan Bates aluminum crochet hooks; the prices aren't too different, but there's a world of difference in the quality, so I went with the Susan Bates ones. P.S. If you're considering making scarves for everyone this Christmas, you might want to reconsider because of the significant impact it's going to have on your wallet ($20 per scarf).

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.

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!

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!

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

I have to say that this place is undoubtedly a slice of heaven for anybody's who's remotely artsy…read moreor has the slightest penchant for arts and crafts. It caught my eye because it's colorful, attractive and whimsical. I stepped inside the place and found a wide assortment of stationery, invitations (wedding and fill in invitations), gift tags, different types of cards, notepads, photo cards, notebooks, ticklers, and planners. My personal favorite are the personalized cards as they are so darn classy and tasteful. I enjoy writing people random notes, thank you notes, gift notes, and these really fulfill that purpose. I've attached a photograph here of some of the cards these guys have made for me. I'm so pleased and can't wait to put in another order when they run out!