I was on my way to Bawais when I heard this shop blasting early 90's Mariah Carey hits that I…read morecouldn't help singing along to ("I had a vision of loooove... and it was all that you've given me!"). I never really noticed the place 'till then. I realized it was a music store and they were actually playing an LP! Cool. You go inside and you're greeted with shelves, drawers, and cases of LP records for sale (great selection of old & new stuff too!) and different kinds of turntable record players on one side. They had vintage players too that were being sold at a bit more, but they're the classic types you'd want to have if you're a collector. My mom has an old 60's or 70's era Kenwood player at home that she just can't bring herself to part with, especially since there was nothing wrong with it save for a broken needle in need of replacing. When we shared this with Jane, the girl there in charge of vinyl records, she said they had needles available even for old models and that we could even bring in our unit for further inspection. They could be the ones to fit the new needle themselves or if we knew exactly what we needed, we could just buy the needle from them. Starting price was P2000, depending on what kind. Needless to say, we left feeling happy with all this info. Yayyy we can revive the player! Thank goodness for places like this. You don't have many legitimate vinyl record stores anymore and this one even sells parts. Definitely bringing in our unit soon!

In the recent resurgence of vinyl record players and and LPs, The Grey Market, along White Plains,…read morewas one of the first stores to offer a substantial list of records for its growing clientele. I remember looking for some records of New Order a few years back but I was never successful in finding them in the handful of record stores that were around back then. But when I visited The Grey Market, there it was, a shiny new record of "Power, Corruption and Lies" ready for the taking. What's really good about The Grey Market's roster of records is that it doesn't simply try to draw the young, hipster crowd with its titles of young, hipster music. They've got stacks of the good, classic stuff that are more in line with the taste of geriatrics like me. It's also worthy to point out that if you're in the market for a good sound system, The Grey Market team can help you out with that too.

The resurgence of the old-school activity of listening to vinyl records has had quite a renaissance…read moreamongst Manila's young, trendy (and hipster) crowd. Some kids whose parents (or even grandparents) used to be avid record collectors are lucky since they automatically become the cool recipient of such treasured hand-me-downs. But for the majority, one has to build a record collection from scratch, and that can be quite a heavy burden on the bank account. Enter Bebop Records, a long-standing vinyl record shop in the basement of Makati Cinema Square, which is one of the best-kept secrets the place has to offer. What's great about Bebop Records is that its prices for records, especially second-hand ones, are very affordable. They don't have a lot of the newer, indie stuff and that is a-ok. If you've got a thirst for the second-hand, classic records of our parents, even parents' parents youth, this is the place to be.

there is a lot of choices, it gave me nostalgia feeling. Nice vibe, it relaxes me and calms me down.read more

Earlier today, I decided to pay a visit to Ted Ellis after seeing a recommendation to check it out…read more I took a chance with trying to find the place on my own since it's been many years since I last visited an actual record store, and thrill of searching for it took me back to the previous decade of when physical record stores were predominant in shopping malls and commercial centers. The location certainly took some time to find, since it's placement at the second floor of a plain building that's on the edge of a main road that's known for ridiculously heavy traffic makes walking or driving there a little bit challenging. Upon entry, I was greeted with a fresh breeze of cold air and ambient pop-rock in the background. The venue is pretty small, but it houses multiple albums and singles of mainstream as well as independent artists alike. The inventory are predominantly CDs and Vinyls, but they also have a few Cassettes as well as assorted merch items (shirts, magazines, Funko Pops, etc...) in stock. The venue is quite plain, with streaks of grey on the walls and purple tables or shelves keeping their records in check but no signs at the doors just yet so be careful when trying to push or pull them. I think it would be good if management were to consider putting signs for the albums on their shelves or on the table so that it's easier for customers to sort through the genres that they are looking at. The staff that were present today were very helpful. The one who helped me look for items was also super fun to talk to, which made my visit to the store all the more enjoyable. My haul from today included just three Taylor Swift albums, Midnights (Target edition) and Speak Now (Taylor's Version) and Red (Taylor's Version), though I wish I had gotten at least one Fall Out Boy record before I left. The next time I come back to this store, I will hopefully have saved up enough to get more items since the value for these records matches their quality. Thanks so much, Ted Ellis!

This really cool joint in Cubao Expo is definitely worth going through the mean traffic of Manila…read more One of the better, organized, and well-curated vinyl record stores in the Metro with other cool items at the store. They also have some collectibles, clothing and wipcaps for those of you looking for something fresh and awesome. I like the vibe and the energy of the place and they carry records from jazz to funk, to disco, to standards, to reggae, to hiphop and so on. As vinyl collecting is an expensive hobby, I would say the prices for the mint and secondhand are pretty standard and competitive. They also sell brand new and secondhand turntables and players that would tempt any newbie or even the old collectors. Whether or not you are a collector, this is a cool spot to check out if you're in the area or make the effort for no matter where you are in the metro. Trust me! The music is sublime!

I know a lot of people who know a lot about vinyl record seller hideouts. Some people prefer buying…read morepreloved ones, which of course makes sense. Especially to the vintage-loving or who are simply on a budget. The newer releases will most likely have to be purchased brand new, or in a super mint condition, if you're gonna consider the availability of those records here in our country. And that's where this store comes in. The Gray Market sells brand new or used records. They should have copies for every decade and genre, but good luck finding your record. Stocks are limited and if you're not quick enough, the guy next to you might buy it for himself. I'm also impressed at their Japanese pressed vinyl selections. Man there are a lot! I don't usually see that many in a single place! If you wanna get started on some record-playing, then this should be one of your first few destinations. Once you've gotten deep enough into it you can watch out for the occasional popups. There's a cool-looking man (who looks like a pro biker) in the Greenfield Weekend Market who sells used records, but who knows how long he's gonna be there for.

If you love coffee, then you HAVE to come here! This place sells vinyl, coffee, and pastries. The…read moreinterior is cool and has a slight hipster ambiance. There's even a listening room where you can try out their record players and listen to some music. I ended up ordering the Milk-Based Cold Brew. Milk-Based Cold Brew: they make their cold brew in-house and use whole milk as the base. It is so thick and creamy. I've tried so many cold brews, and I could confidently say that this is one of the best cold brews I've ever had! The coffee is strong, full of flavor, and so soothing. I highly recommend this drink if you love cold brews. Overall, their coffee is amazing and the place has a great, chill vibe. I would definitely come back again if I'm in the Philippines and stock up on their coffee. I would probably come back everyday!

You can't be going here on a rush, this is a place to unwind with vinyls and coffee. It is a…read morebrilliant idea to mix (hipster) music and coffee in one place. Although people have their own iPods now, nothing is as smooth and classy as vinyl records. I've posted some of their vinyls in the photos. I wish they have a wider selection though but it will do. I hope they expand to other places. And as for coffee, I had the latte, which I found good with just the right blend of coffee and milk. I think it is moderately priced and is definitely not a Starbucks kind of coffee. Only that it took them a while to serve my coffee hence they lost a star. Also maybe a little more improvement on their menu? Overall, had a nice time (plus a cute guy sitting next to me lol). Definitely coming back with music-lover friends.

Best analog (vinyl and reel to reel) experts advisor. Fully refurbished (recapped) and calibrated…read morereel to reel and vintage audio amplifiers , assorrted turntables , audiophile vinyl and pre recorded tapes , direct master tape copies inn7" and 10.5" reels

I saw exactly the same selaed records and accessories in another store for almost 50% less on the…read moretag. Also, no one approached me to assist or to even ask what I was looking for. Did not bother to ask either. That's my first visit. I'll clme another day.

From the founders of Bookay-Ukay, this small place full of books is quite similar to the original…read morestore, with a variety of books, from bestselling authors like Paulo Coelho to not-so-mainstream finds like Chocolat by Joanne Harris. They also have old books you won't find in National Bookstore or Powerbooks anymore, like Sweet Valley High and Nancy Drew. Those books certainly brought me down memory lane. The books are grouped according to categories, though there are no category titles. The books are slightly cheaper than the books you would find in mainstream bookstores, but still more expensive than those you would find in other secondhand bookstores like Booksale. But if you're just near BookFellas or Bookay-Ukay, why not buy from them if you find a book you like, also to support small local businesses like these? I remember buying hard-to-find books from Bookay-Ukay. I would do the same for BookFellas, should I find a book I really like. On my first visit, though, I was just happy browsing. BookFellas is located just beside two food places, Happy Kitchen and Abra Miki ni Nanay. So, when you get hungry after book browsing, you can conveniently eat at any of these places. In my case, I browsed books while waiting for my order.

Fully Booked Katip is a place I regularly pass by whenever I get picked up. My dad comes from the…read morenorth, so I chill at Regis Center while waiting for him. This particular branch is really fun to stay in, because it's hardly ever full. The staff are used to dealing with the "college kid" demographic, and know all the latest Young Adult or Romance hits, and are very responsive when you want to have one ordered from another branch to be picked up or to pre-order a book. It's especially nice to hole up in the back part of the branch or in the couch seat in one corner and just will the hours away. There's fancy stationary and pens available too, if you find yourself short of any. Another thing I love about it is how it's right next to a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch, where you can enjoy your latest book buy with some warm tea and pastries to keep you company.

Fully Booked is the heaven of book lovers! They have great selections of all sorts, and even a…read morego-to for comic books and graphic novels. The store gives a classy and comfortable vibe. Conveniently placed in Katipunan, students, teachers and even parents are the usual customers who drop by at this branch. I personally go to Fully Booked to buy quality art supplies that may not be found in other bookstores. I also find some of their items exclusive that's great for gift shopping. This particular branch may not be big enough to house the particular item(s) you're looking for, but the staff can help you find them at the other bigger branches in the metro. The downside for me is that their items can be pricey and buying from there can make your wallet cry :( However, the place for me can be a good treat-yourself once in a while. It will also help to avail their membership card if you're planning to buy books and supplies there regularly. I will surely drop by Fully Booked once in a while to update myself with cool art stuff and perhaps buy a book as well. :)