Revival Stores, Manila

Local Philippine artists are converging with the country’s expanding tiangges (mainstream flea markets) to create a different kind of consumption experience. Hard-to-find stores such as the I Love You Store, Store for All Seasons, Marni’s Room and Tonic are buried within different parts of Manila.

Each store features its own collection of apparel, accessories and random surprises that are made by designers out of material salvaged from bargain merchants. Cheap raw materials are recycled into high priced pop art. Some stores also offer on-demand customization. The business plan is clearly reflected on the tags attached to each product in the I Love You Store:

"Beloved, you have purchased a product that has been amazingly revived and refreshed by grace!"

These stores also have hangout lounge areas littered with books and sketch pads. The geographic seclusion and late closing times encourage a unique crowd of creatives to drop by and to perhaps even contribute.