Young Star

Love local: The ‘Made in the Philippines’ gift guide

December 5, 2014 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - When we were kids, we always counted on Santa Claus to leave presents under the Christmas trees. News flash: Santa doesn’t exist. And if he did, he probably wouldn’t give us any presents now. We’re older, wiser and we have a bit more allowance money to spend. So this holiday season, why not step into his shoes and give love to your friends, while supporting local artists and artisans?

This week, we curated a gift list of some of the metro’s coolest and cutest items. The perks? Most of the items on the list can be ordered online. You can dodge the holiday traffic and shop in the comfort of your own home without the hassle of overseas shipping and paying an unexplainable amount of customs tax. (Seriously, who computes these things?) From handwoven wall décor to locally-made travel bags to soaps made with beer, we have almost everything one can hope for this Christmas.

FOR THE JAY-Z WANNABE

Fly Art’s original “Venus I Woke Up Like This” shirt and “Diva Is A Female Version of a Hustler” shirt (P700 each) can make any hip-hop enthusiast appreciate art or vice versa. Send it with postcards (P40 each, P150 for a set of five) and A3 prints (P450 without frame, P2,500 with frame) of their other designs to get some Fly on your wall.

Fly Art is launching their official collection in Manila on Dec. 12 at The Twelfth House, Cubao Expo, Cubao City. You can purchase original Fly Art merchandise during the event or visit their Facebook page for orders: http://facebook.com/flyartproductions. Follow their Instagram: @flyartproductions.

FOR THE ASPIRING CALLIGRAPHER

The Craft Central’s Scribble starter kit (P1,850) has all the stuff you need to get started with calligraphy. It includes two nib holders, six nibs, two basic fountain pens, 50mL walnut ink, 50mL Chinese ink, a Scribble pad, a black notebook and a Scribble manual.

The Craft Central is available at http://thecraftcentral.com/. Follow their Instagram: @thecraftcentral.

FOR THE WALKING PICK-UP LINE ENCYCLOPEDIA

This generation’s favorite senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago released a book called Stupid is Forever (P175). This collection of jokes, pick-up lines, one-liners and witty comebacks is the perfect handbook for any smooth gentleman.

Stupid is Forever is available at all National Book Store outlets.

FOR THE COFFEE SHOP TAMBAY

Indie pop duo Reese and Vica’s second EP “Those Who Wander” (P250) can make any five-hour coffee shop study session bearable with their smooth voices and quirky lyrics.

You can get a copy of “Those Who Wander” tomorrow, Dec. 6, during their EP launch at Green Sun, Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati City. Tweet Reese and Vica at @reeseandvica for more information.

FOR THE MAKE-UP ARTIST IN THE MAKING

Rags2Riches’ Inabel Zip Clutch (P659.00) is big (and not to mention cute) enough to hold all the essentials from lipsticks to emergency concealers. It’s made of Inabel cloth from Ilocos so it’s 100-percent locally made.

Rags2Riches is available at http://rags2riches.ph. You can also visit their showroom at 67B Washington St., San Juan City. Follow them on Instagram: @rags2richesinc.

FOR THE INDIE CINEPHILE

Director Marie Jamora and producers Bernard Dacanay and John Sy released a two-disc DVD set of the Cinemalaya 2012 Audience Choice Award and Best Original Score winner Ang Nawawala (What Isn’t There) (P899). It contains deleted scenes, commentary tracks, cast audition tapes, music videos and more. If that doesn’t make your cinephile friend happy, we don’t know what will.

The DVD set is available for pre-order at http://facebook.com/angnawawaladvd or email them at angnawawaladvd@gmail.com. You can pick up the DVD at Brainchild Offices Unit 503, The Annex Bldg., 24 General Araneta Sts., Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOR THE BAR BUDDY

Aromateria’s beer soap (P200) and coffee soap (P200) will take any person’s bath time to bar time. Cap it off with their solid perfume (P250) for full scent-sational effect.

Aromateria is available at http://aromateria.net. Follow their Instagram: @aromateriaph.

FOR THE BEACH BUM IN THE CITY

Neon Island’s DP printed halter top black (P750) and DP maroon crop top (P750) are perfect for any beach gal stuck in the city grind.

Neon Island is available at

http://neonislandclothing.com.

Follow their Instagram: @neonisland.

FOR THE EXCESSIVE DOODLER

Sunday Paper Co.’s simple notebook (P180) can make any doodler happy with its smooth, unlined paper. The Notes and Ideas notebook (P250), one of their designer pieces, will help your friends organize their crazy ideas.

You can place your orders on their website: http:// sundaypaperco.com. Follow them on Instagram:

@sundaypaperco.

FOR THE TRAVEL SOLE-MATE

Renegade Folk’s Better Together sandals (P1,750), Take A Walk sandals (P1,750) and British Summertime snake skin sandals (P1,550) are good fits for any feet who are always itching to travel.

Renegade Folk is available at 3/F Linear Building, White Plains, Quezon City. You can also order through their website http://renegadefolk.com. Follow their Instagram: @renegadefolk.

FOR THE ARTSY GO-GETTER

Letterer Abbey Sy’s bookmarks (P25) are sure to get any bibliophile to keep on searching for words of wisdom. The 2015 calender (P450) is a collaboration between Abbey Sy and photography collective Shutterpanda Photography. It can help anyone keep their days inspired.

You can order the bookmarks through Abbey’s website http://artistic-dreams.com/. For inquiries about the calendar, tweet Shutterpanda Photography at @shutterpanda.

FOR THE STYLISH INSTAGRAMMER

Stoneriver’s Rose Quartz Elena (P485), Turquoise Elena (P485) and Fire Ball (Meteorite) (P425) necklaces can make any outfit or Instagram post stand out.

Stoneriver is available at http://stoneriverph.com. Follow their Instagram: @stoneriverph.

FOR THE WORKING EXPLORER

The Lost Nomad’s Ravi rucksack (P2,300), Kamba Duffel Bag (P4,500), and Surrey leather laptop case (P1,700-P2,000) can store all your travel essentials and work must-haves without sacrificing style.

The Lost Nomad is available at Common Thread Greenbelt 5 and PowerPlant Mall, Greater Good Co. Glorietta 4, Mactan Cebu Airport and The Chillage Store, Cebu. You can place your orders through their website http://thelostnomad.com.ph. Follow their Instagram: @thelostnomadph.

FOR THE BEDROOM DJ

Producer and singer-songwriter B.P. Valenzuela’s debut EP “be/ep” (P250) is a good source of inspiration for any young aspiring musicians. Check out track two for extra #feels.

“Be/ep” is available at http://bpvalenzuela.bandcamp.com, iTunes and Amazon. For physical copies, tweet her at @valenzuelabp.