Manila's secret treasures

MANILA, Philippines - Have you ever found yourself in deep, dire, urgent need of a life-size realistic statue of Darth Vader?  Highly unlikely, but what if the moment arises? Before you go log on to eBay and get shocked at the exorbitant shipping prices, pause for a moment. Manila is a treasure trove literally teeming with awesome stuff you’d think would be hard to find, but it’s really just a matter of knowing where to look.

This city has a bunch of charming shops in odd places, selling the most random of items. You have your requisite thrift shops and vintage clothing stores, but hidden under these outer layers are all these wonderful finds that put you smack center of a “want vs. need” battle in your head.

So whether you’re looking for life-size Star Wars figures or rare novels, no need to park your butt in front of the computer screen. All you really need is a road map, a friend and your feet.

CUBAO

• Vinyl records and record players. Cubao X near Ali Mall is home to many quirky shops selling everything from food to clothes to figurines to paintings to books. Remy’s Thrift Shop has an extensive collection of vinyl records in perfect condition. They have stuff ranging from Kenny Rogers to Joan Jett of The Runaways fame. Don’t have a record player? No problem! This shop has those too, and they actually work. They also have typewriters and various odds and ends.

• Old comic books. Remember those comic books from your childhood you used to read issue after issue? Vinyl Dump Thrift Store in Cubao X sells old comic books in good condition at affordable prices. These comics, with titles ranging from The Masked Avenger to The Justice League, are arranged in stacks, so you’ll really have to sift through the plastic-covered comics to find the ones you want. Vinyl Dump sells vintage cameras and other collectibles as well. Look for Joel.

• Low-priced old books. The National Book Store in Cubao next to Gateway seems like your ordinary bookstore, but housed in its fourth floor is an entire section of old but good quality books. Volumes here go for as low as P5, though a lot are sold for P30 to P75. Where else can you find a three-inch-thick hardbound Stephen King tome for only P50? You think the place would be well known, but even on a Saturday afternoon, only a few people could be found milling around.

KAMUNING

• Star Wars statues and pinball machines. Swap Meet building along Kamuning Road houses a couple of antique shops selling various furnishings, knickknacks and pop culture memorabilia. In Intierro Felix, one of the shops here, you can find the aforementioned life-size realistic statues of Darth Vader and the Predator. If you find yourself in need of a pinball machine and old bottles, you can find that here, too. Your only problem will be walking down the street with your purchases and enduring all the wide-eyed confused stares.

EVANGELISTA

• Vintage designer bags and shoes. Looking for vintage Louis Vuitton Speedys? Evangelista corner Hizon Street in Makati, popularly known as Bangkal, is known for selling antique furniture and fixtures, but a few shops also sell vintage designer bags, clothes, and shoes. Brands include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Charlotte Russe. Ruth Shop sells vintage clothing, shoes and bags. They regularly get new stuff so you can ask them to contact you when they do. Look for Ghie.

• Tiny tea set figurines. Alice in Wonderland fever still burning hot as ever? Delia Store, also known as Secontouch, sells tiny ceramic tea set figurines. It’s impossible not to get a handful at a time. This store sells vintage watches as well. Look for Totoy.

PEDRO GIL

• Low-priced shoes. When was the last time you bought a pair of shoes that cost less than 250 bucks and actually lasted you a good long time? Pedro Gil Street in Manila has a few stalls selling shoes priced at P100 to P200. They get new stock approximately every week, so it’s best to keep checking back. Skeptical? I purchased a pair of purple checkered sneaker flats from here six months ago, and they have lasted ‘til now, even through floods, burning asphalt and long walking adventures through the city.