Shoppers will enjoy great finds at some of Baguio City's not-so-secret thrift shops (Images by JJ Landingin)
Before Baguio City was named a UNESCO Creative City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines is also known as one of the best places to go thrift shopping.
Hundreds if not thousands of tourists go to its night market near Burnham Park to find good deals in wagwagan or ukay-ukay stalls*,* which are known to offer some of the best selections and even secondhand luxury items.
With that being said, here’s a quick guide on where to go in Baguio to cop those designer bags or shoes many have been dreaming of. This guide is based on some recommendations from the local residents and my personal shopping experience.
But before we begin, this article doesn’t guarantee the authenticity of the items that can be found in these thrift stores. It is best if shoppers have the knowledge to spot authentic pieces from the fake ones.
Harrison Road
Harrison Road is an area most tourists are surely familiar with, for this is the location of the famous night market. Just right across it is the YMCA building. During the daytime, visitors can find the sole thrift shop on the ground floor of the building. This particular store is a haven for designer bag addicts.
Some of the brands I spotted there were Bottega Veneta, Celine, Fendi, and Loewe. Some of these pre-owned items even come with their dust bags. A friendly tip, don’t be shy to haggle. The more you buy, the bigger the discounts.
Session Road
Unknown to many, this road is not just a perfect spot for Baguio City’s nightlife adventure, bar hopping, or live entertainment shows, but also one of the best places to go ukay-ukay shopping for clothes, bags, and shoes.
Along Session Road corner F. Calderon St. is the location of Skyworld Commercial Center. This multi-floor space houses various ukay-ukay shops that are selling not just fashion finds but even novelty items. There’s a particular shop there that offers secondhand designer items from Japan. There’s also a small shop that specializes in designer shoes but mostly boots such as Doctor Martens and Caterpillar. One time, I was able to spot Manolo Blahnik heels, it’s just unfortunate that they were too small for me.
Lastly, there’s also a shop there that’s a favorite among secondhand bag online resellers. During one of my shopping trips, I happened to spot them there and they openly shared with me that they are already sukis of that store. A friendly reminder, allot a couple of hours of your time when shopping there. It’s a rabbit hole. Also, make sure to bring your own bayong, tote, or any big shopping bags.
City Hall Drive
Just below Baguio City Hall is the former Empire Cinema where most of the Cypress Wag-wagan and Hotel Bayanihan stalls are relocated as their building are now being renovated. According to local sources, the place is a favorite among the native residents because of the friendly service, affordable prices, and wide range of items available in the store. Young shoppers will love this boutique for its variety of sneakers, especially from the Converse brand. Meanwhile, those who are into winter outfits will find great deals on the store’s leather boots collections.
I think Baguio City’s allure when it comes to thrift shopping hasn’t faded, it’s just a matter of knowing the right places to visit. This time, it’s no longer just in the nighttime but also during regular mall hours.