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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Youth devider Pop-culture stops to check out this holiday break

Pop-culture stops to check out this holiday break

Find must-have picks to add to your gift wish list

Published Dec 22, 2025 01:40 pm
School break is finally here, which means more time to unwind and reward yourself with something fun, especially this holiday season. If you are into K-pop, comics, or designer toys, this holiday season is the perfect excuse to hunt for merchandise inspired by today’s biggest pop-culture obsessions, and ask your loved ones or include some items in your holiday gift-wish list. From limited-edition collectibles to everyday items with a fandom twist, here are some stores worth adding to your must-visit and must-get list during the break.
For Army’s chasing exclusive drops
BTS fans can once again mark their calendars as BTS Pop-Up: Space of BTS returns to Metro Manila located at SM Megamall for a limited two-week run until January 4, 2026. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, the distributor said that this will be the last BTS pop-up here in the Philippines, so fans should grab the opportunity to shop and explore. Designed as a place where fans can reconnect with the group’ music, moments, and memories, the pop-up brings in new exclusive merchandise inspired by Run Seokjin, Hope on the Stage: Final, and Festa 2025.
Expect a fresh lineup of apparel, accessories, and collectible items that reflect BTS’s evolving journey, with thoughtful details Army’s will instantly recognize. Beyond shopping, fans can also enjoy special gifts with minimum purchase, including free sticker sets and access to photo booth experiences, available while supplies last.
Presented by Hybe, Space of BTS offers fans a limited-time chance to celebrate BTS together and take home keepsakes that are only available during the pop-up’s run.

Designer toys meet café vibes
Toy collectors and blind box fans can head to Pop Mart’s Coffee Factory Pop-Up at The Block, SM North EDSA, running until February 5, 2026. This marks Pop Mart’s first and biggest North Metro Manila installation so far.
The pop-up features a warm, café-inspired setup and a wide range of collectibles, from blind boxes and plush pendants to lifestyle items and limited-edition drops. At the center is the Pop Bean Coffee Factory Series, which blends Pop Mart characters with coffee-themed designs, including scented candles, pillows, handbags, charms, and accessories.
The brand also highlights its full creative range, starting with Pop Bean figures at just 20mm, moving up to 100 percent and 200 percent blind boxes, ball-jointed dolls, action figures, and up to the Mega Collection’s 400 percent and 1000 percent display pieces. Fans can also spot popular character lines such as Labubu, Molly, Crybaby, Dimoo, and Hirono.

A retro comic twist on everyday wear
For comic and manga fans, Fully Booked is launching its Bat-Manga inspired merchandise collection just in time for the holidays. The line includes graphic tees, hoodies, collectible bookmarks, and tote bags, all inspired by the original 1960s Bat-Manga series created by Japanese artist Jiro Kuwata.
The collection fuses vintage manga aesthetics with casual staples, staying true to Fully Booked’s identity as more than just a bookstore. The graphic tees are made from 100 percent cotton with water-based screen printing, while the hoodies feature a cotton-polyester blend with embroidery and water-based prints. Thoughtful details extend to the lifestyle pieces, including a loop add-on for the totes.
Available this December at select Fully Booked branches nationwide and online, Bat-Manga also marks the first of many licensed merchandise collections the bookstore plans to release, bringing storytelling beyond the page and into everyday life.
Whether you are lining up for BTS exclusives, browsing blind boxes with coffee-shop charm, or adding a retro comic piece to your wardrobe, these pop-culture stops make school break shopping extra fun.

Related Tags

BTS pop-up Fully Booked Pop-Mart
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