There is another attraction that is slowly gaining popularity here in Baguio City and its called UKAY-UKAY or SM as others would call it, short for Segunda Mano (Second Hand) and not the mall. Baguio visitors, more often than not, would make it a point to buy used clothing from these ukay ukay stalls before they head back home. Even famous local celebrities are spotted here in Baguio shopping for ukay ukay goods.
When my family first settled in Baguio City in the late 80’s we had to make do with whatever that is cheap because life for us was still difficult during those days. My pop was the only one who’s had a job and the sole provider for the family so we really had to tighten our belts to make both ends meet. My mom usually had to hunt for bargain used clothing we called ukay ukay in the market because that is the only way we can have decent clothes that is within her budget. I admire her for being resourceful and thrifty at the same time. I guess that’s how our affinity for ukay ukay started. Even today, my mom still goes to ukay ukay shops to buy used clothes and accessories if she has extra budget and I guess I also had inherited from her the love that she had for ukay ukay.
What is Ukay Ukay?
Ukay ukay is a local term which means “to dig” because one has to dig in a pile of used clothes until you have found the one you are really looking for. Here in Baguio we called it Wagwag or Wagwagan which means “to shake” because literally you are going the dust from these used goods. These used goods usually come from Filipino expats who are working or living abroad especially in Hongkong, Japan or US. What they do is, they also but these goods (usually, second hand too) and when they have accumulated enough they will send it back here in the Philippines to be sold in ukay ukay shops. In the 80’s until mid 90’s there only a handful of ukay ukay shops here in Baguio City. But by the late 90’s until recently, the ukay ukay business had increased tremendously in Baguio City and you can find every nook of the City with an ukay ukay shop. Where to find Ukay Ukay shops I can give you ideas on where to find ukay ukay shops if ever you visit Baguio City.
Advantage/Disadvantage
Well, there can be quite a lot of good things about buying ukay ukay goods. It’s cheap. Imagine buying a dress from a mall or a department store which I am pretty much sure can be expensive compared with the ones from an ukay ukay shop which is cheap and can sometimes cost half the price than a brand new one. If you’re lucky, you can find authentic signatured and designer goods at an affordable price. You can also haggle for a much lower price not unlike in a regular stores or malls where prices are fixed already. Last year, I bought a hooded genuine Aeropostale jacket from ukay ukay at Php300 only. See the difference? The only drawback that I see from buying ukay ukay is that you have no idea about the former owner of the good so it’s only necessary to take precautions by washing the goods thoroughly and ironing them just to prevent contracting any disease. So whenever you’re in Baguio don’t forget to drop by an ukay ukay shop. Enjoy your ukay ukay shopping!
Photo credits: akoaykaladkarin.blogspot.com; blauearth.com
2 Comments
Catherine Mojica
8/22/2018 08:29:13 am
Saan po yang may mga boots?
Reply
Baguio Family Time
8/26/2018 03:44:16 pm
Hello Ma'am Catherine. Yung mga boots meron po nyan at the former Bayanihan Hotel at Otek Street and at Skyrise at Session Road po.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
SHARE OUR POSTSWe would greatly appreciate if you could share our posts by clicking the Social Links below or on the side of the page. Thank you so much! CATEGORY
All
|