Are you the type of person who loves to collect vintage and unique pieces? Enjoy seeing different artistry paintings and art galleries? Or does the kind of person love to chill, relax, read, and unwind while sipping coffee or beer?
Don't worry; I've got you all covered; there is a small strip of popular hubs around the metro, specifically in Quezon City, which is very popular for vintage and local finds, cool local shops, and artistic expression.
It is the Cubao Expo, formerly known as Marikina Shoe Expo. Cubao Expo, also known as the "hipster hub," became a haven for creatives and art enthusiasts.
It is perfect for people looking for local and handmade goods; well, Cubao Expo is a great place to start searching. You can find electric bars, shops, boutiques, bars, and galleries offering a range of unique items that can't be found elsewhere.
Some stores specialize in vintage and secondhand items. One such shop is the Grand Thrift House, which is a haven for vintage clothing enthusiasts. You can also find different pieces from different eras that the store's owner has carefully curated.
What to expect when you visit Cubao Expo:
Shop for unique finds:
Cubao Expo is known for its vintage shops, independent boutiques, and artisan stores. You can browse through vinyl records, vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade crafts.
Eat and drink:
There are many food and drink options at Cubao Expo. You can find something to satisfy your cravings, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to specialty coffee shops.
Enjoy live music:
Several bars and music venues at Cubao Expo feature local artists and bands. Catch a live performance and immerse yourself in the local music scene.
Visit art galleries:
Cubao Expo is also a hub for art galleries and exhibitions. You can check out contemporary art installations, paintings, and sculptures.
Join workshops:
Some shops and galleries at Cubao Expo offer workshops and classes for various hobbies and interests. You can learn a new skill or craft while having fun.
How to get there?
To go to the Cubao Expo area, you can take the MRT or LRT and get off at the Cubao station. From there, you can walk or take a jeep or tricycle to the Expo area.
Here are some vintage shops at Cubao Expo that you may want to check out.
Vintage Shops in Cubao Expo to Visit
The Grand Thrift House
Stands out as one of the area's first residents among many secondhand shops at the Cubao Expo. It has been known as the ultimate segunda mano spot for years; it has a large number of typewriters, old cameras, intricately carved jewelry, and photographs of classic films and local celebrities.
UVLA
The name "UVLA" stands for (Unique Vintage Lost Art) the shop offers a wide range of unusual vintage finds, such as vintage tin and wooden toys, Pinoy Komiks, watches, vintage signs and advertisements, and much more.
Vinyl Dump Thrift Store
is a good place to go if you're new to collecting vinyls. The Vinyl records are sold for as low as P300 pesos each. The record ranges from as early as the 60s to the 90s, and the shop's inventory is expanding; they will also offer 90s toys, comics and books, vintage cameras, and other popular 90s items.
My Breathing Space
The store is dubbed as "the most special gift store in this part of the world," with over 7,000 pieces of knick-knacks that you cannot find in between or elsewhere. You can expect you can see hundreds of mugs, Coke collectibles bags, pop culture items from The Beatles to Marilyn Monroe, mini-figurines, and souvenir pieces from all over the world up for grabs. Even the dried roses hanging from the ceiling are for sale!
The Grey Market
The Grey Market has created a gender-neutral environment by stocking it with home décor, art, vintage jewelry, restored furniture, and even designer purses, which are also available at their newest location in Cubao Expo.
Aside from their incredible collection of mostly new vinyl, visit their elegant Cubao store and look at their vintage tube amplifiers, ceramics, unusual lamps, occasional chairs, framed artwork, and bohemian jewelry.
Aside from selling vintage and local finds, Cubao Expo is also known for its galleries and collectors shops.
Good Vibrations Records
This shop welcomes audiophiles to a one-of-a-kind music listening experience. This cozy nook is almost like your friend's room, where you can sit back, relax, chill, and chat while listening to music.
It's vinyl and CD collection spans various genres, from rock and disco to indie and modern music. Furthermore, please note that they only have a limited number of turntables on hand. Finally, Good Vibration is an excellent place to begin if you're interested in vinyl collecting.
Post Gallery
This was created to give talented and promising new local artists a place to show their work if you're looking for a place to display your artwork. If you are into indie and alternative art or want to support emerging Filipino artists, stop by Post. Aside from exhibits, they also host interactive and musical events.
For your creative side, some shops offer workshops. Try learning a new skill with your family, friends, or significant other, such as ceramics. This is a perfect shop to hang out with your loved ones.
Are you willing to try something new? This pottery studio lets you get your hands dirty (literally) this summer with a beginner-friendly ceramics workshop.
Bumi and Ashe
It is a pottery studio that offers pottery classes as well as firing services where you can create your one-of-a-kind pieces. Alternatively, you can peruse the rest of its ceramics collection, which is created by local artists, and make excellent gifts or additions to your humble abode.
Aside from shopping, Cubao Expo is also a great place to relax and unwind. Several cafes and restaurants in the area offer a variety of food and drinks.
Fred's Revolucion has a vintage Hispanic, artsy, funky, and progressive ambiance and serves a variety of beverages as well as a mix of Filipino and European cuisine to its patrons.
You can visit if you're looking for a place to catch up with your friend or get your work done.
The Brewman Coffee; you can try their handcrafted espresso-based drinks or can take out a bottle of their specialty cold brew.
Kendo Creative is a retail, workshop, and event space that supports local artists, artisans, and craftspeople. Postcards, stickers, shirts, pins, trinkets, and a variety of other items are available from local independent artists and merchants.
The moment that you walk into the store, you will be greeted by a strong aroma of every creative's preferred fuel, especially their coffee, brewing at the coffee bar in the corner of the store. Inviting you to stay for a while and soak up all the energy that you can do. Aside from providing a venue for local artisans to sell their wares, they also host workshops and events regularly.
KatHa Lifestyle Store is also a two-story artisanal cafe, workshop hub, and eco-friendly shop. On the first floor, you can sit down and relax with a book while sipping their crafted espresso-based drinks. While on the second floor, is where you can shop for their locally made products. With the growing popularity of sustainable living and wellness among Filipinos, they hope to make package-free life and zero-waste goods even more accessible!
You can visit the Chef's Garage if you want to have a party chill theme pub. Aside from alcohol, they also serve burgers, sharing plates, and German sandwiches. It occasionally has disc jockeys to liven up the atmosphere.
After shopping and eating, you can also head to the Art in Island, a 3D interactive art museum located nearby. The museum features over 200 3D paintings that visitors can interact with and take photos of. The museum is a great place to let your imagination run wild and take fun pictures to share with friends and family.
Cubao Expo is a must-visit destination for unique and local finds, art galleries, and creative workshops. With its eclectic mix of shops and activities, there's something for everyone at Cubao Expo. You can shop for vintage and local goods, explore art galleries, attend workshops, relax in cafes and restaurants, and even explore 3D art at Art in Island.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
