HOME
Quirks
When the Cupcake and I started dating in 2013, Quirks was a shop that we’d always visit to buy each other little gifts. From sun jars and scratch maps, to key chains from our different fandoms, to items that remain to be an inside joke between us—Quirks has been a significant part of our relationship.
Nordic Home PH
When the construction of our forever home resumed after the lockdown was lifted, I’ve been joining a lot of Facebook groups and following dozens of Instagram accounts that show off nordic items to give me inspiration on how to design our space. One online shop that I often visit (even though I have yet to order something) is Nordic Home. They have everything from dining and kitchen needs, to vases and mirrors, to art decor and rugs.
Harper and Harlowe
Another home and lifestyle shop I love visiting—Harper and Harlowe has some of the most sophisticated pieces I’ve ever seen. I’m particularly fond of their high tea sets, which I’m so tempted to get for myself (even though I know I’m not going to be using it, and that I just want it for display). Haha!
Furniture Source Philippines
If you’re looking to spruce up your place with scandinavian or IKEA-like furniture, I suggest visiting Furniture Source Philippines. I’ve been a lurker on their Instagram for a while now, and they are definitely one of my options once we start buying furniture for our forever home.
Mandaue Foam
In search for local yet quality (and affordable!) mattresses and furniture? I don’t think you can go wrong with Mandaue Foam. We bought our first couple of furniture from them right after our wedding (a cabinet and coffee table!) to use in our temporary studio unit in Makati, and so far, we’re really happy with our purchases.
PETS
Pet Warehouse
I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate Pet Warehouse. During the lockdown, I was so worried about not being able to replenish Booboo and Bellatrix’s essentials. These included food, vitamins, cat litter, bath products, and treats. I was especially worried for Booboo, because it’s usually hard to look for his brand of kibble (Royal Canin for senior dogs). But Pet Warehouse is the real MVP. They had everything I needed, and always delivered within 2 to 3 days.
Pawsitivity
In the event that I need to replenish Booboo’s joint supplements, Pawsitivity has a specific brand I buy that’s within my budget, and has been effective with Booboo. They have a lot of other pet essentials available as well, so every time I shop from them, I add a few things for Bellatrix!
Bow House
Booboo and I are the biggest fans of Bow House’s products. I even wrote about them here. They have the classiest dog beds that make any space look even prettier. Booboo loves his Bow House bed so much, it’s the only one among all the beds I got him that he actually uses!
LIFESTYLE
Istorya Creations
Istorya Creations and I go way back. I once ordered my Christmas gifts from them (custom disc necklaces), which I gave to female family members and friends. For our wedding, they made custom bangles for our entourage using the flower design that my sister created for our wedding branding.
Astrid Leather
When it comes to premium (and local!) leather goods, check out the timeless styles of Astrid Leather. I ordered some of my Christmas gifts from them as well, to give to male family members and friends. Just like Istorya, I had these stamped with their names to make it more personal.
Myriad Print Concepts
Another brand that I’ve had a long history with—Myriad Print Concepts has been a consistent supplier of mine. From printing custom pouches for a beauty brand I handled back when I was a marketing manager, to personalizing Christmas gifts I would order for friends and colleagues, to etching wine and whiskey glasses with our entourage’s names for our wedding! Myriad is definitely a trusted brand I will always vouch for.
Seek the Uniq
Visiting Seek the Uniq’s website often feels like a black hole for me. I love browsing through all of the items in their categories—from fashion and beauty, to home and baubles. They were actually one of my inspirations when it came to launching Greta’s Junk Shop!
Kramer Toy Warden
I don’t speak of it as much, but I actually have a vast collection of Funko Pops (the Cupcake and I have about 100 combined). Some of these came from Kramer Toy Warden. Every time there’s a new WWE or Harry Potter Funko that I need to get my hands on, I immediately check with Kramer if they have it in stock already. You can pre-order toys from them as well!
Abubot PH
Another go-to shop I love visiting whenever I want to give the Cupcake (or myself) a gift. Aptly called “Ang Geek Shop ng Bayan,” this is where I can find random things from most of my fandoms.
House of Roses PH
Are you the type who finds happiness in a beautiful bouquet of roses? I personally love admiring large blooms of Ecuadorian roses, which is why my bridal bouquet was full of them. Express your feelings or appreciation to someone special by sending them a breathtaking box of flowers from House of Roses!
The Good Trade PH
I was introduced to The Good Trade through my sister, who is a huge advocate of sustainable living. We even went to one of their fairs in Bonifacio High Street Central, where I got to discover so many good, local brands. And it was because of my sister and The Good Trade’s zero-waste, eco-conscious, and community-driven advocacy that I was inspired to improve my ways and make better decisions when it comes to my purchases and the brands I support.
BABIES
Baby Mama
I stumbled upon Baby Mama when I was trying to look for a gift to send my best friend, who went through her first pregnancy journey in the middle of a pandemic. Since I couldn’t be there for her physically, I wanted to show my support by having a gift delivered to her doorstep! Baby Mama’s wide selection took me by surprise (and slightly overwhelmed me). Haha!
Ali Basics PH
In my search for a gift to give my best friend, I found Ali Basics on Instagram and instantly fell in love with all their minimalist clothing designs for babies. I immediately ordered three to give my best friend’s baby girl!