changing seasons

To an expert shopper and a shopaholic… shopping is therapeutic. Of course, it’s just an alibi. I used to employ it too as a psychological defense to absolve myself from the sin of avarice. Good thing I am now a convert which means I don’t really do much shopping like I used to. Aside from the seasonal yard sale, the only regular shopping that I do now is – the grocery.

Back home… in the Philippines… we have our own version of yard sale. And it is a year-round-all-season activity there. In the Philippines we call it “Ukay-Ukay” and you can find it almost everywhere in the country. Though most of the goods sold at Ukay-Ukays are either surpluses or second hands, they are surprisingly good quality items and some of them are also branded. It is famous among Filipinos because the goods are not just reasonably priced but amazingly low-priced. You can buy a pair of Levi’s denim jeans for only 65 pesos ($1.30)… a Prada purse for 250 pesos ($5.90)… or a pair of boots for 42 pesos ($1).

But just like any yard sale, you should have what it takes to be a smart shopper. Since there are lots of Ukay-Ukays all over the place, prices are somewhat competitive so you can still haggle for a lower price for the already-lowest-priced goods. And just like any yard sale, you should have the right skill to spot the best items among racks-upon-racks and shelves-upon-shelves of merchandise. You should have the patience to dig up among piles-upon-piles of your priced finds. And you should have the endurance to deal with other bargain hunters who, like you are in search of the same items that you victoriously found.

Here is one example of what I am talking about… check this out.

Of course, weather you are in Maine or in the Philippines, shopping is fun when you have enough money to buy all the things you want and a place to put them.

Credits:
Thanks to the following:
My brother Japol for the photos I posted here.
Jwerner
PINOYexpats
Inquirer.net