I Wear Ukay

Ukay or ukay-ukay is derived from the Filipino word "halukay" , which means "to dig". These are secondhand clothing, shoes, bags or accessories sold on thrift shops at a very low cost. Others call it "wag-wag" meaning to shake off or get rid off the dust on the garments. When ukay started to pop up here in Baguio, these clothing would come into huge boxes where you'd have to dig with all your might, not to mention the hachoo-haching-here-and-there vibe just to find unique and one of a kind pieces and if you're lucky enough you'd get to spot great buys and much more a signature clothes way cheaper than brand new. So that's when ukay was born. 

Growing up, mom would buy us new clothes from known bazaars near town where it costed bucks and bucks. Ever since we discovered the latest ukay craze, we found an alternative shopping store for all of our fashion cravings without having to spend much. Me and my sisters spent hours in the marketplace where there were numerous ukay spots. Then we'd be going home with a bunch of lucky picks and pieces plus we had saved extra money because prices are unbelievably inexpensive.

To this day on, ukay made it's way to commerce and is now popularly known and patronized by locals and even celebrities would go for miles just to shop ukay. Famous spots are Skyworld, Bayanihan, Harrison Road, Mabini, and Hilltop. Night Market has also been launched where various and numerous ukay sellers gather in Harrison at dusk which has vastly contributed to the city's tourism.


Today, ukay has also entered the world of online selling making it easier for fashion savvy and buyers to shop with the comfort of their own computers. Countless of ukay shops are now a growing trend in the city and  widely known especially by students who can't afford branded wears. Ukay made it an easy way for people to dress up good while saving money for other needs. It's best having a closet full of ukay where you can mix and match your outfits without having to wear the same thing over again rather than a closet filled with a few fancy branded apparels nothing but empty spaces and worrying what to wear the next day.
Having to wear nice clothes need not to be expensive. With ukay you can be both fashionably wise and practically fab.

Just when you thought buying brand new is best wait 'til you see what ukays are made of.
I am a fashion enthusiast and I proudly wear ukay!