I DON’T need ukay-ukay.
I can buy my own clothes, thank you!
I’m very easy with clothes, too.
I buy a few favorites, and I wear them until they are totally worn out.
***
I got a continuing history of designing my own clothes.
I wear unique clothes.
Specially designed.
Because it is just more fun to be different.
I own my own fashion.
I rock my own clothes.
***
But I often indulge my friends who go to ukay-ukay in the Philippines.
Because why not?
Ukay-ukay is cheap.
They are so much fun to do.
Ukay shopping bonds people, I can tell you that.
***
There is fun in the hunt for that great bargain.
Maybe a “branded” (signature) piece of clothing.
In your favorite color.
In a flattering design.
In your size.
That perfectly suits you!
There is true joy in finding “the right one”.
***
Of course, I am sad for clothes that do not get bought.
I feel their “hugot”—
Inukay, pero hindi pinili.
Pinili, pero hindi binili.
Hinawakan, pero pinakawalan.
Ginusto, ngunit iniwan.
Natagpuan, pero hindi itinadhana.
***
Because I have a little money, I enjoy ukay shopping with friends.
Friends find stuff, and they tell me it’s so right for me; it’s sooo PSN.
Like they know my style.
I return the favor.
I also give them fashion advice.
***
Sometimes, I buy things that I don’t really need.
Like, if I just like the fabric.
Or the design.
Sometimes, I think that I can save the fabric like frame them as art.
Or, I buy something even if it doesn’t fit right, with the thought that I can have something made in the same cut or design.
And really, would it make me miserably poor if I shell out P50 or P10 for something that ends up totally unwearable?
***
Ukay shopping allows me to be generous.
Firstly, to myself.
Like, buying what I want, what I like.
Buying something what makes me happy.
***
Secondly, to the seller.
If I give them business for the day, isn’t that generosity, too?
I mean, sure, another fun of ukay shopping is in the haggling.
But I can play and flirt, can’t I?
***
Thirdly, to my friends.
Giving fashion advice is generosity.
So is encouraging friends to buy something for themselves.
Like prioritize themselves once in a while, instead of always thinking about their family first.
***
I think it is also generosity to inspire your friends to buy slutty clothes.
To make them feel sexy about themselves.
To make them feel desirable in their advanced age.
***
Occasionally, I end up paying for my friends’ clothes.
But what is P300 for a sense of friendship and generosity?
People like to be with me during ukay shopping.
I sometimes give unsolicited advice to other customers who seem to be clueless.
I tell them about good fabric, cool designs for the season, perfect colors for their skin tone, perfect cut for their age.
I tell them about good bargains.
Especially if I know the brands, and they don’t.
***
I help them get discounts from sellers.
I can haggle very well.
I also tell sellers that I should be getting big discounts because I’m helping them sell their merchandise.
It is so much fun.
And, oh, I’m just a perfect ukay guide!/PN
