Style on a Budget: Hanggang Saan Aabot ang Bente Mo?

Have you ever come across the phrase “hanggang saan aabot ang bente mo”? Remember when you can still buy your own ice cream with your 20 peso bill? Today—due to the fluctuating inflation rates—that same 20 pesos might still get you something, but not quite the same.

Prices in the market have skyrocketed dramatically in the past years. That is why it is rather challenging for normal citizens to save money in lieu of the high-priced items, to the extent that the essentials like purchasing clothing you once relied on are now regarded as luxuries. But did you know that you can still style even on a budget? Here is a guide for affordable fashion!

Thrift shops or popularly known as “ukay-ukay” in the Philippines are known places where you can find affordable, pre-loved clothing, and more. The term “ukay-ukay” which was derived from the word “hukay” which literally means to dig refers to the action of searching through piles of clothes to find unique or valuable pieces that can still be worn or used. Meanwhile, the “ukay-ukay” culture in Angeles City has established itself in the marketplace, thanks to the variety of unique finds available at affordable prices. Add the numerous “ukay-ukay” shops scattered around the area to that. Surely, there’s no shortage of options for value-seeking and budget-conscious shoppers.

One of the many thrift shops you can shop from here is A & G Ukay-Ukay which is located at Santo Rosario Street, Angeles City, Pampanga. Here, you can discover everything from local to imported goods! With a bit of luck and determination to dig through the selection, you might even find branded clothing, bags, and shoes. This “ukay-ukay” shop is a fashionista’s paradise, a vibrant thrift store treasure hunt of second-hand or pre-loved pieces at budget-friendly prices. Each visit offers the thrill of discovery, allowing fashion enthusiasts like you to express your individuality and embrace sustainable fashion.

In accordance with sustainable fashion, this as well serves as a reminder to reevaluate your choices. The fast-paced production of clothing significantly contributes to environmental waste, resulting in a high volume of textile waste contributing to overflowing landfills. Worse, to climate change. Sometimes, our subconscious choices like purchasing clothes online in view of the ceaseless rising trend of different online shopping platforms is already a contributing factor to the excessive consumption of unnecessary clothing. Therefore, it is high time that we choose eco-friendly choices and start supporting sustainability through fashion by means of “ukay-ukay”.

In this day and age where every peso counts, the “ukay-ukay” culture offers a refreshing solution for fashion enthusiasts. It is no longer needed to sacrifice style for affordability, you just need to unveil the hidden gems in a treasure hunt like experience at Angeles City’s thrift shops map. As you navigate rising prices and the harmful consequences of fast fashion, it is time to embrace sustainable choices. So, the next time you ponder “hanggang saan aabot ang bente mo”, remember that your 20 pesos can lead you to a world of stylish possibilities and sustainable fashion. Let us all indulge in the thrill of thrift shopping and make every purchase count for both your wardrobe and our planet.