For the Love of Handmade

Last Thursday, I decided to take a P2P to Alabang to visit the Common Room & Co Pop-up and Common Room Store at Alabang Town Center.

I felt spiffy as I came from a conference at AIM so I had to take a selfie in the bus.

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The trip was quick and I was there in half an hour. 

Finally, I was able to catch the pop-up before it closes on 31 January! 

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I was giddy to be there as I am a huge fan/believer of handmade. 

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I also had to pose by their most photographed spot.

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Note to self: what if I fly? 

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 Every spot is filled wih beautiful murals and quotes.

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See how dreamy it was? This was why I made the trip to the south! 

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I was there to look for a necklace and some Valentines gifts for my parents. 

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They even painted on the floor and I was ecstatic to find this hopscotch setup. 

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As a fan of indie sellers and locally-made goods, I stand tall for small shops! Also, handmade is better. Always. 

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How cute was this tic tac toe setup? 

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They had everything for every budget and style. These flowers look dreamy. 

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I had to have my photo taken by this massive wall filled with Christmas wishes! Yes, these were actual wishes posted by customers and handmade fans. 

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It was difficult to ignore the writings on the wall. 

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Every time I purchase handmade, I feel as if my dreams are coming true because I have always wanted to transition to a buy local/handmade lifestyle! Supporting shops and pop-ups like Common Room keeps the dream alive and lets me buy from makers as well. 

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After touring the pop-up, it was time to drop by the Common Room ATC shop. This one is a permanent location.

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Like their Katipunan store, this also sports a dreamy yet edgy ambience.

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I found Blue Flame Jewelry’s gorgeous display. I wanted to buy everything! But I decided to look around first.

This was Blue Flame’s sterling silver display. All her pieces are handmade. 

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This was her brass and copper display.

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Everything was beautiful and created with so much love. 

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It was delightful to see Knitting Expedition’s shelf!  I already own their black dachshund plushie and I named it Ella after my favourite dog from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe

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These handmade flowers are giving me life. 

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I eventually decided on this delicate silver necklace from Blue Flame. I am partial to onyx, stars, and oxidized metal.

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Isn’t it lovely? 

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This sign is everything. 

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I had my purchases wrapped and I looked around some more. 

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This was my mini-haul: a Habil terrarium bulb for my dad, a pair of handmade earrings for my mom from Piesa, and my dainty necklace.

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Of corse, I had to try the earrings on!

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And then, I wore my new necklace inside P2P. It felt like a new beginning.

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If you like handmade as much as I do, check out Common Room and support makers who create pieces with passion!