INDIEscoveries: Little known passions with big possibilities

WITH the boom of bazaars everywhere, it's a joy to find fellow artists getting competitive with their innovative business concepts and one-of-a-kind products that never fail to catch the attention of most shoppers.

Visual artist Christine Sioco of Yndia Rhapsody, a line of contemporary artworks founded with partner and fellow visual artist Arnel Ramiscal. Their works range from elaborate bead jewelries and handmade bags (from old jeans) embellished  with beautiful details mostly inspired by Filipino indigenous cultures.

More than providing a good venue for "indiepreneurs" to market their unique works, I see such bazaars as a perfect avenue to educate consumers about the importance of buying everything handcrafted and proudly Pinoy made. You bet that there's a lot of love, an inspiring story behind and a deeper cause weaved beneath each work of art intricately crafted by bare hands. And that's the beauty of buying anything handmade; it always goes with a strong advocacy like promoting love for the environment.

Such a witty name to capture one's passion for knitting by this mother and daughter tandem. Their collection includes pretty dresses and unique  fashion accessories like those really interesting neckpieces spruced up with lovely wood beads.  

I'm such a fan of junk art and the works of Junkshop Abubot impressed me the most because of the many artistic possibilities they were able to visualize out of insignificant fragments we call trash, residues, scraps. They have loose buttons gathered into vintage bracelets, gravels and film scraps turned into dangling earrings, pieces of cloth made into marble-stuffed bracelets and lots of  junk-worthy creations.  

All I can say is that I've fallen hard for this pair of shoes with the Frida Kahlo painting. Also from Junkshop Abubot, you can have your shoes custom-painted with designs ranging from vintage, nature-inspired to pop culture. 

I just can't resist journals and this one is a recent addition (from Free Verse Paperie) to my collection of  journals. They have a lot of really nice design covers that may speak of your  little passions and interests. And it's such a delight to know that their journals are not as expensive as those to-die-for-journals in popular bookstores. Between P35 and P100, you can take home a real treasure in these handmade lovelies.   

One interesting thing about bazaars these days I must say is creating an opportunity for independent Filipino artists to shine and advance their causes. I believe this is what Bazaar Love Triangle (BLT) is bent on achieving as it opened with such great promise last April. This weekend event in Timog endeavors to provide an alternative space (even a regular slot) for entrepreneurs, visual artists, musicians and just anyone with a creative business concept and having something better and more substantial to offer to the consumers.

Learning the art and discipline of rock balancing as advocated by Rock Balancing Philippines

One of the bazaar's attractions is a live sketching by the talented Alberto T. Magsumbol  

A varied mix of unique and interesting merchandise from summer dresses, cute flats to all kinds of fashion trinkets and accessories.

A rich collection of  indigenous instruments can be found at the Indie Pinoy booth where you can also catch indie artists jamming from time to time.

Independent local band TOYO has its own line of merchandise-- their debut CD "Sino Ba Naman ang Hindi ToTOYOin?" (also available at major Odyssey stores in Metro Manila), its quirky shirts and button pins now finding a new home here at BLT. The band is up to spice up the event with their comedic brand of Pinoy rock and roll as they jam with other artists here very soon. 

Now on its third Saturday on May 14, we can expect a lot more from Bazaar Love Triangle  pioneered by famed figures in the Philippine music scene, couple Skarlet (Pu3ska, Brownbeat All Stars) and Marben (Badburn). They also own the more recognizable music joints in Timog: premier jazz bar Skarlet Jazz Kitchen (formerly Ten02) and underground hub Hades Bar (productions and events at Hades are now being held at this venue to cater to a bigger audience). And very soon the Bazaar Love Triangle which is in partnership with S.T.E.P. U.P. (A SHOWCASE for THE ENTERPRISING PINOY, U.P.) will have something big in store for everyone as it aims to bring together in one rocking place the best it can offer to the market: rare and vintage finds, junk art as functional and fashionable pieces, a wide array of unique and interesting merchandise, a food festival, fine works of art and exciting musical acts to complete the package. 

Vintage and pre-loved clothes from Junkshop Abubot.

 Handloved beadworks in bohemian street-chic and earth-charmed vintage inspiration by my very own Beadwords Josie

From Django Leather Arts & Crafts  are nice-to-have leather finds-- from these super comfy footwears to cute wallets uniquely crafted in Boracay. 

Great picks of cool espadrille designs

A wide mix of the most interesting accessories and knickknacks from The Reading Room, everyone's favorite shop at Cubao Expo and home to a lot of  wonderful works and handmade products by various artists. The shop is owned by no less than Sandy Allan-Beltran of STEP UP, co-organizer of  the weekend Bazaar Love Triangle.   

Handmade hardbound leather journals give us this impressive line called Alunsina Handbound Books. I personally adore their simple leather bracelets that give one a lot of spunk when worn. I got the blue one for myself and it simply rocks.

You wouldn't miss Endless Summer Shakes' regular spot at BLT from where you'll hear some cool  reggae beats blending perfectly with their unique concoction of Boracay Shakes. They have this intriguing Oatmeal Shake which I'm glad to try for myself and discover how the taste of real oatmeal in a smoothie fruity mix can be a refreshing treat. 

Reminds me of mom's good old home cooking with its generous servings of home-cooked meals. I got to try the burger steak with mushroom gravy and it's just perfectly tasty.    

I brought home my favorite muscovado and balikutsa Ilocos candies (also known as sugar cane candies) from this stall of various Vigan products. From the seller, I've learned that balikutsa is a good substitute for sugar to go with your coffee. I took her word for it and I've never been happier with my coffee now sweetened extraordinarily.    

Independent records by homegrown talents in the underground music scene distributed by Indie Pinoy, a strong advocate of independent Filipino music.

More than your typical shopping stop, Bazaar Love Triangle for now promises a memorable Saturday affair with a bunch of creative people sharing their little known passions that can make a big difference in this world. And joining as one of the bazaaristas, I am always thrilled to be introduced to new ideas, fresh concepts, compelling stories and admirable causes coming from small players like myself braving the world of entrepreneurship.

 Dolphins, like artists, love freedom. A beautiful painting  by Dolphins Love Freedom letting these lovely creatures speak to us through this wall. And dolphins say, "keep us safe and happy in the wild." 

Empowered street vendor of The Jeepney Magazine, a Filipino “street paper” published by the Urban Opportunities for Change, Foundation, Inc.

Success stories on the streets.

Kuya Kurt of Indie Pinoy and indie band Sigwada.

Stir it up with the guys of Endless Summer Shakes. 

 India's mhendi skin art popularly known as henna tattoo is a real hit among kids and teens stopping by with their families for a weekend bonding.

I would love to someday see the Bazaar Love Triangle getting head on with more popular and publicized bazaars like Mercato Centrale, Banchetto and SIDCOR Weekend Market (now at Centris Walk) among others. The way I see it, Bazaar Love Triangle has the magic to resurrect the old-world bohemian charm of Malate or even revive the sheer anticipation of going to cultural events like Fete de la Musique that used to be a tight community celebrating the independent Filipino spirit.   

You would often catch me here on Saturdays (BLT) or Sundays (Garage Sale Sundays) as I try to make an earning out of my little passions.

Bazaar Love Triangle is located at 99 Timog (former Hitachi Warehouse) cor. GMA Network Drive and is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (you wouldn’t miss its giant tarp boldly hanging on a big compound of wired fence just along Timog across GMA Network cor. EDSA). Entrance is free and shoppers are treated to an afternoon acoustic jam by indie artists and other recreations for the whole family. For interested sellers and other inquiries, please visit the Bazaar Love Triangle page on Facebook or email benjaminsbeltran@gmail.com. 

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Sandy Allan-Beltran and Benjamin Beltran of The Reading Room are the co-organizers of Bazaar Love Triangle realized under their very own S.T.E.P. UP, an advocacy to advance the cause of independent artists and help small players  "step up " in this world of entrepreneurship through conceptual bazaars and events reaching to a wider market. S.T.E.P. UP is gearing for other interesting events this year like the much-anticipated The Triple Treat Tiange, a bazaar and latagan bonanza that promises three unforgettable Saturday bazaar treats on July 16, October 15 and December 4-- all happening at the UP Bahay ng Alumini.

This Sunday (May 22, 8 a.m. onwards) will be the launch of the grandest garage sale unfolding in the  "informal, upbeat and community setting " of 99 Timog. Dubbed Garage Sale Sundays, expect an even wider selection of merchandise and lots of best buys-- from all kinds of used but still usable goods and wares like vintage and pre-loved apparels, the rarest and hard-to-find collectibles, toys, plants, furniture, appliances, and so much more-- all at  "drastically reduced prices. "