Fun finds to make one happy

Pop-up shops were aplenty during the Dinagyang Festival held over the weekend. Wherever you go, you will surely find little street shops, craft and food bazaars to capture the imagination of old and young alike. I spent my weekend at SEDA Hotel with my Manila-based sister and we got the chance to explore some of the cute pop-up shops at the nearby Atria Ayala Mall. 

I know I'm too old for toys and trinkets but I couldn't resist the kawaii wares for sale like little plush toys, stickers and novelty items. Of course, I love the fact that most of the little handmade things like stationery items were made by real artists themselves with some of them coming from nearby Bacolod City. 

If you're a booklover/crafter who always has her head in the clouds, you will love the dreamy art of Jenina Benitez of Jenina's Art + Stories. I had to get a few of her super cute magnetic bookmarks so I'll start reading the still unopened books I bought at the Big Bad Wolf Sale last October. Then there's Morluck with his kitschy cute and very cheeky collectibles like stickers, postcards and pins. Love the Ilonggo humor that adds appeal to his products. 

I didn't have time to check the other stalls but I always visit the kiosk that sells authentic San-X and Sanrio stuff. Everyone knows I'm a big Rilakkuma and Natsume Yujin-Cho Nyanko fan so I definitely didn't go home empty handed. 

I hope these guys join more of the bazaars here in Iloilo City. I'd love to get my hands on more of  their cute products.  Like the saying goes, buy it if it makes you happy.