A Map of Analog Manila: 20 Spots in the City for Logging Off and Slowing Down

(SPOT.ph) Journaling, knitting, reading. These are activities that don't require a screen to be enjoyed; only tangible tools, old as history itself, that have evolved to keep up with the times. Engaging in them gently pushes you to focus on one thing, get in the zone of the present, and all the noise and anxiety fade into the background. The million tabs in your head? Gone. Your phone? On "Do Not Disturb." Welcome to the offline world. Believe it or not, this is what Gen Zs and millennials are embracing these days–what the internet dubs the analog lifestyle.

Determined to explore and live a life outside of their screens and devices, today’s kids are going unplugged. Stepping out to experience the world, reconnecting with nature (like, actually touching grass), and becoming more aware that there are things better enjoyed outside the digital world. As of late, this younger generation is going for tactile hobbies instead of their phones, and it is–figuratively and literally–a breath of fresh air.

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Take junk journaling, for example. Borrowing from the name itself, you can work with what you already have in your home, and even give scraps new life before you, well, junk them. But analog hobbies don’t just stop at journaling and its many forms; it can be anything from making plushies or accessories with needlework like crocheting or knitting, listening to tunes new and old with turntables and vinyl records, playing tabletop games with friends and family, and even going old-school with film photography. There’s a wide array of activities one could get into that, for older generations, used to be the staple—before screens and the Internet and one-minute reels took over.

For millennials who grew up with it, analog is more than just rekindling old loves; it's nostalgia. For Gen Zs, it's exploration. A revelation that not everything comes from the Internet. For both generations, it's to have something real to turn to when the digital world becomes too hectic–a way to slow down, and a different way to reconnect with friends or sit with oneself.

If you’re looking to join the analog revolution, Manila has responded to the growing popularity of analog hobbies with spaces that cater to the needs of enthusiasts as well as foster communities of similarly-inclined individuals. These spaces don't just sell goods and their expertise; they also offer room for people to slow down and breathe, where it's just you and your tactile hobby exist. And isn’t it time that we touched grass and reclaimed the ‘social’ part of social media?

Out of all the analog hobbies listed below, journaling is the most accessible. It can be anything you want: a plain old diary or a highly visual mood tracker. It’s where you can dump all your favorite movie or book quotes, or a mantra you heard from a lecture. It can be a repository for keepsakes and souvenirs, for dried flowers and postcards. You can keep a few journals at the same time, a different one for a different facet of your endlessly interesting life. You can start with a plain old notebook and a pen—but you will also need lots and lots of stickers.

While Common Room has branches dotted around the metro, the one in The Atrium of Makati takes the cake. Tucked in a corner of the ground floor, the Mess Studio, as contradictory as it sounds, is an overwhelming yet peaceful place. Overwhelming in a way that there are creations and goods from over 300 artists filling the shelves, but peaceful in its aim to become a space where you can slow down, create, and craft on long tables, enveloped by warm lights and encouragement from fellow creatives.

Common Room's first shop along Katipunan was the OG gathering spot for makers. They started with only 30 artists, fellow crafters they met along the way. The one in The Atrium is their biggest, most experiential space to date—a ten-year dream of owners Maan Agsalud and Roma Agsalud-Agsuno. From their humble first shop in Katipunan to having multiple branches in the metro, Common Room has come a long way.

A single craft pass for the Mess Studio is P499. This will get you access to a list of self-paced Do-It-Yourself craft activities, and all sorts of tools to help you create will be at your disposal. A seat pass, priced at P299 per head, will get you a spot in their reading area with cozy chairs and tables, and where you can enjoy a drink or two from the menu selection.

The Common Room Mess Studio is located on the ground floor of The Atrium of Makati, Makati Avenue, Urdaneta Village, Makati.

The Philippines might not have an autumn but you'll find yourself snugly in the middle of it at the PaperaicaShop in Parañaque. Owner Jamaica Verceles first started selling her dreamy, cozy art in 2018, before opening a physical space that serves as a respite from life's chaos. It’s her little corner of the world where she gets to turn “her love for doodles into stickers, die-cuts, and cozy stationery” for planners and journals. The interiors borrow heavily from her illustrations' soft and mellow vibe. If dreamy, whimsical stuff gets you giddy, then PaperaicaShop is right up your alley.

PaperaicaShop is located at 113 Doña Soledad Avenue, Parañaque.

We can't think of a single arts and crafts enthusiast who wouldn't light up at the sight of the goods handcrafted by makers at The Craft Central’s accessible, physical spaces in major malls in Metro Manila. Over the years, The Craft Central has become more than a place where you can stock up on tools for calligraphy and other crafts—it has become a venue where artists can showcase their works and for fellow art enjoyers to be assured they can do the same.

See a list of The Craft Central branches.

Prior to the boom of journalling, fountain pens, and the advent of international shipping and foreign stores coming to the Philippines, Scribe was the main source for all things pen and paper. It's the trusted store for stationery, journals, and notebooks, housing cult-favorite brands and countless options under one roof. Scribe branches, at least the few we’ve been to, are always chill and quiet. It’s likely because Scribe patrons prefer to express their thoughts on paper–but that’s just our personal opinion. Scribe has seven stores in the Philippines, five in Metro Manila and two in Cebu.

See a list of Scribe branches.

Mobile signal can be really spotty at Opus Mall. And sometimes you get disconnected from the online world for a good few minutes, depending on where you are in the area. We say look at it as a blessing, because you can put that unplugged time to good use by making your way to the third floor where an Art Bar is located. Operated by National Book Store, it’s a no-brainer one-stop-shop for essentials needed to make all forms of art. Art Bar is full of premium art supplies as well as specialty paper that can be of use to both beginners and experienced artists alike. For the journaling girlies, though, you’d be glad to know they also carry crafting kits for junk journals and scrapbooking materials. Just check their shelves.

Art Bar Opus Mall is located on the third floor, Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Boulevard, corner C-5 Road, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Ugong Norte, Quezon City.

niko and... in SM Mall of Asia is a massive Japanese store with a dedicated space for journaling needs. It’s a veritable haven for fans of cute and thoughtful stationery and miscellaneous office supplies from Japan. Niko and… also carries Penco, a popular stationery brand known for its bullet pens, clampy clips, and storage caddies that feature a nostalgic/retro aesthetic—just perfect for the resurgence of analog. Of course, you’ll find their shelves stocked as well with more accessories and home items that are anchored to the Japanese style philosophy: mindfulness, minimalism, and functionality.

niko and... is located on the third floor of the Main Mall of SM Mall of Asia.

Sure, streaming songs online is convenient. You just click here and there, and you'll have your chosen track playing in your ears. But vinyl fans will tell you there’s nothing better than digging through crates of records for one album, playing it on a turntable, and filling a room with your music of choice. Putting the album jacket on display on your shelf completes the time travel experience.

Having found joy in selling vinyl records from his personal collection, Good Vibrations owner Karl Pagunuran took it a step further and created not just a retail store that sells vinyls, but a space where people with the same profound appreciation for good music could gather, connect, and share the love.

"Younger people are drawn to the overall experience of it, the sound, the feeling—the idea of owning something physical that you can keep and appreciate for years," says Pagunuran. "There's something special about putting on a record, looking through the artwork, and listening to music intentionally. For vinyl, it creates a different kind of connection that streaming alone can't fully replicate."

The shop can be found among a string of cool spots within the Cubao Expo enclave. The first floor is nice but upstairs is where all the action is; where they keep their massive collection of crates containing records from various genres: jazz, indie rock, indie pop, Original Pinoy Music, Brazilian, world grooves, among others.

Good Vibrations is located at 3 General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City.

The Grey Market in White Plains can be easy to miss if you're just zipping through the area. But The Grey Market is absolutely a wonderland for vinyl collectors and analog music enthusiasts who know that part of the thrill is in the hunt.

While finding the store could be considered the beginning of said hunt, you’ll find that there’s lots of treasures to be found when you patiently dig through the crates of records. It can be a bit pricey, but hey, quality costs a little extra.

The Grey Market Records in White Plains is located at 42 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bebop Records is practically an institution in the local vinyl scene. Dig through their crates, and you'll be greeted with a mix of new, pre-loved, rare titles, and everything else in between from both local and international music acts. It’s not the first time for Bebop to hear about the revival of analog. In 2010, Bebop Records was one of the early doors other stores had to knock on to get their fix and stock. Fast forward to 2026, Bebop is still standing strong, and we’re all the better for it.

Bebop Records is located on the First Basement, Makati Central Square (formerly Makati Cinema Square), Chino Roces Avenue, Makati.

Satchmi understands the beauty of the past. That's why, through their space, they're "pulling it into the present" through vinyl records and turntables.

Located on the fourth floor of the Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall, records found in Satchmi start at P200, though prices vary depending on the artist. Everyone is welcome to dig through their selections of new, old, and discounted records. And if you're looking for a specific album or artist that's not in their catalog, you can also send in a request. When you're done with your search, take a seat at one of the tables and enjoy the cozy vibe with the specialty coffee they serve inside.

Satchmi is located on the fourth floor of the of the Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong.

Plaka MNL is where the cool, vinyl-collecting Gen Zs and millennials are these days. The two-floor, one-stop vinyl record store along Santa Mesa has an extensive collection of music from different eras; one minute, you're flipping through smooth jazz, and the next, there’s Chappell Roan. You can also find mainstream and K-Pop acts in the selections but these fly off the shelves fast. "These are usually bought by younger customers, and they're very engaged. They message us for updates, ask about incoming stocks, and often reserve copies ahead of release," said owner Jayson Manalo. But the store doesn't just stop with selling vinyls; it also has record players, vinyl care essentials, and even furniture, to get you started and help you with your own analog listening setup.

Plaka MNL is located at 2nd Floor, 3357 Magistrado Araullo Street, Bacood, Santa Mesa, Metro Manila. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Knitting and crocheting used to be tagged as "grandma hobbies," but we always knew our lolas were on to something. The hobby allowed them to reduce their stress while also keeping their hands nimble. And now Gen Zs have co-opted this rocking chair years activity and taken the yarn and hook to unleash their creativity and flair for fashion. They're making stylish pieces like tops, dresses, bags, and a whole lot more. Looking at getting into the hobby? Here are spaces for all levels of crafters.

In a corner of The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio sits a dragon. A baby one, but it’s impressive nonetheless since it's actually made of yarn, and crafted by the skillful hands of Ceryl Tubungan, eldest daughter of the family who owns Marikina's one-stop shop for all things craft and hobby.

The dragon is pretty cool, but the Marikina Heights space is more impressive

It was Ceryl’s passion for needlework–and her love of creating things with yarn and a hook–that led The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio to become the home of crafters that it is today. The shop is named after the Tubungan family’s own attic, which Ceryl had filled with her creations when she first began selling them online. The orders kept coming in, and soon her little hoard of needlework treasures began to spill over to the second floor and to the hallways; nowadays, her products can be found neatly stocked along the shelves of the shop in Marikina.

Ceryl is not the only one in the family with love for arts and crafts, though; each sibling has an analog hobby they enjoy, the fruits of which are displayed in the space. Colleen loves journalling, while their brothers Gilmar and Keith are into Tamiya. Beyond that, The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio also caters to those who enjoy painting, macrame, beading, resin and clay art, and more. The studio is perfect for folks just starting to dip their toes in analog hobbies, especially crochet.

Ceryl is very happy that more and more people are trying out analog hobbies. "People are rediscovering the love and fun ng pag-gawa using your hands instead of tapping away. And it’s something you can even display after!"

The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio is located at 3/F, West Drive Commercial Center, West Drive corner Champagnat Avenue, Marikina Heights, Marikina City. Open daily from 12 noon. to 8 p.m.

These days, there’s a trend where Gen Zs hunt for hidden cafes in the Metro, and going to Ganstilyo Guru Selections along Shaw Boulevard feels very similar. Locating the space is the first knot as a first-time visitor, but as it always is with hobbies, you will know better in the long run. The space is filled with a wide variety of quality yarn for your crochet, knitting, and weaving needs sourced both locally and internationally.

If you’ve been into the hobby for a while now and really wanna get into the nitty-gritty of all varieties of yarn, start by talking to owner and certified yarn addict Trey Ajusto, who personally selects all the items that go inside the store and in their online shop, which is a convenient alternative if you can't drop by the store. During our quick visit, Ajusto shared that hobbyists usually drop by the store to get a gauge of the yarns in person, then order online when they need materials for their next projects.

Gantsilyo Guru Selections is on Unit 306, third floor, Emerald Place, 604 Shaw Boulevard, Pasig. Gantsilyo Guru is also available online.

Whether you’re a full-pledged “yarnie” now, a “bistitchual,” if you’re both into knitting and crochet, or even simply someone who wants to begin their first needlework project, you're going to have to get your yarn stock somewhere. That somewhere can be Lots of Yarn 2.0, and trust us: they aren't exaggerating with their name. They carry lots of types of yarn and threads for whichever project you’re working on: common milk cotton yarns, velvet yarns, chunky yarns. Even bundles of yarn that have mini specks of gold on the threads. The selection, at least on their Shopee page, ranges from P24 for a five-ply milk cotton yarn to P390 for a giga tube yarn (approximately 500 grams, no less). Lots of Yarn 2.0 is one of the biggest yarn stores in the country, so prepare to spend some time and money when you drop by.

Lots of Yarn 2.0 is located at 10A De Jesus Street, San Antonio, Quezon City. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Remember your mom’s photo albums filled with your pictures of you as a baby, a toddler, and even maybe up to your first day at school? It’s nostalgic to flip through them now, and there’s a preciousness about knowing this might be the only tangible proof of that moment in time. Your parents didn’t get second shots or get to edit the images, and they didn’t know how their photos would turn out until they got developed. Nowadays, capturing photos and videos have begun to feel second nature and so conveniently instant that we tend to take for granted the intentionality and sincerity that goes into taking photographs on film. That’s what Gen Zs are rediscovering today through film: the art of framing a shot, the thrill of waiting for the developed photos, and even the joy of being present as you choose which moments to capture.

There is absolutely no question that the people living in and around Maginhawa have it good. For the bored and hungry, at least, hidden gems in the form of food spots are littered in every corner, waiting to be discovered. But there's also something for the film photographers and enthusiasts—a space in the neighborhood where they're always gathered, and where friendships, communities, and most importantly, films (pun intended) are developed.
That’s Sunny16 Lab, the country's premier film processing and finishing lab in the Philippines.

Founded by a group of friends who share a passion for film photography, Sunny16 Lab was an answer to photographers’ need for a place where they can get their films developed, which was a challenge, especially price-wise. Before they settled down in the Regray Building along Matino Street in Sikatuna Village, the partners first processed films inside their own homes. They have a quick turnaround: just one hour for developing films, with prices starting at P200 per roll.

Sunny16 Lab went from being a makeshift photography lab in one of the partners’ own garages to what can be compared to an ecosystem for film enthusiasts. In their Regray Building location, there’s a cafe and bar on the ground floor, where you can wait while they develop your films. Around the corner is the actual lab, and on the fourth floor, there’s a spacious photo studio and a KTV-slash-billiards room where you can also pass the time and even create memories you’d want to see on film.

"When the business started, maybe we were trying to be purveyors of a lost art, but it was never lost," shares Niko Villegas, a household name in the photography scene and a co-creative director at Sunny16. "It was just like on the sidelines, and now we're putting it back in the spotlight."

Sunny16 Lab is located at Unit 105, Regray Building, 30 Matino Street, Sikatuna Village, Diliman, Quezon City. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Going to Japan is serious business for photography and videography enthusiasts. The big names in photography, like Nikon, Canon, Pentax, and Fujifilm, originated there, and that’s all we need to know to confirm that the country is the mecca of film photography. The hobby thrives on specialized shops and developing labs, one of which is Wonder Photo Shop, which first started in the streets of Harajuku in Tokyo. Lucky for us, they're also in the Philippines, with the first international branch in UP Town Center. Here, 35mm films can be processed within two to three hours, and customers can also have their ID and passport photos taken and printed here.

See a list of Wonder Photo Studio branches.

Open only on weekdays, Fotofabrik is a film lab that's also based in Quezon City, albeit on the other side of EDSA. They dedicate themselves to making film processing accessible and more affordable, starting at P150 per roll for standard film processing on C41 Color. They develop 120, 135, 110, APS format films and disposable cameras in their lab.

Fotofabrik is located at 25 Scout Tuazon Street, Diliman, Quezon City.

Table top games–whether they’re of the board or card variety–have other worlds that allow their players to escape to. Playing these games with strangers can easily break the ice and forge new friendships, while getting into a game with your friends or family is a great way to bond (if you don’t end up fighting over it).

There’s a wide variety of genres, too–from cozy board games that are great for passing time, card games that challenge you to strategize, and even roleplaying games that get your creative juices flowing. Board and card game stores have also evolved into third spaces where players, no matter their background, can geek out, discover new games, and even make meaningful connections that go beyond the table top.

All Aboard XP is Gaming Library's dedicated space for tabletop game enthusiasts to discover new games. It’s a place where you and your loved ones can disconnect from the Internet and reconnect with each other, and owner Hans Kenner Fernandez made it so on purpose. "Especially during this time and age na almost everything is digital, and notifications are blaring. Parang ang sarap lang to disconnect from the online world," he shares with SPOT.ph. At Hans’ family home, Monopoly was at the heart of Friday game nights, and spending this time with his loved ones is a wonderful experience he wanted to—and has, through All Aboard XP—shared with the world.

At P350, you already have access to the their entire library of board and card games for a full day. In-store, you'll find Game Masters who know the mechanics of each game–and they’ll help you get started with your game of choice. They’ll even help you find the perfect game for your group! This concept brings board and card games closer to a wider audience without having to pay full price for the game. But if you do end up enjoying a game so much that you want to bring it home, you can also purchase it in-store.

All Aboard XP is located on the third level, Greenbelt 5, 1228 Legazpi Street, Makati City. See a list of Gaming Library branches.

For those who have been looking for a starting point to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, why not head over to SideQuest: Cafe + Hobby Lounge? It's an inviting space where you can see the role-playing game come to life, and if you’re lucky, someone’s cute dog might even come to you for a few scratches in between campaigns. Yes, pets are welcome inside as magical companions. Aside from D&D, other tabletop and trading card games can be played in the space.

SideQuest: Cafe + Hobby Lounge is located at 3/F East Wing, Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig.

Depending on which day you visit Green Gate Hobbies in Cubao, you'll either walk into a casual gathering or a tournament. But whatever the event of the day might be, one thing’s for sure: their wide range of trading cards will always be present. Green Gate Hobbies has an easily accessible event calendar on their website that gives you a glimpse of their affairs, along with their collection of singles and sealed trading card game (TCG) products. Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, One Piece, Gundam, Weiss Schwarz, Flesh and Blood, and Lorcana card products can be found here, but we argue that the best part is that you can also find a community here–enthusiasts that will chat with you and share your interests as you explore these titles and the world of card games.

And if you’re a little more into the card game scene than a beginner, you can also sell your own cards on Green Gate Hobbies’ platform–that’s an emphasis on trading in trading card games if we ever saw one. You can buy, sell, and even consign through their website, where you list your cards, set prices, then bring or ship them to Green Gate Hobbies for them to verify. You can view sales on your dashboard via the website.

Green Gate Hobbies is located at 857 Aurora Boulevard corner Saint Mary Street, Cubao, Quezon City. Opening hours may vary. Closed on Mondays.