Karrivin Studios: A Guide to Makati's Latest Cool, Creative Hub

(SPOT.ph) When The Alley at Karrivin was launched several years back, Manileños were surprised to find there was such a space in Chino Roces Avenue Extension tucked between the events spot White Space Manila and the compound where Silverlens Gallery used to be. Since then, it’s been known as a place for art gatherings (Drawing Room is here, as well as Artinformal) and lowkey shopping (check out some functional art stuff at Aphro), and as the address of two of the best restaurants in Asia, Toyo Eatery and Metiz. Recently, however, a fresh batch of exciting, passionate folks moved in, transforming what was once an office building into Karrivin Studios, the newest creative hub in Makati. 

“We had planned these spaces for artist studios, art spaces, and other more curious uses,” says Mara Coson, building manager and, more famously, publisher at Exploding Galaxies which holds office on the 6th floor. “Looking at it now, having included more food and furniture…they have also been quite a fun addition to the whole compound.” 

The Karrivin Studios boasts an eclectic selection of tenants, starting with the modern Filipino dining spot Automat to unique shopping destination Guava Sketches. There’s also the gallery Archivo 1984 which maintains a selling archive of vintage books, posters, and records mostly on Philippine design, film and music; and Toti Dalmacion has a space called Hodge Podge where he houses a great collection of vinyl albums, rare books and vintage watches. 

If you’re interested to find out what else you can find in this new addition to Karrivin Plaza, we prepared a guide so you can plan your next visit.

A guide to the shops, dining spaces, galleries et al inside Karrivin Studios

Automat

Automat, the latest concept from Metiz's creators, reimagines the everyday Filipino dining experience through Manila’s eclectic lens. Led by chefs Stephan Duhesme and Arlo Gregorio, the restaurant takes inspiration from the influences of the modern Manileño’s diet, serving dishes that blend local ingredients with international techniques and flavors.

Automat departs from Metiz’s focus on traditional Filipino ingredients like rice and seafood, instead honing in on the urban, contemporary flavors that define today’s Manila. The restaurant’s three-course prix fixe menu highlights a unique dining style: dishes are crafted for sharing, invoking a communal Filipino dining spirit. Meals are presented with an array of sides, sawsawan, and even fermented ingredients, enhancing flavors while allowing diners to experiment. 

Some standout dishes include starters such as Egg Salad Pusit and Ensaladang Pinoy. The second course introduces Filipino flavors with a twist, such as Bone Marrow sa Miso and Tikoy Palabok. The mains embrace hearty, flavorful dishes served alongside unlimited rice and soup. Options include Crispy Java Octopus, Kalderetang Sweetbreads, and Twice Cooked Beef Cheeks.

Automat’s fresh perspective celebrates the ordinary yet dynamic aspects of Manila’s food culture, bridging the traditional with contemporary, and inviting diners to rediscover Filipino cuisine. It may be new on the scene but it’s already beginning to carve a niche within Manila’s evolving culinary landscape.

Guava Sketches

"Inclusive, artisanal, and playful," is how co-founder Joan Cantemperte describes Guava Sketches, a homeware and lifestyle shop showcasing a blend of Asian and Scandinavian influences. Founded with a love for quality design, the brand has blossomed into a concept store focused on thoughtful craftsmanship and local community collaborations.

Recognizing a gap in the market, Cantemperte sought to introduce both local and foreign designs to audiences craving something unique. And since its inception in 2017, Guava Sketches has cultivated a creative and inclusive environment, for which it offers everything from fashion to furniture to art, with every item reflecting a whimsical approach as well as artisanal charm.

Notable pieces include Japanese brand Lagimusim’s nylon shoulder bags, slogan fans by Just Banig that cheekily proclaim “SANA ALL” and “ANG INIT,” and innovative, playful clothing by designer Jude Macasinag. Every item in the store is thoughtfully chosen for its unique character and quality, whether it’s an eye-catching art object or a home essential.

With a focus on one-of-a-kind and limited-edition items, Guava Sketches transcends typical retail. It bridges cultures and design disciplines, offering a space where creativity thrives and design exploration unfolds naturally, making it more than a store—it's a gathering place for inspiration and connection.

Oya Ramen

Oya Ramen, the “little brother” of San Juan’s popular Oyasumi Ramen, brings a fresh twist to Japanese-Filipino fusion. This new spot captures the cozy atmosphere of a traditional Japanese ramen bar, with counter seating that brings diners up close to the action. But owner Martin Ledesma has taken the menu to an exciting new direction. When in San Juan Ledesma’s ramen menu drew on Japanese, Filipino, and French culinary techniques, at Karrivin, he’s diving deeper into Filipino flavors, using Japanese techniques to bring them into the world of everyone’s favorite Japanese comfort food. “I want to highlight real Filipino flavors in the context of ramen,” Ledesma says.

Currently on the menu, the Tinola Ramen combines the classic Filipino chicken soup with the hearty richness of ramen broth and noodles. And there’s more to come—Ledesma plans to release a kare-kare tantanmen and a sinigang ramen soon.

For those craving something both familiar and inventive, Oya Ramen offers a unique and exciting dining experience that reimagines Filipino flavors in a Japanese format, one bowl at a time.

Hodge Podge

Music has always been Toti Dalmacion’s path. Having grown up around uncles Dennis and Rene Garcia, founders and frontmen of the iconic OPM band Hotdog, Dalmacion was surrounded by music from an early age, and this influenced his passion for diverse genres.

Dalmacion already owns This Is Pop!, a record shop in Legazpi Village known for its indie, post-punk, new wave, and electronic records. But Hodge Podge is something different—a space where Dalmacion brings together his favorite things: exotic vinyls, books, vintage watches, and more. Each item is especially handpicked and often imported directly from overseas labels and distributors, adding an international air to the shop’s carefully curated offerings.

Hodge Podge is more of a collector’s dream, where “if you know, you know” rings true. “It’s like a thrift store in some way,” Dalmacion says, but with a distinct, curated edge. It offers hidden gems like Stumpwork by English post-punk band Dry Cleaning, Hey Panda by Scottish indie legends The High Llamas, and City Music Tokyo, a Japanese pop compilation showcasing Tokyo’s distinctive music scene. You can also pick up second hand vinyls here, and art books you can’t find anywhere else.

Dalmacion had no plans to open up a new space initially but he was drawn to the idea of Karrivin Studios, a vibrant space where food, art, and music intersect. “[We all] complement each other,” he adds of the spaces in the building.

Oppein & Taylor Living at Casa Bella 

Stepping off the elevator onto Karrivin Studios’ third floor feels like you’ve entered a rich tita’s home. It’s a space entirely devoted to two of Casa Bella’s brands—Oppein and Taylor Living.

Oppein, a custom home furnishing brand, offers solutions for all kinds of interior space needs, from kitchen cabinets and wardrobes to full-scale remodels. Their designs bring together “Italian elegance and European quality craftsmanship,” creating spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming. 

Taylor Living, meanwhile, complements Oppein with its collection of high-quality furniture in an American contemporary style infused with Art Deco elements. From striking statement pieces to carefully crafted decorative accents, each item is designed with a good balance of aesthetics and functionality. Picture yourself sinking into one of their cloud-like sofas, serving cocktails on a chic marble coffee table, or playing a quick game of tic-tac-toe on a handcrafted acrylic board.

WHYNoT

Spanning the entire fourth floor, WHYNoT is the brainchild of design expert Baby Imperial, gallerist Tina Fernandez, and photographer Marta Lovina. It’s a creative hub designed for what they call “transdisciplinary collisions,” as well as a space that invites curiosity and engagement. Not surprising because it hosts an eclectic mix of events that include readings, performances, talks, screenings (they recently screened the French classic La Jetee via a vis the powerful black and white photographs of artist Kawayan de Guia) and more.

As a physical space, WHYNoT is a series of sections where visitors can relax, browse through books, engage in conversations, or spark new connections. Cozy reading nooks, separated by drapes, create a balance of intimacy and openness. Events like “WHYNoT Read” invite guests to snack, sip wine, and dive into a diverse library of art books, photobooks, and literature, with the tomes stacked on tables or arranged on ladders for easy browsing. This hands-on, relaxed setup makes discovering new reads feel organic and welcoming.

Another recent event, “Horror Masterclass,” featured filmmaker Dodo Dayao; it had a  live script reading, film screening, and an in-depth conversation on horror in film. Clearly, WHYNoT is a place where music, literature, art, and film meet—a platform where anyone can connect and create.

Archivo 1984

Archivo 1984 stands out as a go-to for everything Filipino pop culture, preserving the past and celebrating the present through a unique archival experience. Unlike conventional art galleries, Archivo 1984 isn’t just about viewing – it’s about reliving moments that defined eras in Filipino film, music, and print. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in an extensive collection that includes classic and rare Filipino and foreign films, music from OPM and international icons, vintage and contemporary magazines, and iconic posters that capture the visual history of the Philippines. 

In addition to its dedication to homegrown music and cinema, Archivo 1984 serves as a resource for family genealogy, allowing visitors to explore and connect with their own histories and cultural narratives. Was your tita or lola once a cover star or actress? Archivo may just have a copy of a FINA magazine with them in the cover. Looking to revisit an old movie that recalls your childhood? Their archive is filled with an endless stock of DVDs and VHS tapes.

The space itself morphs occasionally into an exhibit venue, giving pieces from its collections a chance to come alive through curated shows and events. Recently, they staged the inaugural exhibit of young artist Micat Po, and in their La Fuerza location, they teamed up with Internet sensation 90s Kabaklaan for a celebration of 90s movie posters and memorabilia. Their latest “Vilma Night” exhibit featured all things Ate Vi—from posters and lobby cards to vintage VHS tapes (and an appearance by the Star for All Seasons herself). 

This commitment to community, memory, and shared experiences makes Archivo 1984 more than just an archive but a cultural landmark that ties together the evolving narrative of Filipino heritage.

Ritual (Soon to open)

Ritual is dedicated to bringing local, sustainable products to the forefront with warmth and eco-consciousness. From native foods like dried gamet seaweed from Cagayan to eco-friendly home and body products such as their lemongrass liquid soap, each item celebrates Filipino ingredients and craftsmanship.

Ritual began 15 years ago as a small stall in Legaspi Market experimenting with plastic-free products. Bea Crisostomo, co-founder along with her husband Rob, initially sourced items through Youth for Sustainable Development Assembly, an NGO she worked for. Since then, the brand has expanded to a store in Dumaguete, its main office in Poblacion, and now a soon-to-open space at Karrivin Studios.

With a deep interest in Filipino culture and heritage, Bea takes pride in Ritual’s food offerings, such as Mascobado sugar from Negros Occidental, sea salt from Pangasinan, and Asin Tibuok from Bohol. “Hopefully, there will be a space for seasonal coffee pop-ups from our friends who specialize in processing,” Bea shares. “We just want to expand our heritage (in the) food category and find ways to generate interest in those products.”

Shopping at Ritual makes it simpler for people to support local artisans and enjoy high-quality, environmentally responsible goods. It feels more like a community than a store, actually, connecting people to the rich resources and traditions of the Philippines.

Under Maintenance

Under Maintenance is the first space of Everywhere We Shoot’s Ryan and Garovs Vergara, whose design and photography projects have been helping make Manila’s art, publishing and advertising scenes exciting for nearly two decades. 

Garovs admits that having a dedicated space was never part of their original plan, given the challenges of upkeep. But when a spot opened up in Karrivin Studios—it felt like perfect timing. Tucked away in a quiet corner, the space offers just the right balance: it’s intimate yet spacious enough, and when illuminated by the warm glow of the sunset, the atmosphere turns just a little magical. 

Under Maintenance isn’t just for photography; it’s a flexible, evolving space. “Initially, we wanted it to be an art space. Or,  a space for the non-selling of art,” Garovs explains. But they soon realized maintaining the studio would require a practical approach, leading them to incorporate pop-up and retail events. Now, Under Maintenance serves as a collaborative space where brands and artists can come together to create unique experiences.

While Under Maintenance is closed on weekdays for, fittingly, “maintenance,” weekends come alive with pop-up events that bring an element of excitement to the building. On their first month, they hosted three unique pop-ups: a show of Patty Eustaquio’s unseen works, a shopping party for cool apparel and merch brand Mabuhay Maynila, and the one-weekend-only return of Bleach Store. With the limited runs, each event feels like a rare, can’t-miss experience, adding a fresh layer of excitement to the art and retail scene at Karrivin.

ArtBuds

Among the restaurants, art studios, and galleries that fill up the Karrivin building, ArtBuds stands out for its warm, down-to-earth vibe.

Founder Alexi Wassmer birthed the idea for ArtBuds in 2021 when she began tutoring kids over Zoom in the midst of the lockdowns. Her co-founder Luigi Yotoko joined later on as ArtBuds’ music and marketing head. Described as a “music and art space for all ages, skill levels and interests,” ArtBuds hosts lessons in art, music, and singing, with the goal of “making creative hobbies accessible for all people.”

You can’t help but feel happy when you step inside ArtBuds. The co-founders DIY most of their decorative pieces with the aim of building an environment that sparks creativity. The walls are painted various bright colors and are lined with different types of artwork–-encouraging the making of slogans, paintings, cut-outs, sketches, and more. One corner is filled with stacks of mugs, plates, and vases ready to be transformed with endless paint choices. Another corner features an electric piano, guitar, and microphone, perfect for anyone who feels like jamming out. 

“We believe creative living is all around us and we wanna make space for that,” says Wassmer. ArtBuds embodies this ethos, offering a place where everyone can explore and embrace their creative side.

Exploding Galaxies

Whether you’ve realized it or not, you’ve probably spotted an Exploding Galaxies book– either on social media or in bookstores. It’s impossible to miss their distinctive two-colored covers with big block letters.

Exploding Galaxies is known for republishing lost classic works of Philippine literature. Their catalog so far includes But For the Lovers by Wilfrido Nolledo and The Three Cornered-Sun by Linda Ty-Casper. Founder Mara Coson explains that she chose this path to encourage readers to rediscover the richness of Philippine literary classics–works she has come to love deeply over the years.

For Coson, watching people discover and embrace these stories is both fulfilling and rewarding, whether it’s through the online buzz or the excitement she sees in public. Since its launch in 2023, Exploding Galaxies has been busy with pop-ups and hosting talks all over the country, with no signs of slowing down. Coson hints at what’s next: new food writing titles slated for release next year.

So whether you're there for a fun meal, cool vintage finds, or just to soak in the cool vibe, you're bound to discover something you like at Karrivin Studios. It looks like it will be a spot that’s always changing and growing, so you can count on discovering something new every time you visit. “When The Alley started, it was hard to explain to people what it was until things really got going and they saw it for themselves,” says Coson. “So while I can’t explain exactly what this [Karrivin Studios] can be in the future, we’re all watching it unfold–and so far, so good!”

Karrivin Studios is inside Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.