Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Antik Thrift Shop

Who would have thought that you can find hidden treasures just by walking along Lopez Avenue on your way to the bank to pay your bills? We didn't think so.


I was on my way running an errand when my eyes accidentally laid on this shop. There's no sign, no specific landmark, but just the one that is nearby a food store. Land mark does not even have relation to what this place is all about. 


This is The Antik Thrift Shop.


I've passed by Lopez Avenue, though not on an every day basis, but I've practically know the stores upon first glance. I knew I have read this place used to have a sign somewhere but now it's gone, like the place was a secret with hidden treasures inside. And yes, it was indeed a place for treasure. Antique Treasure.


Spirit of the Past, Treasure of the Future - is what says on the probably antique glass window. My eyes were busy rummaging the place, while my friend who was with me, who hates shopping by the way, suddenly had eyes that's wide with bewilderment. I had forgotten that she's an antique collector and her family is an antique and art dealer from Casa Manila. This girl knows these things and I don't. 


We were met by the nice owner of the shop, Mr. Frank Micosa. He used to work for the DZLB station of UPLB and after more than 30 plus of service he retired to do his passion: Arts and Electronics.


Meet the owner, Mr. Francisco Micosa
When I saw  how fascinating this place is, I asked Mr. Frank if I can feature his store in my blog and he agreed, so the very next day, I dragged another friend to the shop to take photos!
I was very fascinated by the old school cameras (note: the mini tripod is not for sale)


They have old plates that goes from way back, old watches, lighters, pens, wood sculptures etc.


Brass, old clocks, mini alcohol bottles that are all collector's items


I kept thinking about the Paco Amino poster, I think I have seen this at a restaurant before then my friend says: It's the one up in Pancake house restaurants! PAK! Tama!


Brass Candle holders, old school lighters, really old portrait of someone's first communion and a painting of Jesus.


The army stuff caught my fancy: These water bottles form AFP goes all the way back in 1944, and I checked at the bottom.  Some even have initials on it and the one with the black bottle cap even has the camouflage part of the uniform.


Tea set, vintage Buddha, last supper carving and old school iron that uses charcoal


Vintage soft drinks bottles, lamps, brass goblets and more.
 This Antique store was also feature in a periodico!
Antik Thrift Shop was featured in The Philippine Daily Inquirer last December 2009. Read online Article here.


I'll let you in on a little secret: Some Antique dealers from Tiendesitas and Manila gets some of the stuff they sell here. My friend was able to get a really nice deal and that usually costs around six grand. 


I cannot disclose the price but it was more than a steal. :)




For inquiries:





Francisco "Frank" Micosa
Contact Numbers: 0910-582-2833 / 049-827-2942

2 comments:

Kea said...

Is this the same with The Practical Shop? I can't seem to find Antik Thrift Shop along Lopez. And I'm eyeing a piece of antique that, hopefully, on their shelves.

Kea said...

Hello Mariel. No this is different. The practical shop is near Agapita Plaza/Complex while the Antik Thrift shop is, I think, is before reaching BPI Family bank branch coming from UPLB gate. It's a small, hardly noticed, store.