Date of Publication
2025
Document Type
Bachelor's Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts
Subject Categories
Film and Media Studies
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department/Unit
Communication
Thesis Advisor
Kristoffer G. Brugada
Defense Panel Chair
Jan Michael Alexendre C. Bernadas
Defense Panel Member
Eleazar L. Del Rosario
George Posadas II
Bruno Lovric
Abstract (English)
Ukay-ukay, derived from the Filipino word ‘Halukay’ meaning ‘to dig,’ has long been an integral part of Filipino culture. With its vibrant selection located along the country’s ever busy and bustling streets, ukay-ukay is more than just secondhand shopping, it is a reflection of the diverse community that surrounds it. It is a social practice that fosters community, offering shared experiences and solidarity in a market-driven society. Yet, beneath this mantle of community, lies the obscured struggles of the very pillars of this culture: the ukay-ukay sellers. Facing challenges in a rapidly evolving market now shaped by online platforms, ukay-ukay sellers have been placed at a disadvantage, facing socio-economic pressures, limited access to financial services, marketing tools, and even a sheer lack of formal recognition for their contributions to the local economy. Ultimately threatening the very essence of the local thrift scene.
Through employing an ethnographic and phenomenological research design, this study uncovered the lesser-known processes and consequences of modern thrift shopping, delving into the social relations and lived experiences within the ukay-ukay community. By highlighting the unique stories and human efforts behind each purchase, the researchers found that the ukay-ukay was not only be a sustainable shopping option but also a symbol of cultural meaning and human connection, emphasizing the need for equitable recognition of all participants within this ecosystem.
Abstract Format
html
Abstract (Filipino)
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Abstract Format
html
Language
English
Format
Electronic
Keywords
Secondhand trade--Philippines; Clothing trade--Philippines; Documentary films--Philippines
Recommended Citation
Fernando, C. L., Atienza, M. T., & Dy, A. M. (2025). Threads of consciousness: A fashion documentary on secondhand shopping in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_comm/223
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Embargo Period
8-11-2027
