Almost exactly a year ago, I stepped into Common Room Katipunan with my very first delivery of my poetry book The Heartbreak Diaries. It was pretty surreal walking into this magical arts and crafts wonderland, realizing my own work was now going to be on display along with all the lovingly crafted products by local artists that I’ve spent hours and hours looking at. When Roma Agsalud, Common Room’s “Mother Hen” (as I like to call her) approached me, instead of a handshake to seal the deal, she enveloped me in a warm hug. At that moment, I knew I was truly part of the Common Room family. (Shucks, I didn’t expect to tear while writing this!)

 

I don’t know how to describe what a big deal it was for me to score a coveted spot on the shelves of Common Room, especially back then when they were just starting out, and their roster was only limited to about 30 brand partners and concessionaires. But as I jostled for shopping space with fellow lovers of pretty, artsy things during every visit, I knew Common Room would be the perfect home for my little book of hugot poetry (illustrated by the amazing young artist Celina de Guzman). About a month before The Heartbreak Diaries was published, I took a shot in the dark—suntok sa buwan!—and sent a proposal to Roma along with my manuscript, in the hopes that Common Room would make space for me. Little did I know that Roma and her sister/partner Maan were already thinking of creating a book corner, as well as planning a Christmas pop-up to give a fresh new batch of artists and makers a chance to shine. My timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Hashtag: Dare to dream!

This was how the brand new bookshelf looked on my very first day at Common Room!

 

Don’t you just love supportive friends? My lovely pal Kim Reyes-Palanca and her adorable son Lucas trekked to Common Room Katipunan to get a copy of The Heartbreak Diaries!

 

The expanded zine/graphic novel/indie book section was so unexpectedly popular that Roma and Maan decided to keep it permanently after the pop-up. Looking back today, it’s been such a fun, fulfilling, blessed year (pop-ups in the South! A crafts fair at Nayong Pilipino! A 6-month shop at Power Plant! Connecting with kindred Common Room customers and fellow makers!) since Ate Roma welcomed me with open arms.

 

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and this means that starting this weekend, Common Room is holding another Christmas pop-up featuring exciting new brands/artists alongside all the Common Room regulars we love. The new brands include (I’m posting their IG handles here so you can take a peek at their merch): @shopnikitaph, @carawrrr, @stitchingdream, @inkylivie, @lifelistplanner, @womancreate, @shop400lux, @hueandai, and @mabbymakes.Our little birdie tells us that Silhouette (cutting printer for all you crafty souls) and GIFMO (gift cards of different local brands) are coming on board soon, too!

New pop-up partner Nikita (@shopnikitaph) gets their crochet goodies ready at Common Room

 

With now over 90 local makers at Common Room, there’s an even wider (more overwhelming?) array of unique gift ideas to choose from. Remember, every handmade item on the rack is crafted by a local artist/maker/dreamer and has its own story.

From  crafts supplies to give wings to creativity, to handmade paper products, plushies, accessories, scents, trinkets, indie books, and even decorative little plants, Common Room is the perfect place to shop for thoughtful, unique gifts

 

This Christmas, a portion of sales for the entire month of December will go to the Shop and Share X Joseph Feeding program, so in addition to supporting local creativity, every purchase you make at Common Room will also help give back to the community. Doesn’t that just fill you with Christmas spirit? (Post your shopping loot on social media and don’t forget to add the month’s hashtag: ShopandshareinCommonRoomph) Do drop by, shop, and spread the love!

Common Room’s iconic paper cranes are now joined by messages of hope from makers and customers, which will be given to children in need this Christmas!

Common Room’s Christmas pop-up runs all month long at both the Katipunan and Power Plant branches. P.S. It’s their last month at Rockwell, hu hu hu!

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