An arcade of trinkets

We all have our secret places we go to when we feel stumped, down in the dumps or just itching to buy something we need or in my case, don't need. A place where a small, even inexpensive item can induce a smile from the very depths of our soul.

One such place for me is the Dapitan Arcade in Quezon City, a knickknack haven more accessible and less congested than the infamous market-mecca, Divisoria.

Just about 500 square meters of selling space, various items are cramped in more than fifty stalls, some even spilling out into the street during Christmas time.

For inexpensive but nice giveaways or props you can use for display to match your wedding theme, Dapitan Arcade is worth the trip.

Candles and papier-mache items.




Sea shells for a beach theme.

Holders for cupcakes or votive candles.

Lamps made of stained bottles, bamboo sticks, chimes and other native items.

Lamps made of capiz shells, resin, stained glass, or wood in different shapes and sizes.

Lots of plates, cups, saucers, pitchers, cake stands, bowls, jars and other ceramic items.

Mirrors

I am so getting an entire set of white tableware when I go back. :-)

Decor that keeps changing depending on the season...

And because I was with my sister who acted as my conscience and kept asking me "do you really need it?" -- I only bought one of those "food screens" to keep insects at bay. Must go back here again soon.

:-P

Dapitan Arcade

Dapitan corner Kanlaon Streets, Quezon City

Knotty and nice

When I first heard about Vatel Manila's Dylan Gozum asking where he could find oars, I couldn't help being curious.

Oars? At the Mango Farm?

Then, I also heard that he acquired a lifebuoy ring.

Curiouser and curiouser! (as Alice in Wonderland would say).

But, after seeing this Hamptons-inspired wedding, it all makes perfect sense. :-)

The Hamptons refer to towns on the far east end of Long Island, New York. Yes, as in Empire State building New York, New York. :-) These little towns pour out into the Atlantic Ocean which make for great seaside resorts and summer houses.

This wedding is a perfect example of bringing the outdoors indoors. You don't have to be at the beach or at the yacht club to have a nautical-themed celebration. The right details can work without going overboard (pun intended).

Jesy Alto-Ocampo single-handedly (pun UNintended) made sure that the bride looked her best. :-)

Cute as a button! :-)

When I was young, I would watch our neighbor dry their laundry using wooden clothespins. I'm so glad these practical tools have found their way back again into our consciousness as more and more couples use them to display their engagement photos.

I love it that the nautical props were kept to a minimum so that the overall decor did not make the reception pavilion look like a cruise ship. The predominance of blues and whites already do a great job. :-P

Loving the combination of shells, white ceramic pitchers, knots and white lamps.

They say that newlyweds usually are not able to enjoy the reception food with all the excitement. I wouldn't be able to eat too if this was my table. I'd be too busy tinkering with the props. Haha!

See more of this Hampton-esque wedding here and the concept and execution details here.

Erron Ocampo Photography

39B Maginhawa St., UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City

+63 917 8137766

+63 2 2117700

www.erronocampo.com