The Daily JCs

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About Us

We both dive into the ins and outs of the ukay-ukay hacks. We are JC and Raine, your local ukay ukay enthusiasts that will show you the trick for your high fashion needs without pouring your money down the drain.  

For many years, Ukay-Ukay has been looked down upon by many Filipinos because of its inexpensive price which typically entails buying pre-owned apparel which came along with people sharing around superstitions, but then it took a different turn as we enter the year 2024 where more ukay-ukay shops are seen in every corner. 

Our blog focuses on guiding you through the world of second-hand treasures, we've compiled tips and tricks on navigating Ukay-Ukay for high-fashion finds. Buying second-hand garments is not only budget-friendly but also a sustainable choice, contributing significantly to waste reduction in the face of the current fast fashion trend. By opting for second-hand high-fashion items, you not only get to express your unique style but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry. 

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The Shift: Pop to Indie Folk—A Taylor Swift Masterpiece 

by Jerraine Sy & Jose Carlos Morata

"Folklore," an album written and released by Taylor Swift on July 24, 2020, showcases her versatility as an artist by exploring different genres, ranging from her signature pop sound to indie folk.  She wrote this with her now ex-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn, Taylor spoke also about how they love writing sad songs, which they expressed in every song released with the "folklore" album." Then later announced after receiving the Grammy for the album that the pseudonym used “William Bowery” is Joe Alwyn. However, the reason why they did this hasn’t been clear by Taylor Swift or Joe Alwyn. 

The whole album is a poetry itself—diving into various scenarios and mixed-up feelings of something you cannot really talk about upfront. It’s like a box of the unsaid things you want to say out loud but you don’t have the right words to explain it—thus, "Folklore" was created in a very poetic way of singing a song and storytelling prowess. The melody and the nostalgic feeling linger in every piece as it syncs with the heartbeat of sadness and heartbreak. Each song plays in a poetic and reflective way to explore both fictional tales and personal experiences in portraying a story, and it shows in these songs worth mentioning.  

In her first track in the album "the 1," Taylor Swift traverses a difficult emotional terrain while considering the what-ifs and choices that she did not take in a past relationship. She explores the subtleties of lost love while expressing both acceptance and longing. Meanwhile, "exile" is a song of an unsettling duet with Bon Iver, that explores the fallout from a breakup by connecting the two points of view to convey emotions of longing and sadness. Then after, Taylor Swift draws inspiration for "epiphany" from her personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and her grandfather's World War II experiences, offering a melancholic contemplation on trauma, resiliency, and hope. She addresses feelings of betrayal and disappointment resulting from a broken relationship in "hoax," the album's closing track, displaying her raw vulnerability and emotional depth.

Overall, the people loved and embraced the new genre of Taylor Swift, which is more of an indie folk and alternative style. Her album is now considered as one of her fan's national anthems for heartbreak, sadness, and pain. The success of "folklore" shows in the number of plays in music platforms and the impact she has put across many parts of social media. 

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“Legalizing Ukay-Ukay in the Philippines is a good thing"

by Jerraine Sy and Jose Carlos Morata

In the current trends of Ukay-Ukay being a massive trend in not just the country but in fashion as a whole. The Philippine government has come to notice its popularity and address the import and trade of the Ukay-Ukay underground industry, and these governing bodies are now also considering making this industry legal in the country to ensure fair taxation.

To add some context, the Philippines has had a law which states simply makes Ukay-Ukay or “imported second-hand garments and goods” illegal which is Republic Act (RA) No. 4635. This law was enforced with the reason of health and hygiene concerns as well as how it could harm the economy. 

But in a recent press release, Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a Senate Bill to legalize and regulate the import and trade of Ukay-Ukay. We absolutely believe it's time to embrace buying second hand garments in these stores and legalize its trade in our nation as a supporter of progressive economic growth and individual freedom.

Contrary to popular belief, Ukay-Ukay provides many Filipinos with reasonably priced fashion options. It offers a workable alternative, particularly for people from low income. The government can implement safety through appropriate regulation. The Philippines can take similar actions to show its progressive approach and make the business safe and profitable for consumers.

Legalizing Ukay-Ukay could increase the economy by creating jobs and bringing in revenue for the government through taxes. Policymakers would like to see it as a supplementary industry that increases the retail industry rather than seeing it as a danger to local retailers.

Legalization would also make it possible for appropriate regulation, giving authorities the ability to impose tax requirements, consumer rights, and labor norms specifically for this specific industry. But ever since its origin up until now during the growing popularity of Ukay-Ukay has not been stopped by prohibition, leading to the existence of underground markets and loss of income. 

Finally, allowing Ukay-Ukay translates to consumer choice and individual freedom. Without unnecessary restrictions from the government, Filipinos can be free to choose where they buy clothes. It's time to take action and realize the potential advantages for our country of a legalized Ukay-Ukay industry.

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Thrifted Treasures: LJ's Journey in Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneurship

by Jerraine Sy and Jose Carlos Morata

Leila Jazel Madelar, who goes by the name LJ, is a student at National University Fairview pursuing BS Tourism. LJ is the proud owner of Madie's Wardrobe, where she sells curated thrifted clothes through her Facebook page and ships them out via Shopee Checkout. LJ's commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses is an appropriate match for our theme, which emphasizes the advantages that thrifted clothing has for the economy and the environment. 

In the vibrant world of ukay-ukay, LJ encountered unpredictable situations as an entrepreneur. This is not new to the business world, especially in the ukay-ukay culture. Although she handpicked these items rather than buying in bulk, sometimes they do not appeal to people's tastes or align with current trends. The importance of adaptability in overcoming obstacles is truly essential, as mismanaging this aspect could result in profit loss. 

She discusses the diverse attitudes of customers and the challenges in ensuring they follow instructions. Despite that, she employs patience and takes the time to educate customers on the checkout process, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. True success lies in maximizing profitability. When she receives the profit, it marks the culmination of her efforts as a dedicated businesswoman. 

LJ sets herself apart by focusing on offering affordable sets, steering away from the trend of overpricing items observed in similar shops. This strategy has contributed to the success of Madie's Wardrobe. She handpicks each item from various thrift stores, personally fitting them and curating a collection through meticulous examination. This attention to detail ensures a curated and quality inventory. She observes the thrift clothes market trends and notes the enduring popularity of items like crop tops and pants. She also stays attuned to customer preferences, adapting her inventory to meet the ongoing demands of the market. 

The virtue of patience is the most significant lesson that she teaches. Managing several projects at once is part of being a lone owner, and even with diligent attention to detail, problems can still occur. Maintaining a high standard of customer satisfaction requires flexibility and responsiveness to any issues that might arise. LJ advises aspiring thrift clothes sellers to embrace hard work and be prepared to take risks. She emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan to avoid losses and ensure success. Aspiring thrift store vendors should accept hard labor and be willing to take calculated chances, according to Leila. She strongly expresses that to prevent losses and guarantee success, a backup plan is essential. The importance of preparedness for potential challenges cannot be overstated; it forms the backbone of a resilient business strategy. It's important to have a backup plan within a backup plan, as this provides greater control in uncertain situations. 

To sum up, LJ's experience selling used clothing is proof of her tenacity, enthusiasm, and steadfast dedication to her clients' needs. Madie's Wardrobe is a source of inspiration for aspiring businesses that want to enter the realm of online thrifted clothes sales in addition to providing reasonably priced apparel.