Before we get to the jolliest time of the year, we need to get through the spookiest season first. Halloween in the Philippines is spent a bit differently than in other countries. The first and second of November are typically spent in cemeteries honoring our relatives in the afterlife; houses don’t usually prepare candy and kids don’t go trick-or-treating.
But just because we don’t spend the holiday the way they do in the USA doesn’t mean we can’t dress up for the occasion. After all, there isn’t a shortage of Halloween parties where you need to be at your most original, aesthetically. It’ll also be a chance to fulfill your deepest fantasies of becoming an ethereal princess or a sexy nurse or even a terrifying monster, anything other than the young professional with a 9 to 5 job. If you need help on just where to look for creative Halloween costumes, the following stores have you covered.
1. Sonia Lee’s Costume Central
Location:917 Luna Mencias Street, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City
Operation hours:Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rental period of the costumes are between one to three days, inclusive of pick-up.
Image: Sonia Lee’s Costume Central Website
Sonia Lee’s Costume Central doesn’t only offer rental pieces for any occasion, it also accepts ready-to-wear and made-to-order costumes. Rental pieces range from PhP1,200 to PhP1,500 with a security deposit of between PhP2,000 to PhP2,500. Meanwhile, made-to-order costumes range from PhP4,000 to PhP10,000. Sample costumes that are available for rent include fairy tale costumes, animals, and superhero characters.
2. Camp Suki
Location:786 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City
Operation hours:Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
The primary inspiration for the costumes comes from Maria Clara’s classic look.
Image: Camp Suki Website
Opened in 1979, Camp Suki is one of the pioneer costume shops in the country. Created by popular designer Lito Perez, the store specializes in period and contemporary costumes which have a rental fee starting at PhP1,000 with another PhP1,000 required for security deposit. Aside from costumes, you can also rent accessories and headdresses.
3. Skitzo Manila
Location:The Collective, 7274 Malugay Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City
Operation hours:Tuesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 9:00 PM
Custom-made costumes usually take three weeks to be completed.
Image: @skitzomanila
Skitzo Manila caters to the costume needs of all ages, from babies to the elderly—even for your cuddly pets! The store offers both rental and made-to-order costumes complete with the accessories and props needed to complete the look. Sample costumes they provide include superheroes, pop culture references, and animals. Rates start at PhP1,500 depending on type while accessories start at PhP250.
Location:150 Road 20 Project 8, Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City
Operation hours:Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Khai Cosplay Costume Rental opened in 2014.
Image: Khai Cosplay Costume Rental Facebook Page
From the name itself, it’s easy to see that Khai Cosplay Costume Rental specializes in cosplay costumes. The store also provides character appearances for parties, balloon decorations, and photo and video coverage. All costumes for rent have a security deposit of PhP1,500 while their rental fees range from PhP600 to PhP2,500.
5. Lucky Doll Pin-up Lingerie
Location:Unit E, 4th Floor 1867, Oroquieta Road, Barangay Santa Cruz, Manila
Operation hours:Monday to Saturday, 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Lucky Doll Store was founded in October 2006.
Image: Lucky Doll Store Website
If you’re sure you were a sexy pin-up girl in a past life, Lucky Doll Pin-up Lingerie, also known as Lucky Doll Store online, will let you live it in this life. The store has a selection of corsets, masquerade masks, and stockings. You can go as a cop, a sailor, a superhero, or even the Mother of Dragons from Game of Thrones through the complete costumes they have available. Aside from costumes, the store also sells lingerie, accessories, and swimwear. Costume prices range from PhP950 to PhP3,500 depending on type.
Halloween is the perfect occasion where you can be innovative and live out your wildest fantasies. And with the stores mentioned, you’ll have an easier time finding the perfect get-up for you.
Have you decided what you’re going as this Halloween? Let us know in the comments below which Halloween costume you’ll don!
About Eunice Sheene Fulgencio
Eunice knew that she’d be writing for the rest of her life from a very young age. Naturally introverted, she is selective with how she uses her time and who she spends it with. Has a penchant for sweet treats, sentimental proses, and online personality quizzes. A true-blue INFJ.
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