Shop for history-inspired apparel in this new book and clothing store in Intramuros
Looking for a new spot to visit this History Month? There's a unique new store for Philippine history buffs to check out in Intramuros.
Pilibustero, a clothing shop and bookstore specializing in local and handmade products aimed for people who love Philippine history and cultural heritage, opened its first-ever physical store in General Luna Gap 2 Intramuros on August 6, 2022.
Previously an unutilized space filled with trash, the flagship store now serves as a new venue for heritage advocates and tourists to visit and shop for souvenir items while in the historic Walled City. Check out the transformation of the space below.
The clothing shop, which previously sold apparel online and in the Make Hub stall in Escolta, was established at the height of the global health crisis in 2020. The pandemic drove owners of Pilibustero to support the country’s local sewers and craft-makers by giving them a source of livelihood.
The store's products range from shirts, tote bags, bucket hats, face masks, satchels, outerwear, and more. They also offer collections with local talented artists such as Therese Cruz, Marcel Antonio, and Dengcoy Miel. Each product is designed with patriotic, one-of-a-kind, creative illustrations.
Some of the history-inspired clothing items for sale include a T-shirt dress with side pockets, depicting Gabriela Silang, a Filipina military leader (P895), Hukbalahap t-shirt (P695), canvas tote bags featuring National heroes (P390), reversible bucket hats (P590) and facemasks (P80).
The store also has notable Filipiniana books on display on the shelves and for sale.
Two well-known Filipino historians and a national artist have been photographed donning the store's products and are featured on the shop's website including De La Salle University Professor Xiao Chua, public historian and professor Ambeth Ocampo, and Filipino painter and National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto "BenCab" Reyes Cabrera.
Pilibustero is open from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. The shop is located along General Luna Gap, near the Pamanatasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and DOLE. For more information, visit their Facebook page. You can also shop for clothing items online from their site.