Walking through the streets of Salcedo Village in Makati is a treat in itself. The neighborhood market bustles with people eager to find local and fresh products, a draw so strong that metro folks are even willing to brave the notorious Manila traffic. Beyond the market, the area's old residential buildings is also home to its famed weekend flea markets and vintage hidden gems. One such find is the second and latest Give Me the Loot outpost, a treasure trove of rare vintage luxe pieces located inside the Alfaro Place building, just across from the Salcedo market's usual spot.
LOOK: Give Me the Loot, a Vintage Store in Salcedo, Makati
To find this Makati outpost, one needs to look thoroughly along the streets of Leviste. The large neon sign isn't very visible during the day (unless you already know where to look), but it's there, plastered on the window and hinting at the treasures inside. You might have an easier time finding the shop after the sun sets, when the yellow glow from the "GMTL" sign illuminates the area—the X that marks the spot.
This is already GMTL's second branch, with the first one located in Maginhawa. Drex, the owner of Give Me the Loot, started buying and selling thrifted clothes as a hobby in 2014. He transitioned to full-time selling in 2017 after he quit his job as a site office engineer. By 2019, GMTL began as a merchant at Seasons Pass, a community flea market in Quezon City.
When asked about opening a second branch in Makati, he explained that it's the perfect spot for the shop. "It's a thriving area with great demand, and I knew it would be an ideal place to grow my business while continuing to provide quality service to a new customer base," Dex shared in an Instagram exchange with SPOT.ph.
"From the beginning, I was always drawn to streetwear and high fashion. But beyond personal interest, I saw the business potential—these pieces hold strong resell value and attract a wide audience, from fashion enthusiasts to serious collectors."
"The market for high-end and streetwear fashion in the Philippines has grown significantly, with more people appreciating unique, statement pieces," Drex said. "I knew there was a demand, and I wanted to bring something fresh and curated to this space."
The Makati branch occupies a quaint space with hole-in-the-wall vibes, packed with cool and unique streetwear and high fashion pieces hanging on the racks and stacked on top of them. While it's an overflowing selection, nothing makes a high-end streetwear enthusiast or collector more thrilled than sifting through it all. One thing we know about vintage shops is that they're a treasure trove—so go at it.
Wondering what brands of streetwear you can expect to find at GMTL? Bape, Stussy, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ami, Maison Kitsune, A.P.C., Carhartt, Thom Browne, Balenciaga, and Porter are among their most sought-after brands. You can see and try these pieces firsthand at the store, and purchase them without leaving a huge dent in your wallet.
If you're looking for new spots to check out when you're around Salcedo on a weekend, consider this is your sign to visit Give Me the Loot—whether it's just yourself, with gal friends, or your significant other.
The store can get full during the weekends, with shoppers on the hunt for "new" outfits. "Usually lunch time to night time 'yung madaming tao," Drex shared.
Give Me the Loot is located at Alfaro Place Condominium, 146 LP Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati, and 59 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City. The Salcedo branch is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the Maginhawa branch is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
You can also check them out online, where they sell their "loot" through their Instagram page GMTL also sells their loot through Instagram. They even have a separate account showcasing items under P1,000—yes, that includes shirts, jackets, outerwear, and more affordable gems. If you can't make it to either branch, you can try the online shopping option and browse their selection on Instagram. Simply shoot them a direct message to purchase the items you want.
*This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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