There’s something inherently special about listening to music in the analog format.
In an age dominated by digital playlists and fleeting shuffles, vinyl records offer a unique experience, transporting enthusiasts back to the analog era where music becomes a tangible, immersive journey. It’s a celebration of albums as complete works of art, each track carefully curated to contribute to a thematic, stylistic, and narrative whole.
The whole process in itself is something that brings us closer to the music. From delicately lifting the dust cover and placing the record on the platter to lowering the needle on the disc with the utmost care, the art of playing vinyl demands your undivided attention, with each track marking a meaningful chapter in your own story. Even adding to the experience, there’s still a magical aspect to finding a record in-store, as opposed to ordering one from online.
The resurgence of vinyl over the past few years has captured the hearts and ears of both old souls and younger audiophiles all over the world, leading to a resurgence (and for some, re-exploration) of record stores whose crates are worth digging into. In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the best physical record stores in Manila, so join us as we explore these havens for music enthusiasts, where you can unearth the latest additions to your collection, or entice others to experience the endearing, tangible aspect of the hobby, allowing them to join the vinyl revival.
Plaka Planet
Nestled deep in the heart of Makati Cinema Square lies Plaka Planet –– a haven for vinyl collectors looking to grow their collection on a budget. With most of their records being priced in the ranges of Php 600 to Php 1,500, Plaka Planet offers some of the best selections for second-hand records kept in great condition. Whether you’re looking for something along the lines of Ella Fitzgerald in the jazz genre, or a Japanese pressing of The Sound of Music soundtracks, Plaka Planet is bound to have all that and more –– making the crate-digging experience an enriching (and time-consuming) experience for any music lover out there.
It’s also worth noting that Plaka Planet also offers complete turntable setups at great and affordable prices, helping those looking to start their vinyl journey with convenience.
Address: Makati Cinema Square, B1, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Daily)
Bebop Records
Also located in Makati Cinema Square, Bebop Records features quite a large (and diverse) assortment of vintage records, even if they’re already filling up the place from top to bottom. It’s not easy to dig through Bebop Records’ collection for sale, but once you start finding a number of albums that you like, it’s almost as if you’re falling through a rabbit hole of music to sift through. If you’re looking to find a copy of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours in almost pristine condition, or even the rare original pressing of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, then this is probably the place for you.
Address: Makati Cinema Square, B1, Chino Roces Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekends)
This Is Pop! Records
When talking about hole-in-the-wall places, you’d never expect to find This Is Pop! Records in the bustling area of Legazpi Village in Makati City. But upon climbing down a few steps to the basement of Legazpi Towers 100, you’ll find yourself transported to one of the coolest-looking record stores in the country. With its vibrant red walls plastered with a mix of concert posters and record covers, it’s easy to get bowled over by the store’s ambiance. Though they don’t usually offer as many mainstream titles here, This Is Pop! offers the most intriguing collection of records that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s indie, shoegaze, dream pop, city pop, ambient jazz, or whatnot, this place is sure to have something for anyone looking to discover new (but good) music on a whim.
Address: Basement, 148, 1229 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 1:00 – 7:00 PM (Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday)
The Grey Market Records
With one of the most varied and extensive collections of records for sale in the country, browsing through The Grey Market Records is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing in the sense that you’ll probably find whatever you’re looking for (or more!), and a curse for your poor bank account and empty wallet. The place features a healthy mix of international and local titles alike, so if you’re looking for artists like Harry Styles, Ang Bandang Shirley, Carly Rae Jepsen, Pedicab, or The Smashing Pumpkins –– The Grey Market is the perfect place to browse through, whether you have something in mind or not. Though they’re primarily known for selling brand-new and sealed titles, they also feature a decent amount of vintage records at pretty good prices. For sure, you won’t be leaving this place empty-handed once you step inside.
Address: White Plains West, 42, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, 1110 Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
Backspacer Records
Located in the Kapitolyo area of Pasig, Backspacer Records stands as a vinyl haven with a meticulously curated selection from both international and local labels. Proudly spearheading the push for physical media for local labels, the store introduces its bespoke vinyl series, titled “Backspacer Exclusives,” featuring homegrown OPM gems –– such as Urbandub’s Influence, Cheats’ Houseplants, Barbie Almalbis’ Parade, or even the long sold-out special edition of Zack Tabudlo’s Episode. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to get international albums quite close to their release dates, Backspacer Records has your back with ease.
Address: 2nd Floor D’Ace Plaza, United Street corner Brixton Street, Pasig, 1603 Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
Treskul Records
Another treasure trove for some of the most sought-after titles to browse through, Treskul Records has established itself as a staple in any list of record stores to visit. If you consider yourself an old soul, then Treskul is probably the perfect place for you –– given their collection of vintage titles that includes tons of Stevie Wonder, The Clash, Carly Simon, or Black Sabbath. Additionally, what’s also worth checking out from Treskul is their assortment of 7” vinyl records (or as some may affectionately call them, 45s), which is among the most impressive in the country. Whether you’re visiting their Mandaluyong bar or their Ali Mall, QC branch, this is one of those places where you’ll probably find yourself coming back to from time to time.
Address: CIFRA Building, 641 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong, 1550 Kalakhang Maynila
Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (M/T/W/Th), 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Fri/Sat), 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Sun)
Bear’s Den Records
For us Filipinos, browsing through crates of records in a Sunday market may sound like something from a movie, but it’s very much a reality with Bear’s Den Records. Though not necessarily a physical record store, Bear’s Den offers a whole range of titles that could be comparable to other local record stores, making one’s weekly visit to the Legazpi Sunday Market an even more interesting experience. From vintage titles like Michael Jackson’s Thriller to limited edition variants of Tyler, The Creator, there’s a whole lot for anyone to go through as you establish your Sunday morning routines, kicking the week off right by digging for vinyl.
Address: Legazpi Sunday Market
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sunday)
Good Vibrations Records
One of the newer entries on this list, Good Vibrations Records is also one of the latest staples in the popular Cubao Expo area. But don’t let that novelty fool you, as the store boasts a considerable amount of titles from various genres that are well worth digging through. As a consignment store and listening bar, its mix of titles and drinks available means there’s something in store for everyone, whether you’re looking to grow your record collection, or just chill and have a good time sharing drinks with friends in the area.
Address: Cubao Expo, 3 General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 10:30 PM (T/W/Th/F/Sat/Sun)
Northwest Estate and Collectibles (NEC)
Found in the side streets of Kamuning, Quezon City, Northwest Estate and Collectibles (NEC) specializes in a varied assortment of vinyl records, CDs, tapes, audio gear, comic books, trading cards, model kits, die-cast toys, vintage items, and a ton of cabinets full of curiosities to anyone interested. As a partner store to NEC Washington, the majority of their collections are imported directly from the United States. If you’re someone who has enough free time on your hands, make sure to check out their Facebook Live selling videos to snag some solid deals on records that are bang for your buck.
Address: 170 K-1 Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
Spindle Community Store
At the penthouse area of Creekside Mall in Amorsolo, Makati, one wouldn’t expect to find any record store –– yet there lies Spindle Community Store. Aside from its vast collection of Funko Pops, music memorabilia, and tiny handmade Japanese houses, there are numerous records from various artists and decades worth discovering. From artists like jazz legend Sarah Vaughan to industry darling Taylor Swift, the wide assortment of titles that every visitor has to go through makes for an exciting afternoon activity of browsing.
Address: Creekside Mall, Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
Music Depot
Found in the ground floor of the popular Greenhills Shopping Mall Center, the Music Depot features an immense collection of all sorts of physical media formats for music (vinyl, CDs, cassettes, you know it) along with audio equipment that includes turntables, amplifiers, and speakers. Though it’s not the easiest to browse through here, you’ll be able to find some sweet deals for records priced at Php 300 or Php 400 in their sale bin (that features several hidden gems from all genres), alongside some surprise finds that you would have assumed were sold out from how many years ago. Nevertheless, if you’re someone who takes as much pleasure in the process of digging, then don’t miss out on the chance to do so here.
Address: 10/10 Corner Ground Floor, Theater Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan, Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (T/W/Th/F/Sat/Sun)
Vinyl Dump Thrift Record Store
This name might be familiar to many of you, given that the Vinyl Dump Thrift Record Store was one of the earliest record stores found in the Cubao Expo area. Recognized as the birthplace of the Kagatan Vinyl Fair, this store features a diverse collection of records from the 1950s all the way up to the 1990s –– all available at prices as low as Php 300. In addition to its record collection, the shop is also an oasis for vintage items such as old toys, comics, books, vintage cameras, and other popular items from the yesteryears.
Address: Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
Plaka Express Record Store
A bastion of sonic treasures, Plaka Express emerges as a family-owned and operated musical haven in Quezon City that has an expansive inventory. Boasting an array of brand-new and pre-loved vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, vintage audio gear, and an assortment of related paraphernalia, there’s a lot to browse through for any music aficionado looking to grow their music collection.
Address: 50 Palawan Street, Bagong Pag-asa, Lungsod Quezon, 1105 Kalakhang Maynila
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily)