A good vinyl record can do wonders for the average music lover. Every one of these analog gems holds a lifetime’s worth of stories to explore, and lucky for us, they’re all over Metro Manila.
Photo: Good Vibrations Records (Instagram), CD Bin (Facebook)
Anyone who collects vinyls is well aware of its extensive creative impact, which spans decades of preserving art, witnessing music evolve, and admiring storytelling at one of its purest, most meaningful forms. Vinyls have also assumed a new purpose over time, from priceless archives of our favorite generational hits to household staples we’ve attached to the fondest chapters of our lives. They’ve been helping diverse cultures thrive before most of us were even born. Years later, they now stand at the forefront of our call to keep physical media alive amid streaming and other digital norms.
As technology continues to evolve alongside our lifestyles, vinyls hold their own, proving that there’s no one way to appreciate music. That’s why collectors always find themselves coming back to these record stores in the metro to satisfy their melophilic hearts. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or more into modern-day hits that’ve taken the charts by storm, there’s a vinyl that’s bound to find its way to you the moment you step into these artsy gold mines.
If you’re looking to grow your collection or take your taste in music on an adventure, then you’re in luck. These five vinyl record stores have everything you need and more:
Backspacer Records
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Old school meets new school at this independent store and creative hub in Pasig City, where cool finds light up every corner. Backspacer Records puts Original Pilipino Music (OPM) at the heart of its diverse collection, featuring albums, Long Plays (LPs), CDs, and even cassettes of our favorite artists across every genre. From timeless tunes by Hotdog and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid to stan-worthy titles by BINI and IV OF SPADES, you can count on this versatile music label to highlight OPM’s finest on every shelf.
Located at:
- 2nd Floor Ace Plaza, United St. corner Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City
Good Vibrations Records
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Cubao Expo regulars are no strangers to the immaculate vibes and worthwhile conversations that Good Vibrations Records provides its visitors. This listening café has it all—an extensive selection of titles, drinks that hit the spot, and communities that make every visit worthwhile. You can also drop by its neighboring establishments and give their crafty projects a try; you’ll never know what you’ll stumble upon, after all.
Located at:
- Cubao Expo, 3 General Romulo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City
Satchmi
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What happens when old souls at heart join forces and take a leap of faith guided by their shared love for art curation? You get Satchmi, a staple for true-blue creatives at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall that has all of Metro Manila abuzz. You’ll always find this warm, unassuming space bustling with curious vinyl collectors, hobbyists who dabble in photography and mixed media, and mall-goers who simply want to unwind with their favorite hearty meals and rich brews.
Located at:
- Fourth Floor, SM Megamall Fashion Hall, EDSA Cor Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
CD Bin
It’ll probably take a while for you to spot CD Bin tucked in a vibrant corner of Shoppesville Mall in Greenhills. But once you do, it’ll be impossible to miss. This modern-day time capsule for pop culture enthusiasts, which has been around since 2010, highlights decades’ worth of iconic media through vinyl collections, DVDs, CDs, cassettes, and classic video games—some of which you can’t even find online anymore.
Located at:
- Upper Level, Third Floor, Shoppesville Mall, Greenhills, San Juan City
Rising Power Records
Another splurge-worthy hidden gem in Greenhills is Rising Power Records, which you can also spot among the plethora of quirky creative hubs in Shoppesville. New arrivals (and potential additions to your collection) await you every month, from rare CDs to niche collectibles and vinyl records dating back to the ‘60s and ‘70s. Toy lovers are also welcome to browse this humble space for one-of-a-kind items to take home.
Located at:
- 3013 Third Floor, Shoppesville Mall, Grenhills, San Juan City
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What are your go-to vinyl record stores in Metro Manila? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
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