Papemelroti: An Earth-Friendly One-Stop Gift & Craft Shop + The Sketching Backpacker by Robert Alejandro
I have always been a fan of paper products. While I recognize how technology’s way of speeding things up and making everything accessible with emails, I still appreciate and write personalized handwritten notes. And while I do maintain this website and I am kept abreast with world news via the worldwide web, I still record my journeys and thoughts in notebooks and journals, and yes, I still tire out my calloused little fingers and back as I hunch over and scribble and scribble.
Since we’re talking paper products and other knick-knacks, one store in Manila comes to mind, one that I (along with tons of kids my age in gradeschool til now!) love and continue to be a loyal patron of…PAPEMELROTI.
The Alejandro family own this store, and the name Papemelroti was actually taken from the names of the children—Patsy, Pepper, Melody, Robert, and Tina. Their parents were the ones who started the store, and now, as adults, they continue to take an active part (involved in their own way) in this beautiful and blessed family business that continues to thrive to this day.
Who could forget the many letters exchanged with friends using their signature craft paper stationery, and their gift items?
I was lucky to have had the chance to pass by their head office branch in Roces, Quezon City, the other day, after I had a recording a few buildings down the street.
The store along Roces Avenue, right beside Chocolate Kiss.
That’s me, doing a recording in Asiatec Pink Noise (I love this place, brings back so many memories!), on the same street.
The PAPEMELROTI store is two floors, housing stationery, craft items, do-it-yourself kits, notebooks, scrapbook paper, proudly Filipino-made shirts, ref magnets, hooks, some wooden figurines and furniture, and so much more.
Here are a few great things I picked up from the store on my last visit:
* THE SKETCHING BACKPACKER by Robert A. Alejandro- (P 395.00) Here’s the back-cover description:
- “Freelance graphic designer / artist / tv reporter Robert A. Alejandro travels to
- Southeast Asia and parts of China. This is his journal of sketches and photos of
- some of the most beautiful countries in the world. Here’s how Robert visits
- these countries BACK-PACK style- the most inexpensive and fun way to travel!”
- I have to say, I was excited about this purchase of mine. I love going places with my husband (and of course, now, since we had a child, with him and our little baby girl), and it’s such a joy reading books about travel, and other people’s unique experiences about seeing the world.
This is one fantastic book you can keep for yourself (especially if you are stirred by wanderlust and bitten by the travel bug) or a book you can give and share to those who also love traveling and exploring what the rest of the world has to offer.
This is a unique book in the sense that not only is it produced and published in the Philippines (yep, another proudly Philippine-made product!) but it’s actually printed on recycled paper—the entire book! (Wooohooo, no trees were destroyed in making this book!)
What’s more is that it’s so personal, filled with artistic sketches of people, places, food items and interesting sights, and of course, the author’s personal insights and takes. He includes website links, contact information, tips, helpful lists and suggestions (what to pack, how to dress, a working budget, etc.) if you do intend to try and take a trip like the one he made in 2007—journeying to 9 countries one fateful summer, where he gained new friends, where and when he discovered so much about the most beautiful places on earth, as he says.
I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so do grab a copy…It’s one of the most interesting reads I’ve come across this year, and certainly one book I’d love to share and give away. Check this book out, travel-bugs!
- Craft Notebooks – For some reason, I can’t go to Papemelroti and leave without buying one of their pocket craft notebooks. I love their inspiration-filled covers and quotes, and how handy and reasonably-priced these notebooks are. They’re only P 24.00 apiece! I love using these and also giving them away as gifts. Useful and cute beyond belief!
- Metal Craft Hooks for either kitchen or bedroom – It’s only in this store that I can actually find kitschy but useful little knick-knacks that don’t look like items you can find just anywhere, being bought by everyone else. I picked out some hooks that I could use in the kitchen or the bedroom, ones that can be used for hanging up key rings /keys in the wall along the hallway or a light jacket behind the door.
Something to hang on our kitchen wall – This charming little wooden hanging piece is something I wanted for my little kitchen. I’m not one for putting up so many decorative items on the walls of my home (as much as possible I like hanging up frames of family photographs or art pieces made by friends of our family —perhaps later on, my child’s art! —and I only wanted something that was just eye-catching and simple.) …This little item fit what I had in mind.
Just so you know, it’s always, always cool to be earth-friendly and concerned about the environment. What better way to do that than by purchasing and supporting stores that have environment-friendly products made from recycled paper, like PAPEMELROTI?
PARTY IDEA:
I also have a party tip and idea for wives and moms, sisters, and friends who love giving gifts (I think this is one of my love languages, because I so enjoy this so much! It’s such a joy to be thoughtful and to refresh others!)…PAPEMELROTI can actually personalize giveaways and souvenirs for you. I was so happy when I discovered that. From keychains, to thought and inspiration cards in boxes, to calendars, shirts, even vintage bracelets—they can make it personalized and you can choose from a variety of designs! Keep this in mind when you’re hunting for gift items or souvenirs or giveways for your next party or event or celebration…or maybe even if you just want something unique to give yourself!
For more information, check out PAPEMELROTI’S website: http://www.papemelroti.com/
For a list of their branches, click on: http://www.papemelroti.com/branches.htm
For their “personalize it” option on bags, click on: http://www.papemelroti.com/bags.htm
Enjoy!
PAPEMELROTI will always bring me back to my 7th grade days, writing / exchanging notes with classmates and crushes (hahaha!) and filling out their autograph books, and giving away gift items from this really cool store that I love to this very day!
If you feel like it, share your own Papemelroti experience! Heehee!
2 Responses to “Papemelroti: An Earth-Friendly One-Stop Gift & Craft Shop + The Sketching Backpacker by Robert Alejandro”
Leave a Reply
Sponsored Program
Proud Member of:
thank you SO SO SO much!!!!!!!
cheers and God Bless always!
Anytime! I’m a fan! God bless as well!