For many enterprising Pinoys, there is money from second-hand, used, or “relief” goods as seen in the proliferation of “ukay-ukay” or “UK” stores all over the country.

In Iloilo, almost all markets have “ukay” stalls. Every Wednesday night or Thursday morning, “ukay” lovers delight themselves in “ukay” frenzy inside the Jaro Market. Every item is in bargain and all you need is patience to get the best blouses, jeans, shorts, bed sheets, bags, shoes, and believe it or not, even underwear.

In Jaro Plaza, residents of Jaro and nearby areas enjoy the stretch of “ukay” stalls joining the annual Jaro Agro-Industrial and Charity Fair. 

Brothers Ray and Jonathan Siervo, who own one of these stalls, said they have been in the “ukay” business for seven years already. 

They are from the province of Samar, and even if it is difficult for them to travel, they come every year during Jaro Fiesta to make available before the fashionista Ilonggos best “ukay” items they can get at very affordable prices.

“May pagka-fashionista kasi ang mga Ilongga, kaya naisipan naming na dito pumunta,” Ray said.

He said they started with very limited items, until the business boomed and to date, they are selling sacks of “ukay” goods.

“Paunti-unti muna hanggang gumanda ang business,” he said, adding that for a business to be successful, one should start small.

“Step-by-step lang’ yan, mahirap ‘pag binigla kasi ‘pag bumagsak negosyo, ubos talaga kapital mo,” he added.

Another entrepreneur, Emilda Rendon, has been in the “ukay” business for four years already.

She came to Iloilo to join the Jaro Fair all the way from her hometown, President Roxas in Capiz.

She said money is easy in the business, which has been sustaining the needs of her family for years now.

“Sa ukay-ukay, wala utang, dasig ang kwarta kag diri ko mabuhi,” she quipped.

She noted though that some consumers can’t help complain of the prices of the items.

“Ang mga tawo nga indi kaintindi sang ginatawag nga relip, gareklamo sila kun nga-a mahal kunu, kay sa States libre lang man,” she said.

Rendo said finding “good buy” items depend on how good one makes “ukay” from the mountain of clothes in front of them.

She said those who are patient enough most of the time get a rewarding find.*