(SPOT.ph) When The Alley at Karrivin was launched several years back, Manileños were surprised to find there was such a space in Chino Roces Avenue Extension tucked between the events spot White Space Manila and the compound where Silverlens Gallery used to be. Since then, it’s been known as a place for art gatherings (Drawing Room is here, as well as Artinformal) and lowkey shopping (check out some functional art stuff at Aphro), and as the address of two of the best restaurants in Asia, Toyo Eatery and Metiz. Recently, however, a fresh batch of exciting, passionate folks moved in, transforming what was once an office building into Karrivin Studios, the newest creative hub in Makati.
“We had planned these spaces for artist studios, art spaces, and other more curious uses,” says Mara Coson, building manager and, more famously, publisher at Exploding Galaxies which holds office on the 6th floor. “Looking at it now, having included more food and furniture…they have also been quite a fun addition to the whole compound.”
The Karrivin Studios boasts an eclectic selection of tenants, starting with the modern Filipino dining spot Automat to unique shopping destination Guava Sketches. There’s also the gallery Archivo 1984 which maintains a selling archive of vintage books, posters, and records mostly on Philippine design, film and music; and Toti Dalmacion has a space called Hodge Podge where he houses a great collection of vinyl albums, rare books and vintage watches.