Inside Binondo's hidden journaling havens

In the world's oldest Chinatown, three hole-in-the-wall shops prove that the best journaling supplies are often found where history lives

- JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN Photos by NANCY MARIE ANDAM

Journaling should feel like play. The right pen gliding across paper, a sticker that makes you smile, a notebook that feels personal enough to keep secrets.

But while journaling materials are everywhere online, finding the right supplies, especially ones that spark real excitement, can still be a challenge.

For young journalers who love the thrill of discovery, Binondo in Manila offers a different kind of treasure hunt.

Tucked along its busy streets are hole-in-the-wall school and art supply stores that feel like stepping into your favorite shop as a kid. We visited three longstanding spots that continue to inspire creativity across generations.

571 Quintin Paredes, Binondo, Manila

Established in 1926, Cosmos Bazar is a dream stop for pen lovers, especially fans of the Japanese brand Pilot. This shop carries cult favorites like the Pilot G-Tech and inks for the sleek and iconic Pilot Vanishing Point, but what truly sets it apart are its hard-to-find and limited-edition releases.