Back in the ’90s and early 2000s, your childhood is not complete if you didn’t experience playing this popular Filipino game. We simply called this as “Bahay-Bahayan”, which literally means “home simulations”.

In this game, we build our little own house or makeshift space that resembled one using recycled or indigenous materials. The kids act a real family set-up. Each member of the group takes the role of a father, a mother, children, and “kapit-bahay” (neighbors). We also do activities like cooking, doing household chores, going to work, go shopping, and meet our kapit-bahay – so much fun reminiscing treasured childhood moments.

Now, in 2021, we bring new meaning to Bahay-Bahayan. Especially in this time of uncertainty and undeniable darkness, it does not only provide a “home” but also gives hope and happiness amidst this pandemic.

98B Collaboratory, through the help of the HUB: Make Lab and First United Building, created an initiative called “Bahay-Bahayan”, an offshoot of the Future Market, with both a physical and online shop. They provide a home to local creative businesses who sell locally-made items, handmade goods, pre-loved knick-knacks, and vintage finds, all in hopes of developing a new system of oneness through our appreciation of the arts.

The first cycle of Bahay-Bahayan will run from February 12 – May 9, in the HUB | Make Lab, located on the ground floor of the historic First United Building in Escolta, Binondo Manila.

Bahay-Bahayan Partners are as follows:

Project Happiness Manila

Muli Thrift Shop

AMALA The Label

Glorious Dias

PURVEYR

Tienda Wabas

Pallet Reimagined

Halamanan x Goodboy Collectibles

ACEED x meguuu x Art Cart

Bahay-Bahayan shows us the true meaning of family that shares the stories of hope, resilience and inspiration during this pandemic.