News: Uniqlo is Coming to the Philippines and Review: Uniqlo Lightweight Pocketable Parka

Uniqlo, which is like the Japanese version of GAP, is coming to the Philippines this June 15 at SM Mall of Asia. I'm excited about it, especially with their Vote and Win application on facebook which gives voters the chance to win free shirts and a trip to Japan(ends on June 10, so vote now!).


While I am excited, I am not as excited as I want to be: I'm expecting a drastic mark-up in price compared to that of Japan like what happened to Muji (Mujirushi). Something to look forward to: they will be having a promo on their Barbie UT shirts for women at P590; shirts like that cost 1500 Yen (P833) normally.


On the other hand, maybe it will be much cheaper: they will be having a Jean sale (P590 instead of P990) as soon as it opens. However, UJ's in the Japanese website cost around 2,990 - 3,990 Yen, making it much cheaper!


What I did end up buying while I was in Japan was their Light Pocketable Parka ($50 dollars in the US catalog or around P2200) I bought for around 3,000 Yen (P1700). I bought this jacket because 1) it was unexpectedly colder and rainier in Japan than I expected and 2) I could still use it in the Philippines (especially underneath my white uniform). I bought the M size with pockets on both sides of the jacket and on the inside two plus the pouch pocket. It's very light and surprisingly strong.

Lightweight Pocketable Parka by Uniqlo (White)

The pouch pocket is on the left side of the jacket. You turn it inside-out and then put the jacket inside. I'm not an expert at folding, I just stuff it in. It looks like this once i stuff it in:

Lightweight Pocketable Parka by Uniqlo (White) in Pouch

If anyone can explain how to fold it without those bulges showing, I'd be very much obliged. 




Yays

• Foldable (easy to store)
• Cheap compared to other brands (Muji's retails for $80)
• Lightweight (not a burden in your bag)
• Durable
• Machine washable
• Hoodie (protect your head)

Nays

• Semi-transparent (for the white, at least)
• Wrinkly
• Will not stand up to heavy rain (or 5 seconds under my faucet on high presure)

This jacket is meant to be used in conjunction with a good umbrella in the face of medium-heavy rains. I like using this jacket for for drizzles and the like when I need or want to keep my hands free.

Heys

• If you do decide to use the pockets, wrap paper money and electronics  in waterproof items just in case it soaks through when the rain is stronger than expected.
• Do not buy the white version if you're planning to use the pockets as it is see-through. Remember that theft is rampant in the Philippines.
• Wear clothes underneath the jacket ^^
• Strangely enough, the INNER pocket is closer to the OUTSIDE of the jacket while the OUTER pocket is closer to your body. If you want to store valuables, store it in the pouch pocket, which is closest to the body.

Okays

• For those who want extra protection against rainy days
• For those who don't want to commit to something as heavy/bulky as an umbrella

Buy Again? No, one is enough for me. I expect this to last me a long time. However, for those who do not have the jacket, I would recommend buying it. Now that the rainy season is coming, I expect more use of this item.

Do you look forward to June 15 now?