Not Just an Action Word: Part 1

Verb.  To define it in its simplest essence, it is an action word.  However, in Bohol, the word Verb got a different definition, or better yet, a stronger representation of the meaning Webster has given it.

Verb is the newest fashion hub in Bohol.  Located at the Upper Ground Level of Bohol Quality Mall, right in front of the Dunkin' Donuts stall and beside HBC and BQ Pharmacy, Verb is home to many stylish and very fashion-forward eye-candies.  And the greatest deal Verb offers, items come in very budget-friendly prices.

A view of Verb's entrance

Verb came out as the fruit of a planned expansion of Cebu retail stores Voonga and Hansam, which, just like Verb, offer fashionable yet affordable finds.  The venture found its way to the shores of Bohol when the owners found it to be livelier compared to other prospect locales.

As a fashion store, Verb aims to keep their target market  --- students --- abreast with latest fashion trends.  The selected target market is also the reason behind Verb's affordability.  In order to gain patronage from students whose purchasing power depend on their allowance, they have to have their clothes come in budget-friendly prices.

The interior and ambiance are what drawn me to this new store. Coming inside Verb gives you a feel of being transported to some hip and stylish boutique...or even a party club.   With its walls painted to mimic bricks and with a spare tire on the side, Verb gives out an atmosphere of fun and belonging, just like any hang out place or tambayan does.  They also have this flat screen TV that plays the music videos of recent and popular songs ranging from Taylor Swift's Spark's Fly to Kpop's sexy flower boys Super Junior's Sexy Free and Single.

The wheel at the side with belts hanging on the side.  Sorry for the blurry photos.

The walls by the Men's section.  Yeah, it is all bricks...painted images of bricks.

The TV above the counter plays the music videos of all the songs we are currently
listening to.  The one playing that time is Demi Lovato's Skyscraper.  You just can't notice
because the TV is too bright.

The Bronx-y (referring to Bronx, New York) appeal of the place is contrasted by the fitting rooms on the second floor.  It looks like bricked walls of chambers and labyrinths found in century-old castles where damsels in distress or the kingdom's enemies are held captive, although the doors have this western saloon wild wild west feel.  But wait, there is more of the contrast!  The interior of the fitting rooms look like classy and elegant, with white walls filled with black flowers and curls, just like Victorian ball gowns layered with black lace.

Outside the fitting room.

Inside the fitting room.

According to Ate MJ Arnaiz, Verb's store manager, the interior was carefully thought of in order for customers to feel homey and comfortable, "especially sa mga batan-on, inag sulod, ganahan sila mu-stay (especially for the young, once they enter [Verb], they would love to stay)."  

She also stressed that while the interior was basically aimed towards the young, Verb also wants to make kids and the parents feel at home.  True enough, ever since it opened last September 15, the store has been visited by many Boholanos ranging from elementary and high school students to moms who are, presumably, at their mid-thirties or early forties.

But while the venue keeps the place modern and very inviting, it is their products that pull customers in and make them come back.  Who would not be tempted?  Colorful garments in the comfiest textiles at their most affordable price without thinking of quality problems?  You would be kidding me if you say you are not...not  unless you are the brand conscious type of shopper.

Verb houses cute finds (however, there are too many of the same stuff inside) ranging from shirts, dresses, shorts, hats, bags and the hottest hot cake of them all, accessories.  They also have undergarments for women.

Shirts for men

Shirts for men.  The "Hello! My Name is Single" (the one in apple green) print is the
best-selling statement shirt of Verb. Apologies for the blurry photo.

Blouses for women

Blouses for women

Accessories for men

Accessories for women

Hat overload

Bags. There is a domo bag on the side. I just failed to take a picture of it.

Colorfully-printed undergarments for women

The shirts, both men's and women's, are bought from a supplier based in Manila.  The accessories are Manila imports as well.  If you happen to visit fashion blogs by Manila's young and fierce such as Laureen Uy or Camille Co, you will see that most of the accessories sold in Verb resembles those worn/ featured in those blogs. This means that the accessories sold in Verb are among the most fashionable in Manila fashion scene.  Definitely a more budget-friendly alternative for those who wish to look just like Manila's top fashionistas.

Their dresses, on the other hand, are either shipped from Bangkok or have been custom-made specifically for Verb.  This goes for their blouses as well.

Guys looking for the perfect shirt

Girls looking for the perfect blouse

Verb's great deals make their small space a very busy corner in BQ Mall with so many people going in and out of the store every minute.  But the intense customer traffic does not make their store attendants less accommodating as they are always very friendly and very approachable.  This, according to Ate MJ, is one of their edge over their competitors --- assuring customer value not just through offering the best in the lowest price possible but also through friendly customer handling.  "Bawal ang maldita (Bad attitude is not allowed)," Ate MJ asserts.

Since Bohol is not among the country's trade centers or fashion capitals, it is difficult to find a shop that is affordable, quality-assured, and fashion-forward all at the same time.  So Verb is heaven sent for every Boholano who wish to look good without spending too much.

Visit Verb and find out for yourself that dressing up without going out of budget is never difficult.  Definitely, Verb, in Bohol, is more than an action word.

P.S. Check out my Php500 Verb Shopping challenge here.

Acknowledgements:
I would personally like to thank the owners of Verb and their store manager, Ate MJ 
for granting me this feature.