For the nerds, by the nerds! Take the plunge straight into the heart of hobbies at High Market Store and Cafe. What’s well known as the go-to online store for cards, High Market Online, also has a physical store location! If you’re new and looking to start your next card game, board game, or toy collection, don’t miss this wonderful cafe in Cubao. We had a quick interview with Thor, one of the tournament organizers at High Market to learn more about the hustle and bustle that fills the shop. Collectibles, cards, and coffee, High Market is THE gaming sanctum at the heart of the Metro.
Nerd is the Word
“Sir Mac (the owner), you’re a big nerd and I love you for it.”
The most eye-catching thing at High Market isn’t the mosaic wall of pop culture and card game characters, or the cabinets full of toys and card racks, but the gigantic portal to another dimension. Well, kind of. There’s a huge mirror that gives the illusion of a portal right next to the cashier, which makes it impossible to miss if you’re there to shop for some cards. The portal doesn’t serve any kind of functionality, other than it’s huge and it looks SICK. That’s what nerds like us love, and we’re so glad to see a fellow nerd bring this shop to life. Other than items for sale scattered around the shop, we see a huge chunk of their personal collection. Signed artworks, rare copies of cards, and even uncut sheets of magic cards. The aesthetic of High Market is nothing less than nerdy, and we love it!
Finding Some Common Ground
“Old players, new players, they all come and join the camaraderie here at High Market.”
The best thing for new players at High Market is the availability. You can walk in and find every kind of sealed product for the card game of your choice, be it Magic the Gathering, Grand Archive, Flesh and Blood, or Alpha Clash, they’ve got starter decks and other products that make it a breeze to start any game. If board games are your thing, they’ve got you covered there as well! High Market has all kinds of board games available for use, just purchase something at the shop or the cafe, and one of the staff will assist you in learning and playing the board game with your friends. It’s the perfect place to try out games before you get your own copy, and a great hangout spot as well.
High Market is top tier in events as well, with a wide array of events available to all kinds of gamers. If you’re just starting out, there are beginner events available weekly for you to try the latest TCGs and board games. As a veteran of any of these, you’ll be happy to find regularly scheduled tournaments with much heftier prizes, as well as the occasional big tourney with some cash prizes for top finishes. Themed events are plenty as well, with their recently successful couples event. Tons of people came in to play, and the shop is always seeing new faces!
Order Up!
“Our customers love the convenience. A cafe right inside the LGS.”
Once you’ve spent a couple hours playing and chatting at one of the tables, you’re bound to get hungry or thirsty. Espresso Joe is literally in the middle of the shop, just a couple steps away from every table. You can load up on caffeine to keep awake or try some of their milk tea and fruit juice drinks, and grab a small snack like a cookie or a muffin. If you’re feeling extra hungry, Espresso Joe also has some pasta for something a bit heavier than a pastry. We’ve seen a ton of people hanging out at the cafe, mostly working on their laptops or reading books. Occasionally, some of them can’t help but ask about the crowds of friends laughing and cheering over the games they’re playing, and eventually they join in on the fun as well! It’s a great place to bring your friends to chill and eventually have them try out the games you love.
High Market’s location makes it a great middle ground for friend groups. It’s right next to the Cubao station LRT, and right along Aurora Boulevard. We had an amazing time at High Market, and are excited to bring our other friends here to try some new games. Hope to see you guys there!
Another great find! We’re always excited to check out new shops around the Metro. Check out this one we found in San Juan.
