How Local Record Store Satchmi is Helping Keep Local Vinyl Culture Alive

I remember how my dad used to listen to his Bee Gees records on his old Technics player. He always used to say how different the music would sound on vinyl. The snaps, crackles, and pops that come with it and in general, how exactly the artists probably intended their music to sound like. 

The Motorino

Thirty plus years later, I find myself having to agree with him as I immerse myself in the colorful culture of vinyl all thanks to a quaint and quirky record store slash cafe at SM Megamall. Established in 2012, Satchmi began from a place of deep personal connection. The name itself is a play on legendary Jazz musician Louis Armstrong’s nickname ‘Satchmo’ and the word ‘me,’ which reflects how personal and emotional music is to all of us.

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The Fall and Rise of Vinyl

Vinyl’s unlikely return from near-death has been written about and dissected over the last few years, and it’s only expected to grow even further in the coming years. The global market for vinyl is expected to increase by $857.2 million from 2025 to 2029 as per Technavio. And according to data from Statista, vinyl LPs accounted for almost half of total album sales in the United States in 2024, although this is still far from its heyday when more than 300 million LPs and EPs were sold per year during the 1970s.  

Headphonessty.com reported that vinyl did make  rapid growth in its comeback this past decade but encountered a significant dip in 2023, with factors such as the much more expensive and time-consuming process of pressing vinyl records. These higher production costs are absorbed by the consumer.  

Despite all the technological advances related to how people consume music as well as the more convenient ways you can buy an artist’s latest album online, this technology from a hundred years ago just will not roll over and die. In fact, vinyl actually outsold CDs in 2022 for the first time since 1980s, proving how special it is in the hearts of audiophiles.  

“We don’t fear vinyl dying, because what we’re offering isn’t just a format,” Satchmi owner Ronald Sy says. “It’s a feeling. We work hard to keep the culture alive through curated selections, starter kits, educational content, and collaborations with artists. It's all about making vinyl approachable and meaningful for a new generation.”

Why Vinyl?

Sy’s own introduction to vinyl came from his father, too. “He used to repair jukeboxes back in the day,” Sy shares. “There was something magical about watching him work and how these machines brought music to life. That sparked the idea of bringing back a lifestyle that was more intentional, slow-paced, and laid-back. Something we felt was missing in today’s fast-moving world.”  

With all the technology readily available in 2025, there are so many ways to consume music that are easier and faster. Streaming platforms helped make music much more accessible and less expensive, too. Nobody would argue that having any artist’s entire library of music ready to play in just a few clicks on your smartphone is extremely convenient. However, similar to how some people prefer to enjoy their coffee, not everyone enjoys instant.

“There’s something about the whole ritual of preparing what you eventually take in,” Sy explains. “The process of playing a record—the act of choosing one, dropping the needle, sitting through it, adds a whole new layer to the experience”

The Itchyworms performing at Satchmi

It goes without saying that it might not be for everyone, but there’s still definitely a demand there. “Starting a business rooted in such a niche interest was definitely scary. Thirteen years ago, vinyl wasn’t mainstream in the Philippines but we weren’t doing this to follow a trend. We wanted to build a space and a culture that encouraged discovery, analog joy, and meaningful listening.”

Perched on the fourth level of SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall, Satchmi is an inviting space that welcomes everyone to browse through their ever-evolving collection of new and vintage vinyl. A haven for old souls, stepping into the store takes you back in time as the store is a treat for the senses. 

“Over the years, Satchmi has evolved into something more than just a record store. It has become a home for music lovers, coffee enthusiasts, film photographers, and people who simply want to slow down and enjoy the moment,” Sy shares. The cafe offers an impressive menu of coffee and food, with customers raving about the raspberry latte and chicken fingers. Also, apart from vinyl, Satchmi offers Lomography products as well for hobbyists who enjoy old school photography.   

For the Culture

Vinyl, of course, remains the main product at Satchmi and Sy and his team do everything they can to keep the local culture alive and growing.

“We decided to produce the Motorino turntables locally because we wanted to offer an accessible, quality way for people to start their vinyl journey,” Sy says. “It wasn’t just about selling records, it was about giving people the means to listen. A major highlight was creating a vinyl record featuring Filipino indie artists. It was a proud moment that encapsulated what we’re about, giving local talent a platform, and sharing music in its purest form.”  

Satchmi has been known to support local music by organizing live concerts at their space as well as annual celebrations of vinyl culture before the pandemic. “One of our fondest memories is hosting intimate acoustic sessions at Satchmi Megamall and Vinyl Day, which brought the community together and gave artists a space to shine. We definitely want to bring that back.”

In early June, the store did just that by hosting a live acoustic performance by The Itchyworms as part of Salomon’s ongoing XT-6 Fest Manila celebrations. “Of course, there have been challenges especially during the pandemic but they’ve helped shape who we are today,” Sy shares. “As for new locations, there's nothing definite yet, but we are open to the possibility. If the opportunity comes to open in a space that aligns with the Satchmi brand and lifestyle, we’ll definitely grab it.”

Come Dive In, the Water’s Fine

If he could only listen to five records for the rest of his life, Sy shares that his short list would include Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, 21 by Adele, Misty by Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy by Teddy Swims, and As You Were by Noel Gallagher. Sy also offers these three tips to anyone planning to explore the world of vinyl: “Don’t collect vinyl because someone told you to,” he says. Being quite the investment that it is, taking the plunge should be well thought out. “Get records that connect with you. Music you relate to that says something about who you are,” Sy offers. “Lastly, enjoy the journey. Vinyl is about discovery, not perfection.”

Coming from someone who is a rookie to vinyl, my own personal advice would be to take things slow. Don’t go crazy filling up your crate with records you may not even bother listening to anymore a year from now. To test the waters, a relatively affordable Motorino would be the perfect starter to see if vinyl’s for you. Upgrading to more advanced equipment with a heftier price tag could always follow but don’t get intimidated or overwhelmed by these things. There’s no pressure and the experience should be something that’s enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to ask experts to help guide you based on their own experiences with vinyl. Open yourself up to a new old thing and it just might tell you more about yourself than anything else. 

“Vinyl is more than just a way to listen to music,” Sy concludes. “It’s a physical representation of what you love.”