As we enter the new world we encourage Filipinos to practice #PinoyPride by supporting local brands.
RELATED: Ways To Support Local That Actually Make A Difference (Even In The Littlest Ways)
IBAY’S SILVER SHOP
Since 1974 Evelyn Ibay and her Ibay Silver Shop team in Baguio have been making the most intricate wearable silver art. With 28 branches all over Luzon, they have grown so much through the decades but it was the struggles that built the foundation of their business. Starting with just P5,000 investment Evelyn borrowed from her sister she trusted Avelino’s, her husband, silversmith expertise to create their products. They would patiently produce the silverware to meet the demand both in Baguio and Manila.
The biggest success came when international demand for silver jewelry grew especially through Japan, Europe and the US. Now the brand still upholds only the best standards for handcrafted silverware and plans to continue with their heritage products through innovation and masterful craftsmanship
For commissioned pieces message them on Facebook.
HABI LIFESTYLE
What started out as a business thesis back in college, Habi Lifestyle has now become a brand that continues to help local communities through the production of products that started from shoes and now expands to lifestyle wear. “After receiving funding from a competition we joined, we were able to continue Habi even after colleger. we also decided to continue because we were already able to build good rapport with the community that we worked with and we didn’t just want to leave them hanging after graduation” Janine Chiong, one of the founders said.
Through upcycled textile they create products that help three big communities that make their pieces. “How Habi works is we work directly with communities. As a social enterprise, we build relationships with each community we work with and come up with a comprehensive livelihood program with them. We pay fair trade rates per output, so they already earn even prior to us selling an item. They can also save a portion of their earnings with us so they can have emergency funds. Aside from this, we provide other benefits, including an upskilling opportunity to give them a chance to learn other skills aside from weaving. This includes sewing, using other tools such as screen printing or laser-cutting” she shared.
Learn more about their story here.
NAWA PH
If it’s classic gold jewelry you’re looking for, Nawa is here with stackable bangles and rings created by the T’boli tribe from South Cotabato. This enterprise started when friends Timmy Potenciano and Jopie Sanchez were in search for affordable tribal jewelry. With Jopie’s history working with K’Na the Dreamweaver of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and her building a relationship with the T’boli tribe, Nawa was born out of the kindness of the tribe to share their rich brass making tradition to more people.
The best part about purchasing their bangles and rings is that a part of the profits go back directly to the community of brass casters, weavers and partner organisation. “We work with the Lake Sebu School of Living traditions which aims to teach T’boli youth their rich cultural tradition and heritage” Timmy shared. Because of the pandemic the brand now has expanded to offering beautifully woven face masks created by the weavers from the same tribe.
Follow and other their pieces on Instagram at @nawa.ph
NIÑOFRANCO
If you’ve been watching the Miss Universe circuit and was all eyes on Catriona Gray’s journey as Miss Universe, you have probably seen the colorful Niñofranco skirts. Wilson Limon, the brand’s creative director, aims to do just this to bring the heritage of traditional weaving and beading to contemporary fashion. The pieces have clean silhouettes as to give the spotlight on the artistry of the different tribes who help create each piece. From chic embroidered palazzo trousers to pique shirts, one can easily find a piece that would fit their own lifestyle while celebrating these traditional artisans.
As a Davaoeño himself it was just right to promote the region’s tradition but he admits that he didn’t expect to be on this path in the behinning. As a fashion design major at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao he was tasked to reinvent ethnic textile for his thesis. After much research and building a relationship with the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe he created a 15-piece athleisure collection and the rest, as they say is history. Today, Limon and his brand work with more communities such as the T’boli tribe for weaves and the Tagakaolo tribe for hand-embellishments.
For updates on new collections follow the brand on instagram at @ninofranco.ph
