FLEXING FILIPINO CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION THROUGH QUALITY-MADE PRODUCTS

Ever since the dawn of Filipino culture, we have witnessed the creativity and uniqueness of Filipinos through ancient, classical, modern, and contemporary arts. Most of these are now being studied in schools or displayed in cultural and history museums. Now, you can see the creativity of Filipinos in every aspect of society — from architecture, cuisine, fashion to literature, music, and films. In fact, you can almost say that creativity and innovation are embedded in the everyday lives of Filipinos.

Whether we are aware of it or not, ingenuity is in the blood of every Filipino. When you think about it, not only do the creative arts reflect Philippine society with its diverse cultural influences, values and traditions; they are also a contributing factor in the Philippine economy. Most local business owners today are challenged to steer their business in resourceful and imaginative ways.

It is for these reasons that the Department of Trade and Industry started the #FlexPHridays campaign. Apart from the physical stores, Filipinos have adapted to showcase their creativity and innovation online to reach more audience. Hence, the Go Lokal team listed some of the local products from Filipino MSMEs that you will find perfect for your unique taste.

Filipino Creativity Expressed Through Various Local Products

Filipinos are known for their extraordinary creativity and resourcefulness. Even in local businesses where local products display traditional Filipino techniques or promote Filipino values and culture, the inventiveness pours out. Read on to see some local brands that epitomize the ingenuity of Filipinos!

Fashion

Filipinos have distinct styles and techniques when creating clothes, shoes, and accessories. We’ve learned to weave and use organic materials such as fabric made from Abaca, banana, and pi?a leaf. Other traditional techniques include the use of wood for accessories. An example of this is Kayu’s wooden watches or Bamboo glasses.

Another great thing about Philippine fashion is the art of playing with colors, various shapes, and designs. Team Manila is one of the local fashion brands offering a variety of cool and trendy shirts and accessories.

Food

When it comes to food, Filipino cuisine is world-famous for having inventive and flavorful dishes.

Examples of innovative and delicious local products are SAGANA by Lick The Spoon’s bottled products where they offer a variety of savory and sweet dips created by Chef Arnold, which can be used to cook with pasta or spread on breads and crackers.

Filipinos are also known for producing delectable desserts. These include classic cookies turned into stick form called Cookie Sticks by Aretei Food Corporation and Shortbread cookies in kapeng barako and queso de bola flavors from Manila Cookie Story. Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates also makes artisanal chocolates from Philippine cacao beans with distinct flavors such as dark chocolate with labuyo chili and dark chocolate with green mango and salt!

Home Decor

The Philippines is home to skillful and talented artisans that create wonderful decorative art pieces and furniture. Arden Classic Inc.’s elegant art pieces and home furnishings handcrafted and designed by award-winning artist, Arden Siarot, demonstrates excellent Filipino craftsmanship. Art Meets Craft Inc.’s hand-painted fiber-resin home decors created by Angono-based local artists add a bit of whimsy and a pop of color to your home.

Aside from decorative art pieces, Filipinos are great at repurposing materials and using sustainably sourced handcrafted products. BalaiKamay is an example of a local business that upcycles and sustainably sources raw materials to create different items and furniture. Moreover, this company supports artisan communities including carpenters, carvers, and skilled PWDs.

Other Locally Made Products

Filipinos also bring out their creativity through accessories just like the quirky, handmade and upcycled trinkets and toys from Sapin Sapin Tanzan. For those looking to spruce up their digital gadgets, Woven provides handwoven gadget sleeves for laptops and phone cases made by artisans in Basey, Samar.

In addition to various accessories, we can see Filipino innovativeness in crafting musical instruments—from the design to its quality material, like the Turtulele by DWYC, Inc. This work of art is a fiberglass ukulele designed and manufactured in Cebu, Philippines.

Supporting and Promoting the Filipino Ingenuity

We cannot deny that Filipino creativity and innovation are without limits and cannot be boxed in. And it is a proud moment when Filipinos recognize and support artisans and local businesses. With the #FlexPHridays movement—as well as by purchasing beautifully made products created by Filipinos—we proactively embody the Bayanihan spirit.

Therefore, Go Lokal promotes products that showcase Filipino resourcefulness and cultural reverence. Go ahead and browse through our online or concept stores and purchase from our wonderful MSME partners. Let your inner creativity shine while showing support to Filipino entrepreneurs and artisans!

For more unique goods, visit any of our physical stores nationwide and online marketplaces. Drop by the Go Lokal Concept Store in Makati City or browse through our online stores:

Concept Store:

Go Lokal Concept Store - DTI Head Office, 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Online Stores:

LazMall: https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/go-lokal/ ?

Shopee Mall: https://shopee.ph/golokalphilippines ?

Shopinas: www.shopinas.com/go-lokal ?

UnionBank GlobalLinker: https://golokal.linker.store ?

Support the creativity of fellow Filipinos! Buy local, Go Lokal!

Sources: Kayu, Team Manila, Lick the Spoon (Sagana by Lick the Spoon), Aretei Food Corporation (Cookie Sticks), Manila Cookie Story, Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, Arden Classic, Inc., Art 24, Inc.?