Manila Fame 2019

Yesterday, I woke up to a postcard sent by my good friend Nurai. She’s based in Germany, but she posted this from Spain while she was on holiday. 

It was the ideal preview to my artistic day ahead. I rode the LRT 1 and hailed a tuktuk to take me directly to the World Trade Center. 

I went to the Manila Fame to immerse myself in Filipino artistry. My short visit last Friday was too brief, and I really wanted to spend more time at the fair. 

I started my visit with some refreshing liquer de calamansi. 

Then, I had some good coffee.  

I dropped by the Handcrafted by Harl’s booth because I love their advocacy in supporting differently-abled artisans. I bought a handbag from them last year, and it’s still serving me well. 

I joined a leather-crafting workshop for only Php50. I made a leather coin purse with the help of their talented deaf-mute artisans. 

I ended up being the empowered one because I learned a new skill and got to learn from a differently-asked person.  

It was lovely to see fashion influencer Lolaandrogynous at the fair! I totally dig her style. 

I also bought small trinkets from another social enterprise, Kilus.  

I got to appreciate the finer details during this visit.  

I finally got to try 1st Colonial’s sili ice cream and it was delicious!

I had a wonderful evening at Manila Fame and I’m very proud to be Filipino.  

I ended my day with cheese sticks, so I’m also doing the same here. 

Here’s to more opportunities to be proudly Pinoy! 

Handcrafted you Harl’s

I am happy with my new handbag by Philippine social enterprise Handcrafted by Harl’s. They employ PWD’s to make leather goods by hand (cut, punch, and stitch). They do not have a catalog as they constantly update their on-hand inventory based on the available leather, and they never make the same bag twice as they are fond of using rough or rugged-finish leather. Each bag or wallet has unique markings and scratches which give them a distressed, vintage finish. 

My unlined handbag is perfect for my petite frame. It is roomy enough to hold my daily essentials, but still structured enough to make me look polished. The vintage look is something that will definitely improve with age. 

I was personally assisted by Harl and his wife, Sheila. My ordering process was quick and seamless. They were also helpful with my queries, as they do not have a catalog and I was only referring to the information they provided to make me decide which bag to pick. 

I am happy with my new bag and it is really beautifully made. It matches all my outfits and I can see that it has been designed well. I hope that you will also consider buying a bag from Harl (just message him via Facebook or Instagram) and other social enterprises in the near future! You will be able to empower others while getting something made with so much love.