Zapateria 2019

Yesterday, I joined a bag-making workshop at Zapateria Marikina. I was mentored by Mariel Manalansan, a KL-based Filipino leather craftsman and teacher.

I enjoyed the workshop, and I was able to make my own shoulder bag! I met new friends, got to eat delicious tapsilog at Tapsi Ni Vivian, and support my grade school classmate Unyx’s creative co-working hub. It was a privilege to make something by hand and explore the shoemaking capital of the Philippines.

My creative journey has only just begun!

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! 

Zapateria

Last Saturday, I was fortunate to attend the community launch of my friend Unyx Sta. Ana’s co-creation lab Zapateria. It is located in the heart of Marikina. Her dad, Rico Sta. Ana, is one of the city’s distinguished shoe designers. Here, he is shown cutting the ribbon and formally opening this wonderful space for makers. 

Unyx was a grade school friend, so naturally I was able to reunite with ladies from my Miriam College Grade School life. Here, I am with Erika Bolante, the interior designer of Zapateria. 

Erika designed the space, including this shoe chandelier.  

It was a fine touch to showcase local leather...

...And to showcase shoe designs from the 80’s and 90’s.  

I also caught up with Anj, another grade school friend. We share the same birthday and we were born at the same hospital!

Various aspects of shoemaking, as well as sample shoe designs, adorn the space. 

My friends and I proceeded to eat lunch. The bacon-wrapped bananas were so good! 

Also met up with Gianina and her husband Carlo. 

It was also thrilling to get a photograph with Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, who happens to be related to Unyx. 

Finally, a photo with Unyx and the rest of my grade school girls!

I had an amazing afternoon! It was great to see my friends again and of course, it was fulfilling to see Unyx and her dad open a promising co-creation space for the Marikina shoemaking industry.  

Congratulations Unyx and Zapateria!