Whenever we hear the words homegrown brands or local brands, Filipinos immediately think of native products and souvenirs that we can buy in the nearby market. But more than the usual pasalubong (souvenir) you can think of, entrepreneurs nowadays are redefining these terms with high-quality local products that can give international brands a run for their money. You can find some homegrown brands at these local brand stores in Metro Manila.
From fashionable accessories to everyday home items, we found a couple of local brands in Metro Manila and products of Manila that will make you proud to be a Filipino.
Read on and shop local for these fantastic local brands in Metro Manila.
Wear DBTK’s shirts and caps, and you’ll be the talk of your town or street!
Images: Don’t Blame the Kids Apparel Co.
More than just being another homegrown brand that sells t-shirts, Don’t Blame the Kids (DBTK) Apparel Co. wants to give Filipinos a brand that caters solely to streetwear fashion. This local brand in Metro Manila extends from t-shirts to pants, jackets, hoodies, and even bags, with a unique aesthetic that can rival foreign brands. This local product in Manila also promotes gender-neutral clothing to give the youth freedom to express themselves through their items. DBTK’s shirts start at PhP850.
This sleek pair of shoes are proudly Marikina made by Black Wing Shoes.
Images: Black Wing Shoes
Shoes are a big part of our daily lives, and buying a new one is considered an investment as you’ll surely want to wear them for a long time. One local brand in Metro Manila worthy of your hard-earned money is Black Wing Shoes. The Black Wing Shoes is a homegrown brand that is a shoe design workshop located in Marikina and specializes in handcrafted and custom-fit shoes. Hence you won’t find ready-to-wear shoes here!
Walk-ins are discouraged, so scheduling an appointment with Black Wing Shoes through their social media channels is safe. This local brand in Metro Manila ranges their pair of shoes at PhP3,500 and can go high depending on the design and materials used.
Physical Store:Common Room PH, #325 Dela Rosa St. Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Online Store:https://www.simoyngharaya.com/
Feel all feelings every time you walk into your room with these scents from Simoy ng Haraya.
Images: Simoy ng Haraya
For homebodies, you’ll surely love one local brand in Metro Manila, Simoy ng Haraya. You indeed feel nostalgic for this homegrown brand once you get a whiff of their room sprays like Panaderia (starts at PhP599), Isla (starts at PhP599), and Hamog (starts at PhP849). Aside from making your home aromatherapy heaven, the scents of this local product in Manila are like bottled-up memories that’ll make you travel back in time.
Other products you can get at this local brand in Metro Manila, Simoy ng Haraya, include perfumes and colognes (starting at PhP129) with quirky names like Lambing, Alaala, and soaps (starting at PhP249). Stash on your favorite scent by shopping online or checking their products at Common Room PH.
Be a little rebellious or go with classic specs with Baobab’s collection.
Images: Baobab
This local brand in Metro Manila’s name might sound like the famous trees found in the island country of Madagascar. Still, Baobab is also a local product in the Manila eyewear line in the country. The homegrown brand sells sunglasses and spectacles with about 40 designs in varying colors. They also have graded lenses that range from ordinary lenses to multi-coated, ultra-slim, and sun-adaptive ones.
If you’re a fearless fashionista who’s not afraid to break trends, this local brand in Metro Manila has these products; the Esme (PhP399) is a fun sunglass to wear on a sunny day. If you need framed lenses, try the sun-adaptive and gadget-safe Millan (PhP1,199) for fashionable yet functional spectacles you can use daily.
Physical Stores:Robinsons, Filinvest Supermall Alabang, Kiss & Fly NAIA Terminal 3, Go Lokal Concept Store, Ayala Center Cebu
Online Store:https://kawayanph.com
It’s time to go local and wear this classic timepiece from Kawayan PH.
Image: Kawayan PH
For the fashionistas, another homegrown brand that’ll make you proudly Filipino is Kawayan PH. This local brand in Metro Manila creates watches made out of bamboo that is not only functional and fashionable but also environmentally friendly. Kawayan PH also uses the Premium Japanese Miyota 2035 movement to power their watches and ensure quality.
Don’t underestimate this product in Manila, the Kawayan PH’s collection, as they also have various colors and styles that’ll fit every personality. They have a classic, analog one like The Miyagi (PhP2,100) and more modern dress watches like The Savannah (PhP2,899). This local brand in Metro Manila also has watches for couples, perfect for lovers! Check out homegrown brand designs in their online shop or visit Go Local!.
Physical Store:Unit 506 Omm Citra Bldg, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City
Online Store:https://jacintoandlirio.com/
Never leave essential documents again with this planner from Jacinto & Lirio.
Image: Jacinto & Lirio
“Adulting” is hard, but you can find a steady companion with this local brand in Metro Manila, the Jacinto & Lirio. This homegrown brand creates handmade journals, bags, and wallets perfect for those who need organization in their life! Aside from being stylish and functional, their products are also made with water hyacinth, a highly-destructive plant that causes floods and poisons bodies of water, to help the environment!
If you’re always on the go, you might need the homegrown brand’s Likhain Planner (starts at PhP245). This product in Manila has a planner and wallet literally in one! It has a dateless planner, several pockets for your passport and receipts, plus small compartments for cords and money.
Physical Stores:San Juan, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig
Online Store:https://www.soakartisansoap.com/
Turn your bathroom into a spa with these cruelty-free and plant-based bath bombs from Soak!
Images: Soak Artisan Soap
Skincare has been enjoying its moment in the spotlight for some time now, and one homegrown brand you’ll be proud to add to your stash is Soak Artisan Soap. From soaps and scrubs to bath bombs, this local brand in Metro Manila creates handmade skincare goodies to give you the best bath of your life! Aside from its dessert-like colors and aromatic scents, its products are also plant-based and cruelty-free.
To give your skin some extra treat, get one of these products in Manila’s Grapefruit Cocktail Bath Bombs (PhP156). It has Kaolin clay to remove impurities from your body and coconut oil to seal the moisture. Find this local brand in Metro Manila at The Green Company, The Craft Central, and Providore.
Physical Store:15C La Fuerza Plaza 2241 Chino Roces Ave. Makati
Online Store:https://www.altumconcepts.com/
Filipino creations can be edgy, too, with Altum.
Images: Altum
Finding a homegrown brand furniture shop is not an easy task, but Altum Concepts is here to help you beautify your abode. This local brand in Metro Manila creates modern and contemporary pieces ranging from planters to vases and lighting furniture to give your home an updated, fresh look. This homegrown brand is also known for pioneering sustainable materials in the furniture and houseware industry.
For subtle but unique effects in your home, add some of Altum’s Accent Vase (starts at PhP1,600) in your living room. Its unique shape is a great conversation starter and can also hold your favorite flowers.
From personal care products to housewares, local entrepreneurs are increasingly becoming inventive and innovative with their creations that we can be genuinely proud of! Let us know which local brands in Metro Manila you will try soon!
VisitYoorekka Magazinefor more local shopping tips and trends in the metro!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on August 09, 2018.
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About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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