Happy 123rd Independence Day, friends in The Philippines!

June 11, 2021

As The Philippines celebrates Independence Day this month, we delve into the past and share some of the founding stories of the social enterprise partners who have been with us since the beginning of our retail journey. 



ANTHILL Fabric Gallery

Did you know that ANTHILL stands for Alternative Nest and Trading/Training Hub for Ingenious/Indigenous Little Livelihood Seekers? This social enterprise was founded by Cebuano Anya Lim more than 10 years ago to realise her vision for an inclusive business model that preserves weaving traditions and nurtures community enterprises. 

Other than its abaca or banana fibre collection (see photo), ANTHILL is also known for its partnership with weavers to produce native textiles using upcycled threads. 

Find their signature range of abaca buckets in multiple colours right here in Destination GOOD.

EnRoute Handcrafted

Hailing from Davao City, Mindanao, EnRoute Handcrafted is a local favourite for the pastel loveliness of its eco-friendly jewellery range. 

Founder Yana Santiago paired her fashion design degree and social activism to create her distinctively hued accessories. Each piece is made women from vulnerable communities including stay-at-home mothers from low-income households and human trafficking survivors.

Affordable, light and cheerful, one is not enough - why not try a stack of bracelets with matching necklaces and earrings?



Rags2Riches

Since 2007, this award-winning social enterprise has partnered with local designers and weavers from marginalised communities in Manila to produce colourful bags and accessories, beloved by the city’s fashionistas. 

Aside from weaving training, R2R provides its weavers with life skills from financial to health training, a programme which is further expanded with an AirAsia Foundation grant in 2013. Today, AirAsia Foundation’s social enterprise shop is Malaysia’s sole retailer of Rags2Riches’ desirable bags.

Check out card holders, clutches and bags in the label’s signature weave made using upcycled fabric. Make sure you check out the limited edition designs featuring traditional Filipino weaves.