It’s Buwan ng Wika, and what better way to showcase some Pinoy pride than supporting local businesses? This August, Shopee Pili Pinoy puts the spotlight on proudly homegrown enterprises and their lovingly crafted products.
Jhoanna Paula Tabije and Lemuel Tabije, Joy Marcelo-Ginto, Valentina Patriarca, MJ Sia, and Kyla Cañete’s stories and wares differ, but they all share one thing in common: passion, be it for their family, community, or fashion.
Abubot PH by Jhoanna Paula Tabije and Lemuel Tabije
In 2018, Paula lost her job due to cutbacks. To continue providing for their family, Paula and her husband Lemuel began selling on Shopee. Starting with just a 20 sqm room at home and a meager capital, the couple found success, thereafter becoming one of the leading women’s fashion sellers on the platform.
Paula and Lemuel take pride in providing work for their employees despite the pandemic.
“‘Yung employees namin galing from all walks of life. We have students, we have teachers, we have professionals. Very thankful kami kasi in some way nakakatulong kami sa kanila, pati na rin sa suppliers namin, ‘yung mga local manufacturers in Taytay.”
Joy Marcelo RTW Clothing by Joy Marcelo-Ginto
Before finding success on Shopee, Joy was working a below minimum wage job with a child on the way. Once she gave birth, she told herself that life needed to change for the better.
With a capital of just ₱1,500, Joy joined Shopee to sell ready-to-wear clothing and soon found success for her humble shop.
As a fashion lover, Joy recognizes the industry’s problem with inclusive sizing. This is why she wants to expand her line with even more sizes to cater to consumers.
Via Christi by Valentina Patriarca
Like many Filipinos, civil engineer Valentina had to find alternative sources of income when the pandemic struck. Since she is based in Rizal, an area known for textile manufacturing, Valentina decided to sell face masks. As her business began to grow, Valentina saw an opportunity to provide jobs for out-of-work seamstresses in her neighborhood
Valentina believes that businesses should not be solely driven by personal gains, but also by community empowerment.
Tazanna by MJ Sia
As a shoe enthusiast, MJ believes that finding affordable and good-quality shoes shouldn’t have to be hard. This inspired the creation of Tazanna, her very own shoe store. As her brand’s name, which means princess, denotes, MJ’s goal was to make customers feel like royalty whenever they wore her products.
Tala by Kyla by Kyla Cañete
As a self-proclaimed maarte girl, Kyla has always loved jewelry. Her jewelry store Tala by Kyla started as a passion project during her summer break. Her Shopee store has grown exponentially since then, amassing a following of more than a million people in just one year. She offers a wide range of gorgeous pendants and rings to suit her customers’ varying tastes.
Support Abubot PH, Joy Marcelo RTW Clothing, Via Christi, Tazanna, Tala by Kyla, and other local businesses this Buwan ng Wika by visiting Pili Pinoy on Shopee: https://shopee.ph/m/shopee-pili-pinoy. You can also enjoy exclusive deals, products under ₱99 and exciting vouchers.
