MANILA COLLECTIBLE COMPANY

new location

I've been meaning to write about the Manila Collectible Company for many months now. Finally I got the chance! This is the most opportune time to do a short article since they have moved to a more accessible site inside the Fort Santiago.

espadrille footwear re-purposed from scrap cloth

Since Charisse Aquino-Tugade started her own business, her company's getting some buzz in social media and in newspapers and magazines. That's because the Manila Collectible Company is built on a foundation of selling authentic Filipino products with the end in view of providing a decent livelihood for the ethnic communities. Originally, her atelier was right behind the Manila Cathedral. The move, as of late, has been quite providential in that they now are located at the Baluarte de San Francisco Javier. You can't miss it as you pass along the visitor's center of Fort Santiago.

all natural tanning oil

Ever one to promote responsible tourism and heritage preservation, the MCC's products provide a sort of curiosity for kids who are engrossed in new technology as well as memorable throw-backs for parents who can recall toys of their childhood and adolescence in an updated version. You can dress your kids in various  indigenous costumes from her off the rack clothes.

updated sungka

Aside from Native bags and basketry, one can order local textile sourced from indigenous tribes in the Philippines. One can purchase rolls of  T'nalak from the south or Inabel from the north. There are lingling-o pendants on string chokers, T'boli belts complete with brass bells, beads and bangles and leather bags galore.

antique pasiking (native backpack designe to repel rain)

Not only that! Since Charisse is a wanderer herself, who sources the items from the hinterlands  she makes sure that her items at least directly profits the communities that create her merchandise withou having to go through middlemen. What a lovely marketing strategy!