Welcome the changing of the seasons with these Filipino made products in in Europe, USA, and Canada, perfect for your holiday gift giving and the Christmas season.
For many of us who moved abroad, experiencing a season change is nothing short of fascinating. Fall in particular just feels magical. What is this weird alchemy that turns leaves into red or brown, and finally causes them to fall to the ground? Where did all the basil and tomatoes go? Why does the light seem different?
Second to snow winters, Autumn or Fall is a season that is so foreign to those of us who are used to only two seasons. But it is also somewhat familiar and comforting, bringing in delightful sensations that come with the invigorating chill in the air, the smell of crackling fires, crunchy leaves on the ground, and the filtered glow of early autumn mornings. It all feels like an invitation to slow down and be grounded. And we certainly deserve it, after the record-high heatwave this summer!
As we move into the new season, we’re sharing some of our top picks Filipino made products that will help you stay cozy, zen, and relaxed all through the autumn and Christmas season. The best part is that they’re all made by Filipino businesses and creators abroad.
Manila Candle
Turn your favorite room into cozy central with these hand-poured, scented soy candles from Manila Candles, a California-based shop with over 700 sales and a 5-star rating on Etsy. Best-selling scents like Sampaguita, Calamansi, and Boracay easily transport us back to the Philippines. Aside from fragrances based on food and places, you’ll also find candles with Pinoy witty-isms or candles inspired by Filipino family members.
Website: http://manilacandle.com
Etsy shop: http://etsy.com/shop/ManilaCandle
Sand Dune Throw Blanket from Nara Studio NY
Autumn is definitely blanket season. Curl up in this luxurious, hand-woven throw blanket from Ilocos, a province known for its rich weaving tradition. The blanket is large and comes in a lovely neutral sand color with patterns of rivers and flowers. Nara Studio is a New York-based business that bridges indigenous artisans in the Philippines and kababayans worldwide.
Website: http://narrastudio.com
Etsy shop: http://etsy.com/shop/NarraStudioNY
Coloring Books by Emma Farrarons
The adult coloring book trend is definitely here to stay. And for good reasons, too- they’re a great de-stressing tool, helpful for improving mindfulness and concentration. Emma Farrarons is a Philippine-born, London-based artist and the creator of the Mindfulness Moments and Art of Mindfulness coloring books. They’re beautifully designed and filled with exquisite scenes and patterns that inspire joy. You’ll be coloring your way to calm in no time.
Website: http://emmafarrarons.com
Book Depository: http://bookdepository.com/author/Emma-Farrarons
Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas
Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen should be on your autumn reading list. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, this book is part memoir and part exploration of the plight of undocumented immigrants. Vargas writes, “This book is about constantly hiding from the government and, in the process, hiding from ourselves. This book is about what it means to not have a home.” The book first came out in 2018 and has already resonated with many readers, with an average rating of 4.3 stars with over 9,000 reviews on Good Reads.
Available on Amazon and other bookstores.
Season’s Harvest Coffee Bundle by Kapé
Kapé is a social venture that ethically sources its coffee beans directly from indigenous farmers in the Philippines. The beans are then batch-roasted in the Coast Salish Territories in Vancouver, Canada. The Season’s Harvest Coffee Bundle features three coffees from three different farmers, proudly given their due recognition on the label.
Website: http://kape.coffee/
Mugs from Shop Les Belle
Drink your favorite warm beverages in these unique, minimalist mugs from Shop Les Belle, a US-based online business. The black mug features a quote from our national hero and one of the first Filipino expats, Jose Rizal. The white mug has a dainty line drawing and script that’s perfect for those who love feminine designs.
Etsy shop: http://etsy.com/shop/ShopLesBelle
Chunky Knit Beanies and Scarves from Witch That Knits
These handmade chunky knit beanies and scarves from US-based artist Rose Thompson come in fun, whimsical colors, and patterns. The bright and happy shots of color are just what we need during cold and dreary days.
Website: http://witchthatknits.com
Order through: witchthatknits@gmail.com or http://instagram.com/witchthatknits
Matapang and Suplada Hoodies from Pinay Collection
Filipino words like “suplada”, “mataray”, and “maarte” often have negative connotations. Jovie Galit, the Toronto-based creator behind Pinay Collection, wants to reclaim pejorative words in the Filipino language through her clothing line. The Pinay Collection sweatshirts are soft, cozy, and full of attitude. They’re also size-inclusive, carrying sizes from Extra Small up to 4XL.
Website: http://pinaycollection.com
Unisex Oversized Ifugao Jacket from Vinta Gallery
Big, boxy blazers are back this fall. Incorporate the trend into your wardrobe with this modern meets traditional Ifugao textile blazer from Vinta Gallery. Depending on how you style it, this one-of-a-kind piece can be dressed up or down for any occasion. It’s also unisex, so don’t hesitate to lend it to your favorite tita/bunso/kuya.
Website: http://vintagallery.com
Tzokolaté
What is cozier than sipping a nice cup of chocolate drink on a chilly Saturday while enjoying a bar of Filipino chocolates? Tzokolaté is a Swedish-based chocolate brand born out of nostalgia for sikwate, a dark chocolate drink made from tablea. Chef Elle Philipps together with her partners Rose and Jenny started selling tablea tablets, chocolate snacks, and chocolate bars including Auro and Theo and Philo, all made from authentic Filipino cacao beans.
Order from: http://tzocolate.com/collections/all
Parol
For the ultimate Filipino Christmas vibe, nothing will beat the one and only Filipino parol, our happy and colorful version of the Christmas lantern. Whether it is a simple version made of bamboo and cellophane, or an elaborate one made from capiz, the ubiquitous parol welcomes Christmas in almost all Pinoy homes. Get your own parol from these websites: Netherlands (kahoy.nl), USA (parolsofamerica.com) Ger- many (onlineparolshop.com), Canada (wowmabuhay.ca), Gift Ko (via Amazon.com)
This article was first published in TFEM’s Autumn/Summer Issue 2022. Do you want to add your business in this list? Email us at publisher@thefilipinoexpat.com
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