LIST: Homegrown brands to explore at Nakakalocal bazaar's 4th edition
There's no better experience than shopping and discovering the creative talents of Filipino artisans. And while we all have our favorite local brands, bazaars offer a unique way to discover new homegrown labels and goods.
For those eager to shop while championing Filipino artisans, PhilSTAR Media Group's Nakakalocal campaign is set to return for its fourth year.
Emphasizing community and collaboration, "Nakakaloc4l: Come Together" seeks to uplift, empower, and grow Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as it features a variety of local fashion, home, design, and lifestyle brands.
"This year, Nakakalocal levels up, not just as a campaign, but as a dynamic community where the spirit of collaboration, connection, and continuous growth both thrive," said PhilSTAR Media Group executive vice president Lucien Dy Tioco during the launch. "We are creating a space where businesses are not only featured, but fully supported with access, tools, and networks that empower them to scale with purpose."
Dy Tioco also teased the debut of Starcast, a new initiative that will feature inspiring stories of standout MSMEs, as well as the launch of the Nakakalocal Membership Program, which is "designed to offer exclusive access to workshops, mentorship, market support, and a peer-to-peer network that drives long-term growth."
Additionally, there will be more roaming bazaars across Metro Manila, all while continuing mentorship for a community of over 2,000 businesses.
While specific dates for the bazaars have not yet been announced, eager shoppers are encouraged to check The Philippine STAR's social media channels for updates.
Whether you’re on the hunt for bold accessories or small gift ideas that showcase Pinoy skills and creativity, you'll find something to love at the Nakakalocal fair. Below are some of the brands you can expect at this year's event:
CHOPS to Go
When it’s snack time, you can never go wrong with chips. Stock up with some of CHOPS to Go’s fresh potato chips that are made with real, locally sourced potatoes and contain no unnecessary additives.
They’re available in 120g, 160g, and 280g sizes and come in an assortment of flavors, but the best-sellers are BBQ, Nori, White Cheddar, Sour Cream, and Plain.
Another Coffee
If you’re one of those people who can’t live without caffeine (we certainly can’t blame you), get your hands on Another Coffee. These rich chocolate-covered espresso beans will redefine your entire coffee experience.
You can get the beans in Classic, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, and Matcha flavors, but if you want to be a little more adventurous, you can also try Keso, Limone, Ube, Berry, and Pandan. Prices start at P250.
Magpoc's
Is your sweet tooth tingling for some cookies? You can keep your eye out for Magpoc's Araro Cookies, which are traditional Filipino treats made with arrowroot powder from the arrowroot plant.
You can enjoy flavors from Classic Araro to Mango, Cashew, Cacao, Strawberry, Purple Yam, and more.
Alixia Marie PH
Bag lovers out there will certainly fall in love with the works of Alixia Marie PH. The contemporary fashion brand celebrates Filipino craftsmanship through modern and versatile designs as seen in their stylish bags and clothes.
The shop utilizes valuable materials, including handwoven fabrics like Solihiya Rattan and Binakol of Ilocos, as well as deadstock fabric, and intricate hand embroidery by the Itneg Tribe and Yakan of Zamboanga.
Bayong Kultura
Bayong Kultura also offers a selection of bayong bags, pouches, footwear, and fans that have been hand-painted with elegant imagery and are all crafted using local materials such as pandan, abaca, and buri fibers.
Rolyolikha at iba pa Handicrafts
Summer bags are in, and Rolyolikha at iba pa Handicrafts has you covered with a wide selection. The community-driven social enterprise strives to transform natural materials such as water lily, bamboo, and pandan into beautiful, sustainable products.
Crafting Time
If you’re hoping to add some new jewelry to your collection, you can trust Crafting Time to give you one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry pieces using polymer clay and other artisanal materials.
The pieces are not only made with love and care, but they also reflect the rich heritage of the Philippines and empower local communities as the brand supports youth education in Western Bicutan, Taguig.
Jhaz Footwear
The right kind of shoes can elevate an outfit, and Jhaz Footwear takes that to the next level by blending style, comfort, and durability in every pair, making sure you step out with confidence and flair.
The footwear brand creates high-end handmade shoes like espadrilles, wedges, and mules using natural materials such as abaca and locally made fabrics from across the Philippines.
Iosifin
Essential oils are exactly what their name suggests—truly essential for the mind, body, and soul. You would be pleased to know that you can find some at this year's Nakakalocal fair through Iosifin.
This apothecary shop offers essential oil rollers and sanitizers crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and pure, therapeutic essential oil blends. Each roller is also infused with dried botanicals, making them perfect for various needs.
Craftcha
Who would've thought that used flour sacks could be repurposed into fun outfits? That's what Craftcha does best with its items that are made from 99% repurposed and upcycled materials.
From flour sacks to old jeans, they transform outdated textiles into reusable bags, aprons, towels, and more.
Bag'ito
Bag'ito is another brand tailored to eco-conscious consumers, offering bags and apparel that are crafted from deadstock and upcycled fabrics.
Each item features handwoven textiles indigenous to the Philippines.
Linya-Linya
Have something to say but can't really say it out loud? Let your clothes speak with Linya-Linya’s witty and relatable shirts that reflect Filipino experiences and culture.
The brand shares heartfelt humor and creativity through the use of puns and illustrations that are often based on shared everyday moments and emotions.
