Style and sustainability go hand-in-hand with Wodd PH’s bamboo sunglasses
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What’s so trendy about these bamboo items that everyone’s talking about? From straws, tableware, toothbrushes, watches, even sunglasses, it seems that these mindful choices aren’t just fads, but outline a new lifestyle that aims to benefit not just its users, but the environment as well.
Take for instance, Wodd PH sunglasses. Since the frame is made of bamboo, each pair is lightweight and durable. And Wodd PH doesn’t just fit ordinary lenses into the bamboo frames—the lenses are scientifically engineered to protect your eyes from intense sun and high-glare conditions.
Wearing a pair does not only up your style meter and protect your eyes; you’re also doing something for the environment, because Wodd PH plants a tree for every purchase.
This pinoy brand is committed to sustainability
Love for local products and the environment has always been part of Wodd PH’s mission since its inception in August 2018.
“Our mission is to create authentic, handmade, and, most importantly, sustainable products for the Filipino, and for the world,” said Dr. Stephene Roy C. Condino, Wodd PH founder and president, who is also known as Doc Bigs.
For Dr. Condino, the next five years are an opportunity for them to grow Wodd PH as a sustainable brand, not only in the local market but around the world.
“Our goal is to continue to grow in the next five years not just in the Philippines but also abroad,” he said. “We will continue to work with our sustainability partners like the Haribon Foundation and the Forest Foundation of the Philippines.”
An “eye” for bamboo
Dr. Condino got the idea and inspiration for Wodd PH, while doing his grocery run in a mall in Cebu City, a week after a typhoon struck the country.
Looking around the mall, he noticed that most of the products offered are made of plastic, steel, or metal.
“It made me realize the need to push for sustainability to help mitigate the impact of climate change,” shared Dr. Condino.
Together with his business partners, they launched Wodd PH, a brand that offers wood and bamboo-made consumer products. At that time, the local government of Cebu City also launched its “No Plastic” campaign.
“Compared to other types of wood, bamboo is very strong and grows incredibly fast. This durability and speed of growth contribute to making bamboo a prevalent and sustainable building material,” Dr. Condino explained, when asked why use bamboo.
“It is so durable that it can last for several years,” he added.
Being part of the solution
In a bid to create awareness about its products and sustainability, Wodd PH launched a campaign to entice the public to be part of the solution.
This award-winning bamboo eyewear brand plants a tree every time you buy its sunglasses.
“When I was in the UK for my doctoral studies, I realized that most developed countries put value on sustainability even if they are not directly affected by it. In the Philippines, where the impact of strong typhoons is heavily felt, we tend to ignore the basics of how to take care of the environment,” he said.
An opportunity to grow
Like most businesses, Wodd PH was hit hard by the pandemic.
“We had to pivot and took advantage of online platforms like Lazada and Shopee,” he shared. “We also got support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Through its ‘Go Lokal’ initiative, we were able to expand our retail channels in the country,” he said.
Dr. Condino and his team also partnered with hotels, surf shops, restaurants, cafes and resorts, which helped them market/sell their products.
“At first, most of our kababayans didn’t pay attention to our products,” he recalled. “They thought we just wanted to ride on the bandwagon of everything bamboo.”
Through perseverance and hard work—and by word of mouth—Wodd PH started getting the attention it rightfully deserves.
Wodd PH’s sunglasses were cited by the National Customers Choice Awards (NCCA), Best Choice Awards, Elite Business, and Leadership Awards, and Q Asia Publication Awards.
“These awards are a testament that we are the preferred and trusted brand for bamboo sunglasses and watches from 2018 up to the present,” Dr. Condino said.
The beginning of a journey
For those who are planning to start their own business, Dr. Condino shares this advice: “Be passionate and do something that makes you happy.”
“As a professor, I always tell my students to pursue their passion,” he added. “Make a unique value proposition that will give them a competitive advantage.” And, consistency is key.
“Being consistent is making sure you should not give up no matter what the outcome is. You need to finish what you have started,” advised Dr. Condino.
When asked what can clients expect from Wodd PH, Dr. Condino hastily replied: “We will launch new models of sunglasses in Boracay and Siargao, as well as watches in Coron and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. “This is just the beginning of a challenging yet exciting journey,” he added.
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Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like Wodd PH.
