Banwa Pen

Here’s a deeper look into Banwa Pens of Iloilo:

Who They Are

 Founder: Arnel John “Nonoy” Vallejo, from Duenas, Iloilo, conceptualized the brand
with a strong focus on community—"Banwa" means community in his local dialect.
(Daily Guardian, The Manila Times)
 He is the sole artisan behind Banwa Pens, embracing a one-man operation who crafts
each piece meticulously.(Daily Guardian)

What They Do
 Craftsmanship & Materials:
o Began in 2019 as a personal woodworking hobby, focusing initially on
calligraphy pens (born from his wife's need for quality tools).(Daily Guardian)
o Expanded into ballpoint, gel, and fountain pens, using locally sourced and
upcycled Philippine woods such as Sibukao, Mangkono (Philippine ironwood),
Narra, Mahogany, Kamagong, Acacia, and Gmelina.(Daily Guardian)
o Some wood is imbued with emotional significance—like reclaimed ancestral
Molave wood or pieces salvaged after Typhoon Odette—turning pens into
personal heirlooms.(Daily Guardian)
 Production Philosophy:
o Focused entirely on custom, small-batch creations. Each pen is tailored to the
client's story and preferences—mass production is intentionally avoided.(Daily
Guardian)
o Pens are refillable and crafted to balance weight, balance, thumb feel, and
aesthetics—products meant to be experienced in person.(Daily Guardian)
 Recognition & Market Outreach:
o A turning point came in 2020 when he acquired a wood lathe, enabling more
refined craftsmanship.(Daily Guardian)
o Participated in the Fresh Find Exhibit at PCCI Festive Walk Iloilo, and earned
attention that led to invitations from industry groups.(Daily Guardian, The Manila
Times)
o Won Best Non-Tech Startup at the DTI Region 6 Moonshot TNK competition
(2023), along with PHP 30,000.(Daily Guardian)
 Community Engagement:
o Offers free carpentry and crafting workshops for children in venues such as
Vista Mall Iloilo, nurturing local creativity and fine motor skills.(The Manila
Times)
 o Advocates for preserving traditional craftsmanship and encouraging patience in
the digital age.(The Manila Times)

Where They Operate

 Based in Iloilo Province, likely in or near Iloilo City. Vallejo first showcased his pens at
the PCCI Festive Walk exhibit, indicating a presence in Iloilo’s local creative and trade
fair scene.(Daily Guardian, The Manila Times)
 While specific workshop locations aren't listed, he engages with community centers like
Vista Mall Iloilo and participates in exhibitions across the region.(The Manila Times)

What They Offer

 Custom-Made Pens tailored to clients’ stories using unique wood materials.
 Fountain, ballpoint, gel, and calligraphy pens—each with a personalized design and
feel.(Daily Guardian)
 Workshops for youth, highlighting hands-on crafting and creative learning.(The Manila
Times)

How Long They've Been in Business

 Established in 2019 as a passion-driven hobby turned artisanal brand.(Daily Guardian)
 Gained traction post-2020 with the purchase of a wood lathe and pandemic downtime for
serious honing of his craft.(Daily Guardian, The Manila Times)
 Awarded in 2023, marking solid recognition of four years into operations.(Daily
Guardian)

Summary Table
Category Details
Who they are Arnel John “Nonoy” Vallejo — sole artisan from Duenas, Iloilo
Craft artisanal pens using heirloom/upcycled Philippine woods; custom
What they do
orders
Where they
Iloilo Province—active in local fairs, exhibits, and malls like Vista Mall
operate
What they offer Calligraphy, fountain, ballpoint, gel pens; youth crafting workshops
 Category Details
Since Founded in 2019; active exhibitions since 2020; award-winning by 2023

Modern Ilongga

When you mention "Modern Ilongga," you're talking about a vibrant Iloilo-based social
enterprise that beautifully fuses indigenous artistry with contemporary fashion—and here's why
it's making waves:

Who They Are

Modern Ilongga is a social enterprise founded in 2018 by Maggerose Carado. It started with a
noble mission: uplifting weaving communities—particularly women weavers from Sitio
Nagpana, Barotac Viejo—by transforming their traditional craftsmanship into modern fashion
pieces.(WIPO)

What They Do
Modern Ilongga collaborates with indigenous weavers and local artists to design and create
handmade fashion items. These include:

 Banig bags (traditional woven mats reimagined as stylish bags)

 Hand-painted bags featuring Filipino icons
 Accessories like earrings crafted from local, indigenous materials such as abaca, seagrass,
and hablon(WIPO)

They emphasize sustainability—using locally sourced, natural materials and handcrafted

techniques.

Where They Operate

The brand is based in Iloilo, with roots in Sitio Nagpana, Barotac Viejo, and expands its
presence through retail opportunities across the Philippines, including venues like Boracay.
(WIPO)

What They Offer

Their product lines include:

 Hand-stitched bags using full-grain leather, abaca, seagrass, pandan weave, and hablon
 Couture and hand-painted bags with bespoke portraits—often commissioned or donated
to Filipino personalities and celebrities (e.g., a portrait bag gifted to Manny Pacquiao)
(WIPO)
 Also, earrings and other fashion accessories that embody cultural artistry and wearable
storytelling.

How Long They've Been in Business

Modern Ilongga officially launched in 2018, and from humble beginnings selling statement
shirts, it evolved to collaborating with weaving communities, making its debut at a World Trade
Fair in Hong Kong shortly thereafter(WIPO).

Overcoming Challenges

Despite significant setbacks—like a 60% drop in sales during the pandemic and issues with
design copying by insiders—Maggerose has pushed forward. With over 20 artists under her wing
and partnerships with groups like Women Behind Bars (who create "Inday" dolls in prison),
Modern Ilongga stands resilient and determined.(WIPO)

Protecting the Brand & Vision

From early on, the brand prioritized intellectual property:

 Registered a trademark (PH 4/2019/505287), signaling its formal identity and protecting
its designs(WIPO)
 Exploring licensing models to empower social entrepreneurs and communities to
replicate her model—expanding reach while preserving the brand essence(WIPO)

Summary Table
Aspect Details

Founded 2018 by Maggerose Carado

Who They Collaborate With Indigenous weavers from Sitio Nagpana and local artists
 Aspect Details

Products Banig bags, hand-painted bags, accessories using local materials

Core Principles Sustainability, culturally-rooted fashion, social enterprise

Milestones Hong Kong trade exposure, trademark registration, celebrity outreach

Challenges COVID-19 impact, design copying, but continues to grow with 20+ artists

Future Vision Licensing opportunities to scale socially responsible fashion

In a nutshell: Modern Ilongga stands as a modern-day testament to authentic regional artistry—

blending tradition, fashion, and empowerment. It's not just a brand; it's a culture-forward
movement.

Pottery Lapaz

Here’s a glimpse of what it’s like inside a pottery studio in La Paz—showcasing vibrant clay
creations, glazing techniques, and hands-on activity that reflect a welcoming creative space,
likely similar to what Ceramico Arts & Crafts offers.

Pottery in La Paz (Lapaz), Iloilo City: Ceramico Arts &

Crafts
You're looking for pottery in La Paz? The standout is definitely Ceramico Arts & Crafts, a
well-known pottery workshop and studio located right in the district.

Who They Are

 A local pottery studio and arts workshop founded by Nerissa Luger, who began the
venture as a hobby back in 1997.
 Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged ceramics studio offering personalized
experiences and creative learning.(FindGlocal)

What They Do

 Create handmade ceramics, especially customized small pots for bonsai and succulent
enthusiasts.
  Provide tutorials and workshops for both kids and adults—these include wheel-
throwing, slab-building, glazing, and painting sessions.
 They offer unique give-away ceramic items for special occasions.(FindGlocal, Iloilo
Directory)

Where They Operate

 Located at 27 Emerald Avenue, San Gregorio Subdivision, La Paz, Iloilo City.

(FindGlocal, ClickTheCity)

What They Offer

 Pottery classes and creative sessions (individual or group settings).

 Fully equipped with solar-powered energy, imported potter’s wheels, slab tables, and
kilns for a complete experience.(FindGlocal)
 Flexible workshop times, typically operating Monday through Saturday with multiple
time slots.(FindGlocal)
 Highly rated by visitors for being:
o Hands-on and fun, even for first-timers,
o Led by knowledgeable and hospitable instructors, and
o A great bonding activity—often cited as a creative date spot or family activity.
(Wanderlog, Tripadvisor, Iloilo Directory, FindGlocal)

Community Feedback

 Reddit users frequently recommend it as a hobby venue:

“Pottery making sa Lapaz… Ceramico Arts & Crafts sa Lapaz”(Reddit)

“800 php per person sa Cermico Arts & Crafts sa Lapaz (message niyo lang ang page sa
facebook para kapa reserve hehe)”(Reddit)

Quick Summary: Ceramico Arts & Crafts

Feature Details

Name Ceramico Arts & Crafts

Established Started informally in 1997

Founder Nerissa Luger (hobbyist turned studio owner)

Location 27 Emerald Avenue, San Gregorio Subd., La Paz, Iloilo City

Offerings Pottery workshops (wheel & hand-building, glazing, painting), custom small pots
 Feature Details

Studio Highlights Solar-powered operations, imported equipment, full creative setup

Target Audience Kids, adults, groups; fun date spot or family activity

Pricing & Booking Approx. ₱800/person; booking via Facebook or direct message recommended

Reputation Highly rated for fun, creativity, and excellent facilitation

If you're interested, I can help you send them a booking message, find their Facebook page, or
explore accessing their website for pricing and schedule details. Let me know how you'd like to
create your pottery experience in La Paz!

The Dairy Box is a government-supported initiative in the Philippines aimed at promoting

carabao (water buffalo) farming and dairy production. Managed by the Philippine Carabao
Center (PCC) under the Department of Agriculture, it serves as a one-stop shop for carabao-
based products, providing a stable market for farmers and enhancing agritourism in various
regions.

🐄 Who They Are

The Dairy Box is a project of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), an agency established in
1992 to promote and develop the carabao industry in the Philippines. PCC operates several
network centers across the country, including one at West Visayas State University in Calinog,
Iloilo. These centers support dairy farmers by providing training, resources, and market access
for their products. (Wikipedia)

🧀 What They Do

Dairy Box outlets function as processing and retail centers for carabao-based products. They
offer a variety of items such as:(Punto! Central Luzon)

 Flavored milk
 Pastillas de leche
 Yogurt
 Milk-based pastries
  Ice cream(Kathy d Gypsy, Wikipedia)

These products are made from fresh carabao milk sourced from local farmers and cooperatives.
The initiative aims to provide farmers with a stable market for their products, thereby increasing
their income and promoting sustainable dairy farming. (PIA)

📍 Where They Operate

While there isn't a specific Dairy Box outlet listed in Iloilo City, the program has expanded to
nearby areas:

 Guimaras: A Dairy Box was established as part of a P10-million infrastructure project,

with operations managed by the Guimaras Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative
(GEMPC).
 Barotac Viejo, Iloilo: Another Dairy Box outlet was set up to support local dairy
farmers.

These locations are relatively accessible from Iloilo City and offer an opportunity to experience
the Dairy Box offerings.

🛍️What They Offer

Dairy Box outlets provide a range of carabao-based products, including:(Daily Guardian)

 Fresh carabao milk

 Flavored milk
 Pastillas de leche
 Yogurt
 Milk-based pastries
 Ice cream

These products are made from fresh carabao milk sourced from local farmers and cooperatives.
The initiative aims to provide farmers with a stable market for their products, thereby increasing
their income and promoting sustainable dairy farming. (PIA)

🕒 How Long They Have Been in the Business

The Dairy Box initiative has been in operation since at least 2017, with several outlets
established across the country. The program continues to expand, with new outlets opening in
various regions to support local dairy farmers and promote carabao-based products.
If you're interested in visiting a Dairy Box outlet or learning more about their products and
initiatives, feel free to ask for more information!