It actually makes me happy to see micro enterprises proudly sharing their products and services gathered in one lazy weekend to bring colors, laughter, and inspiration to the many. These micro-enterprises are doing their best to come up with various ideas that are sustainable, give opportunities for a good life and good job, and most importantly still care for Mother Nature.
I was browsing my Facebook feed on my way to SM Aura Premier for my scheduled weekly groceries when I saw this free event admission at Arya Residences for their Forest Fest PH. It’s a free event, which truly catchy my sight, then decided to have a little browsing and check what is all about.
Forest Fest PH is an event tradeshow of various micro-enterprises with their socially and environmentally responsible products and services. From foods, garments, accessories, services you name it all – Forest Fest PH was one of the lovely events I’ve visited.
During the event, they also have a pitch fest, where the shortlisted social entrepreneurs have an opportunity to present their innovative ideas before a panel of judges. At the end of the pitch fest, the most insightful (or in my own terms “genius”) and impactful ideas will be awarded with grants up to Php450,000.00
And that’s an awesome grant for start-ups, right?!
And since the event was open to the public I decided to drop by and did my grocery later, LOL
I went to Arya Residences where the event was hosted and saw what they have in there.
I went to Arya Residences where the event was hosted and saw what they have in there.
Travel journals made of water lilies
My attention was immediately caught by these beautifully crafted journals from Jacinto and Lirio, a Filipino lifestyle brand. The brand proudly showcases its refillable travel journal, all handmade from water hyacinth plant leather.
Just look at that amazingly and very detailed handcrafted cover design? The cover is made of dried hyacinth leaves commonly known as water lily.
Yeah, water lilies! You know, those flouting plants with cute flowers sometimes truly annoys fish farmers because when they grow too much, they could kill all the fish. And most of the time blocks the water passages, which causes effin floods that damage livelihood and homes.
Okay okay, that’s kinda traumatic, but it’s the truth!
These water lilies are so pretty when they have flowers, and so destructive!
So now, a Philippine-based company has created this genius idea of making journals made from water lilies.
You helped to clean the water passage, and created something useful and beautiful!
I feel so proud to own one of these travel journals, and I thought it would be a lovely gift idea for your friends, family, or your boss.
Aside from travel journals, they also have passport holders, wallets, organizers, etc. mostly travel-related which I think is perfection.
I find it truly impressive and on-point. Okay am almost raving about it now because I believe in the genius idea.
But hey, check this out. The lady associates that these are also available at Fully Booked stores (I love that store, seriously) and also available online through their website. Or contact them through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jacintoandlirio
Dumingag Goodies
In front of Jacinto and Lirio's booth were these eye-catchy goodies and I had a feeling I needed to pay them a visit, which I didn’t regret. The booth showcased locally produced products straight from Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur, Mindanao.
They have amazing products here such as Organic Table Wine, Herbal Tea (Turmeric, Ginger, Moringa, Mangosteen), Organic Rice Cookies, Organic Rice Macaroons, Pure Turmeric Powder, Tablea, Wild Honey, Corn Coffee, Rice Coffee, Sinamak Vinegar, Handmade Organic Soaps, Herbal Ointment, Handicraft Products and many more.
I’ve bought this Dumingag Herbal Blend in Dulaw and Mangosteen. It is sweetened but just enough to have a little hint of sweet taste, and I love it! It is now included in my tea collection.
It is LOVE! I bought it for Php200.00
And the most interesting part is their proud Dumingag goodie box. It comes with their selected Dumingag products, carefully packaged and perfect selection if you want to try all of their products and not get overwhelmed. Like a sample pack!
I thought this Dumingag goodie box is a perfect gift option for your Mom’s friends, your friends’ Moms, or even for your in-laws.
And I love the packaging, seriously! I could think of using it as my chic purse added with some blings and I’m good to go.
I’m also intrigued with their organic table wine – the Saging (or Banana) wine, and their Calabash (or Squash) wine. Never heard of this kind but they made me truly intrigued. But for now, I couldn’t judge the taste of it as they don’t have an available taster, however, the idea is impressive.
For more inquiries, you can contact them through their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/dumingagorganics or email at dumingagorganics@gmail.com
Be creative and paint colors
Another fantastic booth called Art Shop were they showcased creative items such as printed shirts handcrafted journals, and also lots of painting materials. They also have a wide range of selections, plus they also offer art workshops and classes.
For urban parents out there, this is the perfect excuse for your kiddos to be creative and have fun exploring their imaginations through art.
For more inquiries, you can contact this creative team at 0917-793 2680 or visit their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/artshopccc for workshop and art class schedules.
And here’s more!
I’ve seen many interesting sustainable and eco-friendly products that are worth visiting.
Handcrafted items from Custom Made Craft Center http://www.cmcrafts.org
Custom-made, eco-fashion from Filipino fashion label ALOYSIUS
Eco-friendly home cleaning and insect repellents from Haribon
Dried banana snacks and pulvoron from Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Handcrafted fashion accessories from WOVEN
It was an awesome and rewarding Saturday afternoon at Forest Fest PH and I look forward to more exciting events that promote sustainability and eco-entrepreneurships and eco-tourism.
Forest Fest PH is organized by Forest Foundation Philippines, a non-profit organization in the Philippines that provides grants to organizations that empower the people to protect the forests.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.ptfct.org
Have you visited some eco-tradeshows before? What are your favorite products above?
thats a cute journal!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nik!
DeleteThe items on display are all superb. Good event and meaningful too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy :)
DeleteI love all products that promotes sustainability and eco-entrepreneurships and eco-tourism. I love that uniquely crafted journal.
ReplyDeleteYeah I love it too!
DeleteI like those journals and handcrafted items. Looks like a great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteAlso a perfect gift for your friends :) They also accepts customized items.
DeleteWhat an amazing sounding weekend you had, I am in love with the items on sale, that travel pad is just beautiful I really fancy one myself.
ReplyDeleteIt is very useful, crafty and tells a story :)
DeleteSounds like a great event with many brands and new amazing products to discover. sustainability and protecting forests are so important
ReplyDeleteI agree, and I can't help admiring these products and support their advocacies.
DeleteSo many great products! I love the journals made of water lilies. They are so elegant and beautiful. I would also love to try all the organic foods!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alicia! Does your city also sells many crafts?
DeleteLots of wonderful products. I love those wine totes.
ReplyDeleteYeah and the wine is go uniquely blend.
DeleteWhat an interesting event! I love to see sustainable products. The travel journals made of water lilies are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly! Each travel journal have designed that tells the story :)
DeleteIt is also refillable and perfect collection.
This looks so interesting. I love seeing new sustainable products on the market. The travel journals made of water lilies are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou are always at so many awesome events!! I'm jealous haha. This looks like it would have been heaps of fun!
ReplyDeleteHahaha not so much Cassie. Am just diligently stalking the events around my city that offers free admission. It was also nice to support events from the community.
DeleteI've never been to a show like this before. I really like those journals as well. How pretty!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh.. those products are just amazing and I would love to see or even own some if I could.. how was the pricing...
ReplyDeleteThe price is roughly $40 or less, quite cheaper than the collecting starbucks stickers for a journal :)
DeleteOh my gosh.. those products are just amazing and I would love to see or even own some if I could.. how was the pricing...
ReplyDeleteI like the dried banana snacks and handicraft things. Good place to go with friends.
ReplyDeleteYeah and also helping the community :)
DeleteThis looks like it was an amazing event. I would love to get a journal like that. It is such a unique idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you for liking these products :)
DeleteI'll let you know if they ship overseas :)
This is fab! I think more countries should embrace environmentalism like your country do. I love the fashions there.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. You see when you support environment friendly products, you can also sustain your needs and also help the community.
DeleteWhat catches my attention is the organic red wine 😍 I love red wine 😍
ReplyDeleteMe too! I love red wine especially organic.
DeleteWhat a great event to attend. You look like you had a great time! All those products look amazing too.
ReplyDeleteYes they are :) And I like to discover new products and gift items.
DeleteWow that is interesting.Loved the journals and the wine bags :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great event! All the products are so environmentally responsible and I love it! The water lily journals are so clever and great that they solve some ecological problems. Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteYeah, no more river clogging because they are all harvested and made as journals :)
DeleteI love going to fairs like these ... new products and not the usual we see made out of the assembly line.. It's great to be supporting many of our artisans.. love the eco-kwaderno!
ReplyDeleteThank you Verna.
DeleteI always get excited with these kind of bazaars.
What a wonderful awareness event this was. I wish there's something similar in Ipoh where we could participate!
ReplyDeleteI think there is, you just have to search for it.
DeleteI wish I knew this event and when. I love local products, they are so neat! It shows how creative Filipinos are.
ReplyDeleteExactly! And we also help the local community for their livelihood.
DeleteWow this looks like an amazing event! I love that they promote sustainability and eco-entrepreneurships! I wish they had more events like this world-wide!
ReplyDeleteOhh it would be absolutely fun! I think we can do it, just being creative and help the support of the market.
DeleteWow, these products are beautiful. I would love that goodie bag! I love products that are made from the earth!
ReplyDeleteThank you for supporting babe!
DeleteWow, this eco-friendly stuffs look beautiful. The journal and bracelets are so awesome and colorful. I wish I can join this event but my country does not host any events like this. However, Philippines is really close to Vietnam. So if I have a chance, I will definitely join the event and bring home some tea and notebooks which can help me to save my country's environment.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome idea Vy! I have friend who host a much bigger event annual - its the MANILA FAME this October and its a perfect chance for you to showcase your products. Email me!
DeleteWow, so many amazing things! I love unique events like this!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! I will post many events like this soon!
DeleteYes, I do check out eco expos and I love seeing locally made products made out from nature. I think I've got one Woven product.
ReplyDeleteThat's good! Recently make socialite of Manila are now using it.
DeleteI like events such as these. I am an advocate in helping Mother Earth. By the way, I love the beautifully crafted journals from Jacinto and Lirio. Can we buy them online too?
ReplyDeleteYeah, you can visit their Facebook page for orders :)
DeleteOh wow, I love the initiative of this event. I love the journal too and how the products came from. Kudos to those people who are behind this.
ReplyDeleteThank you Anosa. Hope you will also support local products and crafts made from your place.
DeleteIt looks like they have such cool things there. I have accidentally ended up at some amazing free events and this looks like it was unexpected but awesome. I was at the Globe Theater during the off season and ended up getting to watch Vanessa Redgrave get to recite her own poetry. It was pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Thanks for visiting David :)
DeleteWhat a lovely fest to attend! We always find similar events in our area, but this event seems outstanding! So many great products that are environmentally conscious!
ReplyDeleteYeah my only wish is hopefully many social entrepreneurs will do this. I am actually getting interested to open my own brand related to eco-friendly fashion.
DeleteI like the journals sis! So elegant! :D With events like these, I try to bring as much money as I can to support some of the local producers.. :D
ReplyDeleteI agree, and you'll never know when you'll going to meet them again.
DeleteI love how there are events like these that showcase eco-friendly products, I wish there were more events like here in Baguio too!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! I wish to visit Baguio soon :)
DeleteWhat a great event. I love the wallet design!
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect for you coz you love to travel :)
DeleteI love the design of the wallet. impressive with the artwork. Hope Malaysia can enjoy this event too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Betty!
DeleteWow I really love the journals made from water lilies and handcrafted stuffs from Custom Made Craft Center.. Great way to spread environmental notions and sale haha :D
ReplyDeleteI agree! Thanks Nguyen for visiting my website.
DeleteSeems like this is a great event.I always like to use natural and handcrafted products.This travel journey made of lily is a great idea.It looks beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteOMG you all guys love their travel journals!
DeleteLooks like an interesting event! Love the creative looking accessories.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alvin!
DeleteGirl is that wooden art? It looks beautiful on the journals.
ReplyDeleteIt is not wood, it is made of dried water lily leaves :)
DeleteI enjoy and love shop through market! There's so many unique treasure we might found there. And I always shop more there too XD
ReplyDeleteHahaha you are indeed a shopaholic!
DeleteFilipinos are indeed very talented! Glad to know Filipino eco-entrepreneurs were able to showcase their talent and merchandise during the event. Hope there is next time!
ReplyDeleteI'll check their Facebook page when will be their next event :)
Deletelove to taste that dried banana and pulvoron, actually those are my fave pinoy snacks
ReplyDeleteThanks awesome, me too!
DeleteMust be pretty awesome to attend events like all.the.time. I like the look of the travel diaries. Pretty cool that it's made of dried lilies.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if my comment went through the first time so I'm commenting again :)
Thanks for your support Alvin!
DeleteForest Fest PH sounds like it is an amazing event. I would love to see an event like this some day. It is amazing how many great products that are eco-friendly. I love the journals from Jacinto and Lirio all handmade from water hyacinth plant leather. Thanks for sharing an amazing event.
ReplyDeleteYou are always welcome Rebecca :)
DeleteLooks like a real natural fair!
ReplyDeleteYeah it is and it was very enjoyable :)
DeleteSo proud that you have supported a great campaign, if I am at ur country, I will attend to support it too ;) cheers, SiennyLovesDrawing
ReplyDeleteThank you Sienny! Do you have similar campaigns in your area?
DeleteI love everything local. I admire and support every product that's purely Pinoy made. I guess this event is something I have to look forward to, I hope they will hold another set of events because I personally would want to see those products. KleyrrFieonah Santiago
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support Claire :)
DeleteI wish I knew about the Forest Fest. I love discovering new products especially when they help the environment. The fact that they're made by micro-entrepreneurs makes them even more worth buying.
ReplyDeleteI agree. They make on limited numbers so you will know that every items are worth buying and well prepared.
DeleteThis sounds like an awesome tradeshow. I would be very interested in going sometime in the future. I liked the variety that you should there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Jeanette :)
DeleteWow so many good and interesting finds at the fest, i like the Dumingag Goodies also.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sunshine!
DeleteI've already empties the tea which I've bought from them, and I want to buy more!
This looked exciting! I also visited an event like this and ended up going home with a native bag purchase with small items tucked neatly inside so hubby won't scold me for buying too much hehehe
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know the feeling.
DeleteOne thing I regret is not buying that banana wine. Now I wonder the taste of it.