In a time when it was considered strange, or more aptly, baduy, to engage in a heartfelt talk about nationalism, Yabang Pinoy broke the stigma and started encouraging youngsters to embrace their nationality – sa isip, sa salita, sa gawa. And word spread like wildfire.
Since its founding in 2005, Yabang Pinoy’s trademark abaca bracelet – an eclectic symbol not only of an authentic Filipino product, but also of the tensility of the Filipino spirit – has been adorning over 70,000 wrists in and out of the country. The all-Filipino movement has since been creating fundraisers and other programs to educate the Filipino public about Philippine culture, arts, history and language, among many others. It also has an online shop selling 100% Pinoy merchandise, and its own magazine, which features poetry, shops, entrepreneurs, travel destinations and local events.
The Global Pinoy Bazaar: Promoting local goods and talent
To better promote the ingenuity of Philippine brands and entrepreneurs, Yabang Pinoy introduced the Global Pinoy Bazaar, an annual gathering of Filipino products and talent, including apparel, accessories, bags and shoes, wellness products, home décor and Filipino art. The Bazaar aims to empower local entrepreneurs and to urge them to boost Philippine consumerism to higher standards by producing crafts that showcase world-class Philippine materials and the best of Filipino artistry. The bazaar also encourages buyers to be more conscious of their spends, and at the same time, to show Filipino love and pride by supporting local products.
Now on its 7th year, the bazaar is set to elevate the bar higher with over 50 of the country’s top vendors, each of them with their distinct showcase of Filipino talent and goods. This year’s bazaar will be held at the Rockwell Tent, Makati on November 5-6 and interested visitors may avail free passes through CityPoynt.com.
Included in the line-up of exhibitors are Blushing Geisha, Dona bags, Vanity without Apology, BEAD IT by Mikki, MAGU Clothing, Top Picks Clothing, Beansprout, Artwine, Kitsune Manila, Fab Manila,Izzo Shop Manila, Theo and Philo Chocolate, Papelapelap, Punchdrunk Panda, Dragonfly Desserts, Creative Prints, Amber Lights Laguna, Suelas, Pic Season, I Love Koi, Precious Pillow, Bigkas Pilipinas, Sigaw Sambit Collections, Dodong loves Bebang, Agos Pilipinas, Kape Ni Juan, Weewilldoodle, Sagada Pottery, Corbin, M.Y. Likha, Ang Illustrador ng Kabataan, Twee Shop, Made for Movement, Tomoe Bags, and Marengo.
What’s your call?
We are the Philippines. Our nationality stands for an integral and indispensable thread of our identity. To be called a Filipino is something that defines us as an individual and as a part of a nation of different individuals with great similarities. Each of us is our country’s own ambassador, and this allows us both the privilege and the responsibility to account for the future of our country.
If there’s something YabangPinoy has bred, it’s that pride of being called a Filipino, and being able to evangelize that pride, that yabang, so it transforms into something more enigmatic, more meaningful – a catalyst in itself.
Ikaw, may yabang ka ba?
