Get ready for an inspiring story!
Join us LIVE here in SunStar Startup Spotlight: The Island Stories Episode 15, featuring Emem Seno and Frances Enriquez, the brilliant minds behind OBJX. Their journey is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. From humble beginnings in July 2024, OBJX has blossomed into a vibrant brand, transforming handmade art prints, stationery, and gifts into powerful expressions of self.
Hear how they're navigating the challenges of a competitive market, building visibility, and connecting with their audience through thoughtful design and collaborations with local artists.
Join us LIVE here in SunStar Startup Spotlight: The Island Stories Episode 15, featuring Emem Seno and Frances Enriquez, the brilliant minds behind OBJX. Their journey is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. From humble beginnings in July 2024, OBJX has blossomed into a vibrant brand, transforming handmade art prints, stationery, and gifts into powerful expressions of self.
Hear how they're navigating the challenges of a competitive market, building visibility, and connecting with their audience through thoughtful design and collaborations with local artists.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Hello, hello everyone, welcome to another exciting episode of Sunstar Startup Spotlight,
00:28Island Stories. I'm Queen Garcia Dionaldo and today we're diving into the world of handmade art,
00:35stationery, and gifts with a brand that's redefining creativity and storytelling.
00:41In celebration of National Arts Month, we're highlighting the artists and entrepreneurs
00:46who are making waves in the local creative scene. Today, we're featuring a business that blends art
00:52with everyday life, Objects, a company founded by M.M. Seno and Frances Enriquez that brings us
01:01beautifully crafted art prints, stationery, and gifts. Sunstar Startup Spotlight, the Island Stories
01:09is a campaign by Isla Local in partnership with Sunstar which aims to help local artists and
01:16artisans promote their handicraft products from artisanal food to native bags, fashion
01:22accessories, home decors, print arts, and everything in between. Isla Local is an online marketplace for
01:29Filipino local products where you can find your favorite handmade creations like native bags,
01:36fashion accessories, paintings, home decors, or even artisanal food like dried mangoes, farm-to-table
01:44products, and gourmet chocolates. Simply go to www.islalocal.com, search for a product,
01:52and add it to your cart, pay, and we will take care of the delivery. For Cebu City, Isla Local
01:58offers same-day delivery and for national and international customers, we can ship nationwide
02:04and worldwide. Now as always, we'd love to hear from you. Drop a comment and let us know where
02:11you are tuning in from today, and say hello in the comments box so that we will be able to,
02:18you know, interact with you later. Or if you do have questions, you can drop them through the
02:23comments section and we will be answering them later. And don't forget to stay tuned for some
02:29exciting giveaways. So now, let's meet the creative minds behind objects. That's OBJX,
02:38the entrepreneurs with passion for craftsmanship and storytelling. Please welcome M.M. Seno and
02:46Francis Enriquez. Hello! Say hi to your friends who are watching us. Welcome to Sunstar, and thank
02:57you for saying yes to this invitation. I know it's a bit short notice, but yeah, we're here now,
03:04so I know everyone is excited to also hear what OBJX is about. So that's objects. So let's hear
03:12from them, what is objects, and can you share with us the story behind objects? Hello guys, I'm MMDI.
03:21By the way, this is Francis. Actually, we started a branding and product design studio in 2017.
03:30We catered local clients in the beginning, and then it was doing well. And then during, I think,
03:372019, we had this big leadership organizational shift. And so because of that, we had transactions
03:46and handovers that didn't really go well and didn't really push through. And so 2019, right?
03:53Last quarter of 2019, we were met with pandemic. So we were really obstacles on top of other
04:01obstacles. So we were in a really difficult spot, financially speaking. And so we knew Francis and
04:08I, we always wanted to make objects, not the brand, but just making objects with our hands.
04:15And I think that's when we thought of thinking, okay, we know branding, and we do services
04:23under branding, like illustration, graphic design, stuff like that. So we thought of how can we make
04:30things through that knowledge already? And yeah, that's how we started. We joined PopOps
04:37in 2019, at the end of 2019, 2020. Started with art prints. Essentially, yeah, that's how we started.
04:46So you started as a branding company, and then eventually you decided to print
04:53your own objects or your own products. So the story of objects, can you tell us
05:00why is it called OBJX or objects? So OBJX just means like from the word object. So it's like
05:09an everyday thing that the everyday thing. So a bit with a twist with that X, X meaning like
05:16and more, or like exploration, or like it means endless possibilities, not only with
05:26what we do, but what we work, also in the arts, like and more. So that's why OBJX. The reason why I'm
05:32asking, because just looking at the name, I know there is really a story behind this.
05:38Because these are creative people, for sure. They already have a story behind OBJX or what we call the objects.
05:46So I just cleared it, spelled it out, because others might think it's objects OBJ, E, C, T, S.
05:54But it is OBJX. So it already has a meaning. So X, experience also, right? Endless
06:01possibilities. And also, you know, storytelling, which is the most important part of your brand.
06:12So before we get into the storytelling, there's so much to talk about that later.
06:19Talk to us about the products that you have here. Okay, so like I said, we started with art prints.
06:26So essentially, we did illustration and printed them in prints, like postcards, posters. That was
06:32just our basics. So this was 2019? Yeah, 19, 20, like that. And then a friend of ours pointed out that
06:42actually, you guys, you've been doing this all along since you were in college.
06:46And we're like, what are you talking about? And she was like, remember when you made Meow? We had this
06:51like, idea with Frances back in college na makin mo tag notebook na kanang blank lang bitaw ang cover
06:58in college, like 2000. And black also ang pages. Yeah. So 2007, 2008, college na. Di pa man kayo to, at that time, you know, everyone,
07:08we all experienced notebooks na celebrities, right? Correct, correct. So at that time, 2007, 2008, we wanted
07:16something na maka-design bitaw, bitaw kasi mong own notebooks, and you want to make art on that as
07:20a cover. So and then she pointed that out. And we were like, yeah, right. Like, why don't we do that?
07:26Like, make, put the artwork on the notebook. And so essentially, that's how it started. And now we
07:32have so many notebooks, greeting cards. Sorry to cut you off, ha? Because I want them to understand.
07:40Unsa ma niyang inyong haan koan? Like, you guys are best friends in college, and then na koan mo, nag-
07:48join forces mo sa inyong skills, nga. Oy, mo, naimong strategy. That's how some businesses started, di ba?
07:54You have best friends. Because I want to know, what's the story behind this? So we were college
08:01mates, right? We have the same course. So we're fine arts major in industrial design. And then,
08:09but when we graduated, we went our own ways pa. So I was a designer for Water Sports Apparel,
08:17and then M.M. was more on the outdoor, outdoor sports. And then, I went to another island,
08:26and she was here. And I think you went, she did a lot of stuff. A lot of different things. I went
08:31into film, all that stuff. And then we met again in UP, where we graduated. And we saw each other's
08:38packaging design workshop, something like that. And essentially, that's how Backbone actually
08:43started. Because we met again. Pero Francis and I, we've been friends since college. We're also
08:48soccer teammates. So we have like a lot of bonding, siguro. And similar likes. Later na ninyo na
08:57realize, well, we can make a business out of this, di ba? You both have the skills, no? Right. And then
09:03we have like different strengths also. Like he's good in more on the direction, and more on the
09:09operation side. Like we have different experience also. So that was like a good thing. Yeah. But
09:15both of you, you do contribute to the design. Yes. Both of us. It's fine arts and industrial
09:22design, and in yuhang nature. Yeah. Because the reason I'm asking, because there are people who
09:27are afraid to have business with their best friends, or with their close friends. Because
09:32as what they say, familiarity breeds contempt, di ba? So, morag glisud gani if ever inana. But
09:40yeah, it's good guys, that you get to try also. It will test your friendship, and also your maturity,
09:47no? Nga nabot mo dili. So anyway, anyway. Talk to us about the product that you have here.
09:55So okay, we have the notebooks. We're an art print stationery and gifts, we call it that. Because
10:02we just later on added the gifts. Our customers are telling us that we don't actually only buy
10:09your stuff for ourselves, but we actually gift them to other people. Yes, yes. So that's why
10:13it was their suggestion from our customers. You should add the stories individually per product.
10:19So yeah, so we have the notebooks, we have greeting cards, pocket notebooks. This one is
10:24also a bit new, nga blank notebooks we made. And then we have coasters, ref magnets, and yeah.
10:33So it's becoming a gift shop and slash a souvenir shop, no? And so, naamuy lain-lain nga products
10:42here. So on sa picture, pinakauna nga inyong getest? Getest print ninyo? Getest print? Pinaka
10:48first dyun? The first is the postcards. Postcards, which are not here. Ah okay. This is one of the
10:56postcards. But this one is not the first print, this is like more recent one. It's called Marina
11:02from one of our artists. She's Jane Saison, visit her page, pretty common names. She's
11:08a good illustrator, so this is her work. So you also collaborate, so not all products here,
11:15kamo ang ni-design. Naasad mo yung mga artists who collaborate with you. So it's like you're also
11:21adapting a community of artists. That's nice. Yeah, because like for example, if I'm an artist,
11:28for example, then I don't know how can I reproduce the art that I have. Because the art that you have
11:34is only one. And you want other people to see it, others might want to have it also. So at least
11:40you're helping artists as well. So that's the first one, the postcards. How did you feel
11:47pag first nyo print? Kay di-transition ganoon. Overwhelmed? That's the word? Okay, we didn't
11:54know anything. Like how many stuff should we print? How many, how, when am I gonna make the markup?
12:00There's like a lot of mathematics. Yes, a lot of discoveries. Yeah, so there's really like,
12:08I think the first phase was really trial and error and experimenting what works. And obviously
12:15listening to our buyers, our customers. Kung sa ilang mga ganahan, may nga to i-make. The reason
12:21why we've expanded our collection is tungul-sa sa abong customers. Hey, do you know this story
12:28about da-da-da-da-da? Okay, and then that's when, okay, let's write that in and then let's discuss
12:35about it. So some of these, the products that you have, these are contributed also, the ideas are
12:44contributed also by your customers. So you started with postcards and you have notebooks. So tell us
12:53about the notebooks. Kailahin sya ang design guys. I know there's really a story here. So which is,
12:59so this is the first notebook we made. Okay. It's like a staple. This is the first design?
13:05One of the first ones we made. Okay. So that was like just a playful. This is your design,
13:10Francis. This was just a playful with duendes, mga small people. Duende. Duende, yeah. Okay. So
13:19we just made it like, di ba some of our folklores are more a bit like scary or like they're very
13:28tricksters and everything. So what we do with our illustrations, we want to re-imagine
13:34storytelling, like make it more a bit happy or like even the capre here.
13:41This one. It's a bit shadowy and dark. Then we were like, imagine like what are the different
13:50kinds of trees in the Philippines? Can you focus this guys? I want them to see the capre nga.
13:58The capre is wearing a pink shade.
14:04Because we were thinking about the Philippine rainbow tree. It's native here in the Philippines.
14:09What if ang capre nag-live sya sa rainbow tree? Should it be like, dapat dili na sya shadowy,
14:15di ba? Dapat more a colorful, flamboyant na sya and charming. So that's why he's very ano na.
14:21Then guys, ako ang shorts. Gym bro.
14:29So this is also very nice for kids. Yeah. So we really wanna re-imagine what the past
14:37to, we wanna connect it to the present also. Yeah, it's like connecting the culture.
14:44At some point, sometimes makalimutan, ano na to. Then later nalang, ay, una, ako di mayani.
14:50Part madi niya sa culture sa Philippines. So this is very nice. This is a coaster. So before you
14:56come up with something, nabanguy brainstorming inyo ha? Do you exchange ideas first? Then what's
15:04the argument like? No, at first, what I did was just make illustrations. Because like,
15:13the first thing we did before was, we're just tired of the client work at first. It was like,
15:19always client work. It's not really tired. It's like different mindset and client work,
15:24right? Correct, correct. Really strict sya. Metro strict and like, you're in a box, but also you
15:30wanna go out of the box. And so this platform object is more of like, that avenue of like,
15:37creative expression. Creative freedom. That's what it is for us. So you vent your frustration
15:47by painting capri or putting the capri in a rainbow tree. Well, that's a good one. Or like,
15:54we just wanna like, we know something in the history, like, oh, I really wanna share this,
15:59but how do I share this in a way that people would be like, more interested?
16:03Correct, correct. Yeah, something like that. So this one is like, the capri. And then what else?
16:10What else do you have here? Oh yeah. So we have other collections as well. For example, this,
16:18where is it from? Filipino. This one, this is like, oh yeah, this one. Stamp.
16:24Wait, let me see. This one inside here, this is like, a collection. So a mix of postcard and a
16:33poster ng individual. You can open it. Yeah, pwede tayo open. Pwede tayo maka-focus.
16:39So essentially, we're, you know, again, like, when you ask about where do we get
16:45inspiration, and then we're like, serendipitous raman kayo, among process ni France. Like,
16:50we came across this book in, you know, the library, in Rizal Library, and it's called
16:56The Philippine Picnic Book. And we read it, and we're like, amazed by, oh my God, like,
17:02how culture, how food and culture are connected. And it's essentially the traveling of Magellan.
17:12And like, for example, this, this illustration, this is from Elsie.
17:17Elsie. Elsie Borja. The artist. The artist, yeah. So this is a kaleidoscope of coconuts,
17:27right? Because it was written there. Yeah. Frances knows more. So it was journaled, like,
17:32they were really amazed by the coconuts. Like, how the Filipinos use coconuts in general,
17:37in everyday life. Like, we have coconut milk, we have coconut wine, we have the leaves,
17:43from the leaves to the roots to the meat. Like, we use them in everything. So, meron tayong parang
17:49nipa. Yeah. Like, we use it for mats, we use it for medicine, like, everything. So that's why,
17:55this is how she interpreted it. Like, the coco-li-do-scope. Like, a kaleidoscope.
18:00Everything. Yeah. It's like a tree of life. Yes. Yeah. And then that one. This is very nice.
18:07Lindo sya quality, guys. Kenang the postcard is very koan. Dili sya dali ma-bend. I think,
18:15maybe coming from. It's premium quality. Yeah. Coming from. I like the texture. Yeah. I guess,
18:21like, that comes also from our product design background na medyo koan sa may items. Careful
18:26kayo. Careful kayo may na-brand. We have this. It has to be curated. It has to be high quality.
18:31It has to be a certain way. Yes. So, yeah. Yeah. Now, tell me about this one. This is very
18:39Filipino. Yeah. Harlate mo. So, hingaon. Hingaon, hug kanon. Hingaon, yes. Ay hingaon,
18:46diya. Ay hingaon. So, we. Parang play of words na hingaon. Like, we eat a lot. Or, like,
18:53hingaon, like, we are rice eaters also. Correct. Yes. Ganahan kayo, hug kanon. Kiso may hingaon
18:59na yun. Because this is part of the collection. The journal also talks about, like, how the
19:07Filipinos served. How they were served with different kinds of rice delicacies. It was
19:14described na. It didn't really say na may bingka, may koan, may suman. But he described it like,
19:21oh, they served us, like, sticky rice, and rice loaf, and rice, rice, rice wine, and then rice
19:28with, that is served in clay pots with big leaves. Yeah. Yeah. And then, like, oh, I want,
19:34and then we were, like, wondering what kind of leaf was that? Was that pandan leaf? Was that
19:38banana leaf? Or, like, like, it was, like, just amazing. So, yeah. Nice kayo ang mga story, guys.
19:45So, maka-relate gud. So, if you want someone who is in other countries na you know someone,
19:51hingaon. Because nowadays, we can easily write something to someone, no? Makatagtag letter nila
20:00through. Pwede na lang yung messenger ni mo. But through this one, postcards, I think there is a
20:06special touch to it when you, when it's your handwritten, it's if it's handwritten. And
20:12especially if the front of the postcard is something ganay, nga maka-relate ka as a Filipino,
20:19nga, mga, hello, this is from the Philippines, and this is me. Or, la, when I, when talking about
20:25the Philippines or thinking about the Philippines, I always remember on my way home or back to the
20:30province, nga ay mga coconuts, nga ay mga, mga, mga, it draws them back home. Mga, nindot siya
20:38nga kuhaan. So, yeah, there's more. Where is the poster? So, dapat ba nila? Tapad ni sila? Or,
20:44is this a set? No, yeah, that's a set because it's about the Philippine picnic, yeah. Philippine
20:53picnic book. The book, yeah, book. So, yun yung gilimuan. So, panda, what's this? Pandan sa
21:00lubi. Punuan sa lubi. Yeah. So, yeah, that's what's, that's called Sarit-sarit by Gerolina also.
21:07That's another artist. So, yeah, so, it's like a stamp because like while they were traveling,
21:13they were like trading different fruits and vegetables. That's why some of the fruits or
21:20vegetables came here in the Philippines. Like, how the, maybe how the pineapple came here. And then
21:26some bananas because we, they said that we have a lot of variety of bananas here in the Philippines
21:33and that's why how it was spread throughout the world because they were trading. So, yeah.
21:38Oh, that's why. So, okay, nice. So, ganahan ko. It's like the design. It's the story. I think it's
21:50what sells is the story. Then, what comes after is the product namismay. Naipuso sa saging. We have
21:58mata sa pinya, umugya. Gusto niyong puso sa saging and then punuan sa lubi. Very bisaya. Yeah, this one's
22:06just about the sailing part of them. Ah, this is a majalan. Yeah. Yeah, okay. So, this one is a set.
22:13How much for this? Um, yeah, I know. This is 500 pesos, guys. And if this is a gift,
22:22ako ang hataganan nindut siya. Dabi na with a dedication. Indut siya, promise. It's really part
22:30of the history of sa atong, sa Philippines. So, apart from that, you also have here ref magnets.
22:39Yes. Which is lahipot di siya ug. Story, guys, kay awa nga lahos, hala, tapos sa panigupan, agay.
22:50Lahos, hala, and agay. Mahadloko kay makasanya. Okay, oi.
22:59Let me open one. Laka cute, Annie, oi. Ref magnet, awa. So, essentially, Merg,
23:05amo ang brief in this concept was, we wanted something, when we, I think this is one of the
23:12first ones we made, and we wanted nakalang, Merg, how do we make something pop culture, right? And
23:18ang pinaka-initial thinking was like, you know that comic strip, nakalang nay, kaboom, or like,
23:23kapaw? Yes, yes, yes. So, we thought, oh, what if like that, but bisaya? Correct. So, that's
23:28essentially the brief, and then, later on, na Merg, nakakuan pod may, ug, mga other terminologies,
23:35along the way, like lahos. I think lahos is people who mag-commute. I think people can relate.
23:41Lahos, lahos. Lahos, let's go, na. O, o, padayon, or something, like proceed, no? Lahos. Dagaan
23:48makarelate, Annie, no? Lapinag ka ng everyday commuters. Lahos. Then, there is agay. Well,
23:54of course, makarelate. Agay sa kinabuhi, ug, agay sa kasingan. Then, hala. Hala. Diba? Very bisaya
24:05dito kayo ngakuan. Ganay, so, anyway. Now, um, cute kay siya, kay ifibutanginin mo siya sa imuhang
24:12ref, mura kagnay, yung sitawag din mo, ana, kay ng corkboard baw expression. Very nice. Ako
24:19nalimutan here. Then, you also have a coaster. Yeah. Which is a bigger koan, bigger canvas sa
24:27inuhang expression. So, lahisan din siya. Nasaan siya? Fire. Fire is like, I think it's similar to
24:36lahos. To game on, for a second. Game on. I think, um, newer, uh, generation, it's fire, diba?
24:44That's emoji. Yeah, yeah. Basically, I think that's, that's muna ang. To start, no? To start.
24:48Wala akong i-ablinas. Okay na, okay na. Okay, anyway. So, I think ka naman mas ganda niya siya
24:52ug mga set. Kaya naman na siya. Ay, tulo niya siya ka set. Yeah, yeah. Ay, tulok, uh,
24:59coasters. Then, we have yupak as well, which is amazing with our language, diba? Kay bisaya.
25:05Natay bisayak na words. And then, napadya layer two. Nga kara galingo nga bisayak nga gibali.
25:12Yes. So, na-ipak. That's a yupak.
25:16Yeah. English borrowed by. English borrowed bisayak. So, I know for sure in the future,
25:24you are still, kaya napan mo yung mga gipang develop karoon ng mga expressions. So, guys,
25:31what expressions do you want them to develop? Comment, tell us in the comment section. Kaya,
25:37maybe wata kahibaw, no? Available na dayo ng mga expressions sa kanang,
25:42kung ano. Nasa'yo, uban, karoon mo ang Gen Zs. Langhigid silaw, kanang Gen Z alpha. Gabaw
25:48d'yod ko, o kanang, mangutan na ako sa mga Gen Zs. O sa'yo, wag pasabot anong mga word,
25:53kanang LMSC. Kung saan mo syudin ang LMSC? Hindi ko kaget. So, muna siya. I think,
26:00through this, it's one way of communicating our bisaya culture. Very bisaya niya.
26:07So, ayun o, daghana kayo ko sa inyong home products. So, now, I also saw in your Facebook
26:17page na kanang na-upload mo yung prints. You do kanang labels. You do mga stickers. So,
26:27tell us about that. Maybe we have viewers here who are willing to avail.
26:31So, diba, like, we have the branding studio. And so, to support our customers, so, we wanted,
26:38or our clients, we wanted to have an additional service. Now, we can also print their labels for
26:44their products. So, essentially, because we have this, now we have the capability to help also our
26:50clients. In a way, murag full circle siya ba. We can help them with labels. Hindi lang sa'n kanang
26:56naku kayong label po. Something we can produce lang. Product labels lang. So, what's the,
27:02what's your, can you name a client na nana yung mga product labels? For example, like,
27:10Best Acre. So, Best Acre was a client of Backbone. The Backbone, we designed the branding along with
27:17the packaging design. And then, now they have a store. When we started, wala pa to sila store,
27:23pop-ups pa to sila. And then, now they have a store in Ayala. And they need support on that,
27:29no? Printing their labels, kanang sa ilang mga jars. Yes. So, yeah. And that's organic
27:34pharmaceutical. It's a honey ilah product. And now, we make the labels for them.
27:41You know what? You have to, to our viewers who are entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs,
27:46one thing I can say is that it really, we really need to invest on branding. It's not just the
27:55prints. It's not just the logo. But it's really more of the storytelling. Because sometimes,
28:01as entrepreneurs or someone who has the idea lang, it's very hard for us to execute what we have in
28:06mind. But if there's really someone who can interpret it and put it together so that it
28:12would be easy to understand, I should say you have to invest, maybe not so much sa gurro from
28:20the start, but at least invest time thinking about the branding and the brand story. Do you guys also
28:26do koan, kanang, what you call this, creative brief? Or usually ba, sila ba sa creative brief,
28:33ka mo mo develop? In most cases, MSME situation, they marag very koan lang na,
28:40nakuy idea. Nakuy idea, but I don't know yet how to express that. And so, we kind of collaborate
28:47with them in making the, for example, identity or a brand or a logo. They just, we ask them about
28:54the story, how they started. Because, you know, essentially the identity, the narrative has to
28:59connect. So, essentially, you're collaborating together and that's our practice really. Even
29:09with our prints in our art and print stationery store objects, we always collaborate with, you
29:16know, we have this thing na, everything should be intentional, like intentional in a way na,
29:22how a product is experienced and customer, how they will open it. I think big nerds,
29:28mini-princess with that, like, kanang, how, when it touched on my... Industrial judmo,
29:33industrial design judmo. Yeah, so, kanang siya. So, the customer experience is there. So, you also
29:40have here mga bags, pouch. Tell us about this one, Karka Collection. This is another brand.
29:48So, yeah. So, we also, there's so much energy guys. Yes, while you're young. Yeah. So, we designed
29:56a bag na, because both Francis and I, we love traveling. We love packing our bags.
30:07So, that's essentially what it is. Designed for nomads and people on the go.
30:12And so, we designed Karka.
30:17And what this is, is it can be folded into a small bag and then if you open it.
30:22Guys, can we focus this? Wait lang. We'll wait for the tech guys. We'll wait for the tech guys to
30:29focus this. Para makita yun nila, the beauty of Karka. Yeah. Yes, I really like it. Like,
30:35the first time nag-talk ta about it ba. I'm gula, nice kayo. Then, I saw the picture.
30:40Nice kayo in yung bag. Yeah. So, this is Karka and then you open nimo yan. Wait sa, asa naman to?
30:45Oh, na okay na? Okay, sige. Yang pouch and then that becomes a pocket later on. So, that's how
30:52it's unfolded. Kana siya. Not one. Ah, I really thought it's a different. That's why I said pouch.
30:58No, it's okay. So, ano siya and then the pouch becomes the side pocket essentially and then
31:05now it's this. Kana siya. So, mura siya, mura siya backpack and tote bag. Yes. When you carry it,
31:12if it's, if it's short, short iya hang strap, sling. So, mura siya ghan bag. Correct. If imong itaas
31:19po, you can pull this. And then, mura na siya, backpack. Wow. And then, if you pull this on the
31:26back, kaning duha ka straps niya, this becomes a backpack. So, wow. So, it's a three-way bag.
31:35This one is like a tote bag. Pila kakilo ang masuda ni? I think we around mga twenty but we
31:42definitely not. Yeah, ita by low input. Take care of your, of your bags. It's more on like mga five
31:47liters. Oh, five liters. Light packing lang. Light packing lang. Yeah, light packing lang. Also,
31:52because, diba like we said na, mura siya as a companion bag. It's a companion from the big bag.
31:58I need a small bag. Yeah, yeah. I need to buy something there. So, yeah. Nice case you guys.
32:03Then, kuhan case siya, washable pagid siya. Yes. So, gamay lang siya tanaw, no? If imo siyang iana,
32:08gamay siya tanaw. Pero, if you look closely, awa, lounged siya, daggan siya masulud and mura siya
32:15expandable. Right. Kaya kuhan mo nang material niya. So, it's a roll top so that you can extend
32:22also the, until the very top. So, pwede siya, like, sure. Pila man mukha buwan. This is a well,
32:31this is a well thought of nga product. Pwede mukha buwan ngayon. I think like mga six months,
32:37one year. Kaya like na, may atay client work atong day job, right? So, work in and out of
32:43product development. Oh, okay. So, pwede din eh, Nico, ano? Ana lang siya? Yes. Pwede saan? Like,
32:49pwede lagay mong say, bagay silang fit. Guys, nice kaya yung karga. Nice case siya pang everyday
32:55bag. For school, especially for college student, wala na kayo libro. Nice niya, or even kato mga
33:03work from home, freelancers, or kita, office. Convenient case siya, kaya daggan case siya
33:09from ease. So, yeah. So, muna yung variation ng colors. Yes. We still have more. We were able na,
33:17pero na, may saan mo ang Facebook page, Instagram page, hanggang collection. Okay. So, what are the
33:24challenges so far na iniyo hang na-face all throughout the journey? Saan man siyo iniyong
33:29mga challenges? So, yeah. I think we're, main challenge was to make it sustainable and also
33:38make it affordable also. Yeah. Itin ka na, the price point. So, how much for this one? The one is
33:441,800. Okay. Nasa chela yung version nga, water resistant, not waterproof. And it's also,
33:52ang material is made from discarded, bitaw nga mga material from MEPSA. So, like, that's surplus.
33:59Oh, so upcycled, di? Upcycled, yeah. So, each, each bag actually, I think, 20 raka pieces,
34:0630 pieces. So, per collection din siya? Yeah, per color. Wow, amazing. So, guys, get this one now
34:13while ko-on. Nakapasaya. So, yeah. What are the challenges siya, Franz? Yes, Franz, what are your
34:20challenges? Yeah, I think number one was making some, anything we make is, kung saan kung pag-think
34:27na sustainable siya, not lang in terms of the financial aspect, but as a product. Like, how
34:33will this product live, you know, for years to come? And then, financial aspect, naghang mat.
34:40Correct, yeah. So, especially R&D. Yeah. Test prints, mga samples, di ha, yun ang costly
34:48nga part, no? Yeah, yeah, as in, like, because, like, medyo, kung saan yun may lakarang nit-picky
34:55me sa among mga things na i-produce? Because we want, like, we want the stuff we make very high
35:00quality and stuff na kami mismo bitaw, bumu-use. So, yeah. So, at least, ganang inyo jungyo na
35:10huna mayo, you're not just thinking for profit, but you're also thinking about,
35:15ganang, unsa sustainability niyan, what's also the impact to the environment, which is very nice.
35:20So, I think we have a shared vision for Isla Local. Nga, we want, as much as possible, we want to
35:26eliminate plastics. Yes, yes. And to make, to have products that are environmentally friendly na
35:33mo'y i-consume sa every household. So, like, for example, for this bag, and I saw that you are
35:40doing a lot of pop-ups. You have been very busy last year, I know, and I don't know, karoon, if
35:47na ba may mga line-ups. How do you usually engage your customers, or where do you get customers,
35:53how do you communicate with them? I think, so, big change na mo' last year. We started consigning
36:01in Create. If you haven't been there, go there. Ayala Central Block. Mas daghan pa sa mga artists
36:08na dito. And having a place for it, for a, you know, a place, marketplace, and items. Then we
36:15have Isla Local also. Nga, nara siya there. So, all we think about now is making the things. Yes.
36:21Making the products na-selling. And then, a lot sad of our customers. I think, generally sad,
36:27kay ganahan sa'n sila mo-share, sila ang gi-purchase, or what they're doing. One thing is
36:34re-sharing, as well, the stories that they shared. And then, I think, in one of our store,
36:39in Create na mga store, we placed there an open notebook, which is so fascinating, kay,
36:44yamong giablihan para lang makita bitaw ang material, ang type of paper, and yun sa color. Correct.
36:50And then, we ended up, like, I think, three weeks later, napunot na siya ang drawing.
36:55So, lingang kay siyang experience po, damarag, oh, okay, even though we're not even, walang
37:00midib to, physically, we're able to communicate with them, as well. Yeah. Interactive po dila,
37:05experiencing yung pop-ups. Do you have anything lined up for the next month, or the next few
37:10months? This year, wala pa kami kayo nag-think, and I think we did too many things last year.
37:17Too many. So, but yeah, we're, you know, open to, like, pop-ups again, like, in the coming years.
37:24I know there are gonna be Lit Fest, I think that's the pop-up na sigihan na mag-appeal.
37:32Then, mga art markets, as well. We're open to joining food, and yeah, kaya na siya.
37:38So, talking about your customers, you said you wanted to have, like, a connection,
37:43at some point, you wanted to have a connection with your customers.
37:47What memorable stories iniyo ang gi-carry until now?
37:55It's just amazing, like, some of the customers would come, and share na, oh, wala, there's,
38:01like, a similar story that my grandma talked to me about during our bedtime stories, or like,
38:07wala, even though they're not Filipinos, they would come, and like, oh, there's, like, a similar,
38:13creature that our place also looks like, something like this, like, it's just amazing.
38:19It's like a conversation starter.
38:20Yes, yeah, like, every time na, mo sa pop-ups din. Like, for me, for example, like, nag-wonder ko sa
38:26design ba, like, oh, wala, kung saman niya siya nga-design, yung merag ganang, kuwan kiya siya,
38:31cute kaya yung colors. Then, I got the bookmark, which I am using, I'm bringing it with me.
38:38This is the book I'm reading right now. So, ako mga notebooks, even ako mga journals dito,
38:44it has your bookmark. Aw, thank you so much. Yes, and I remember, I bought a postcard during
38:50Christmas during your bazaar sa Isla Local, crafts party. I bought, like, one set. I used those
39:00para dedication ako sa some of the customers of Isla Local. So, if customer mo ni Isla Local,
39:06and you receive a postcard that is from objects. Yay! So, that's the smallest effort I can ever,
39:13or I can, I can give to you at the time. Kaya, actually, wala pa sa gayotan yung full blast,
39:19but we're slowly making it or doing things around para, para we can help promote each other. So,
39:26yeah, so, kanina siya, this is the majalan, diba? Yeah. So, you can recreate or reprint it.
39:31Then, also, if we can show, I sent a video, no? During night time, I do, like, we send candles,
39:41or we go at the candles, kaya para chill ba? Para chill siya. So, I use the match.
39:48Kato yun yung match ngayon. Yung guys, wala, dili sila limited to notebooks lang ha,
39:54posters or whatever. They also have a match. If we can show that on the screen, they also have a
39:59match that says, fire. Na-amaze siya. Then, it's the kind of match is dili siya katong baratuhon,
40:07but kato ganitagas siya. Ngapang scented candle yun, kaya diba na, may other nga lait siya,
40:13or form, nga, palawang siya. So, that's really for scented candles. So, it's nice, nga, naamuyon
40:21yun na, nga, innovation, nga dili ragani. But, can you tell me about that? Kano nakakunanguna
40:27Is it because of the word fire, or was there a, kanang, nai-need, nga, need yung posporor?
40:36You guys are so creatively crazy. I think we're more like thinking about the things we use every
40:43day, and then how can we make something na, a bit prettier. Like, I guess, like, kanang,
40:50like for example, diba, the safety matches we have here, diba, Emmy, Mana, and it's the same,
40:56or the guitar. And, because we also use scented candles at home, I use scented candles at home,
41:02and we thought, what if, like, it's kanang, nai-art in this? So, um, that's essentially
41:10how we think with our products. Nice kayo siya, nice kayo yung idea, nga, that's why it's called
41:21objects. Like, things, everything, every day things, yes. So, mura gani, um, if kakita kagposporo
41:29as creative people like them, as creative as them, lahinan lang susila ko to. Wati pa ko siya
41:35butangago yung mananing, diba? So, now that we're talking about the products, and you have a variety
41:41of products, and now you have karga, and, um, nagslowly naginmood ka ng add sa inyo hang listings.
41:48So, I know running a business, especially now that people are buying online, um, comes with its
41:54own challenges, no? So, how do you handle, like, mga logistics, especially, um, do you also have
42:01clients na outside the country, or mostly karoon, local pa ba mo? So, I think we've evolved, you know,
42:08through that shift in terms of leadership, nga, before nag-concentrate me on local, now we have
42:14international clients as well, and one big thing in terms sa mo ang backbone ng studio, um, was
42:21really making a good website. Like, I think that was the key to it, na maragang a good portfolio
42:26to show, um, to potential customers. Um, in terms of product stuff, like objects, I think biggest
42:34challenge na mo is, um, like, keeping up with the marketing things, like, you have to be consistently
42:41visible. Correct. And that's not, ah, kapuya, uy, alala. Yes. But if you have a business, you have to do it.
42:48You have to be there. You have to be there because, um, people, I mean, um, I think we spoke about this,
42:55like, before, mga, naghahanman ganun mo palit sa mong product, you just, you're just not showing it enough.
43:01Like, I think, um, there's gonna be people who will be interested if you show them to the right people.
43:06Correct. Correct. So, hindi ka naalangsad kay, um, we're kind of lagging on that. Yeah, yeah. In terms of posts, mga ana-ana, um, yeah.
43:16That's why. Yes, yes, yeah. Yeah, but that's why we, it was, we're happy that we met you and the Isla Loco
43:22because we get, that was like another platform that we can show our, yes, yes. Even, like, with our,
43:28ka na, mga potential na customers for objects that they wanna buy, before, kay, we have to send them,
43:32like, a deck, a na-ana, na maragbau niya ang mga stuff. Now, we just send them, like, our links sa Isla Loco. Yes.
43:38And then, kamu na itanong nila. Correct. Correct. And that's our bottom. Yeah. Not that we don't wanna be,
43:44uh, we don't want, nga, mo engage a customer, but, you know, it's, when, it's, when processes are
43:49optimized, that's when you can see the growth of a business. Yes. Yes. And, um, if you can automate
43:55things, you automate things. Yeah. Yeah. That will help you a lot. Um, you have to be efficient in some ways
44:01and make use of the tools available to you. So, I'm also happy that you said yes, because that
44:06validated, uh, one of our, um, one of our, um, rug theories and hypothesis. I think small business
44:13owners, for me, I have been working with small business owners ever since, and, um, I have it in
44:19mind that they, usually for small business owners, um, what they have, what, what their priorities
44:26are is the production, is the finances, um, and other things. Um, maawahi gitsi marketing. Right.
44:33And I think one of the reasons kanong maawahi si marketing is first, there are so many hesitations.
44:38I don't know how to take photos. I don't know how to, to do this. That's only for tech people. I'm
44:43not tech. I'm creative. I'm this and that. And so, so many gaps. So the reason why we created Isla
44:49Local is to bridge that gap, is to be there and to be present also for small business owners
44:55who are not, um, whose, um, focus is not much on marketing. So we can help you with that side.
45:03So now that Objects is now in Isla Local, um, actually, we just started, uh, promoting some
45:09of the products last Valentine's. We had a very, um, we had our, um, break also, um, during Christmas.
45:17So bago lag mi naka promote balik. So you are in the pipeline for us to, to promote you. So we're
45:24doing our best, um, every day to at least help you because, um, the, the products that we put
45:33in Isla Local, it's very curated. It's something that I have to check. It's something that, um,
45:39I know will give value to people. Although it's not that we are, we don't engage with other people,
45:47but my point is we want something, uh, environmentally friendly, um, cycled, um,
45:59so you're in the pipeline. And I was very happy when I was scrolling.
46:08So, um, I think there was an inquiry that, um, somebody asked about your notebook.
46:16Yeah. So I was very happy at least, um, even if we have not promoted it yet, um, they saw the,
46:23they saw the website already because we're running ads about it. So
46:29so yeah, I hope you will continue to, um, create beautiful things. And of course,
46:37Isla Local will be here to help you out, uh, the best way we can. Okay. So before we end, um, maybe
46:44you can share to our, uh, viewers, what other exciting plans or projects you have for objects,
46:51or do you have any other collaborations? What's your call to action? So, um, right now we're,
46:57like, we're not, we're concentrating currently with, um, art prints. We're developing paper
47:03toys. Still on the paper. We like it. That's our medium. Paper and textile. That's our medium. So
47:12we're developing paper toys. How do we make a paper toy, uh, buildable and something about
47:19local culture and heritage. So that's on our pipeline. Um, obviously like we'll be doing
47:26more pop-ups as well. Um, we have a store already in Ayala Create. Um, hopefully we'll have another
47:33consignment. Yeah. So, yeah. So yes, France, you want to add something? So you're really gearing
47:42towards, um, product innovation, um, industrial product, no? Development. Yes. So this is not
47:51limited to creatives or, um, creating prints, but rather creating products out of the skills that
47:59you both have. Okay. Very nice. So, um, guys, you can buy their products in Ayala and yeah, tell
48:06them. Yeah. So we have a consignment in Create, Ayala, third floor, central block. Um, it's right
48:12behind, um, Unbox. So it's a curated space for artists made, merch made by different local
48:20artists. So visit that place. Um, all of our stuff is there. Um, or you can also, um, um, visit our,
48:28uh, social media pages, Facebook and Instagram. If you want, um, more of your book items or,
48:34you know, more personalized, customized notebooks, you can also do that. Um, so yeah.
48:40It's the local. It's the local. The most important thing. And we also have a store in Manila.
48:48I mean, just consignment. It's called the Temp Store. Uh, it's in Intramuros. Uh, it's called
48:55Lemon Drop. Wow. Nice. So,
49:11and they are in Intramuros, the Lemon Drop. Yeah. Okay. So thank you so much. And before we go,
49:18let's talk, uh, we have this word of the week, which is brand awareness. So brand awareness is
49:24the extent in which people can recall and recognize your brand. It has two components,
49:28which is brand recall, which is a measure of how well a brand name is connected to a product class.
49:33And brand recognition is when a consumer recognizes a brand by its attributes. So
49:39brand awareness is like how people know you. It's how people remember you. It's how people notice
49:45you. So, um, which is very timely because that's what we talked about earlier. We talk about
49:51branding. And, uh, for me, um, I suggest even if you are very small, you have to have a brand story
49:59that can be a very good starter for your brand awareness, because your story will be your anchor.
50:04Whatever it is, people will ask about your product. That is something that you have to
50:09carry every day. From the start, your story should be clear already. And that should include your why
50:15that should include why you're creating something. So your why will be your story. Your story will
50:20contribute to your, to your brand. And that's what you will communicate for them to remember
50:26about. So just like objects, they're creating something or they're the everyday products or
50:31the everyday objects that you see at home. And yeah, for example, the match. So yes,
50:38that's the word of the week. Um, we will be giving another set of exciting giveaways. If you can
50:46answer our word of the week, which will flash next week. So that is for those
50:52any of the giveaways that you will be giving. Yes. Um, what do you will receive my next week?
50:58Um, we were thinking of sharing our, a set of these, um, new notebook. Yeah, this one and this
51:07one. And some of our greeting cards as well. Wow. Nice.
51:16Oh, especially Padung na Ang Women's Month and Padung na Ang Mother's Day.
51:21We encourage you to write your message. Timing's okay. We are also women founded. Oh, yes.
51:30Correct. So they will be giving away this one.
51:33Um, they have the notebook. Actually, nice.
51:37So we will have collaborations.
51:41Then, um, yes, of course, before we end, let us check our, um, live.
51:52Can I borrow a phone?
51:53Okay.
52:02Very quickly. Let's check. And then we can end. So we have 25 viewers.
52:09Hey, you have Miss Rambi. Hello. Um, Femme Sevilla Benito.
52:18What's this?
52:19Oh, yes.
52:23Right now.
52:26Then we have, um,
52:32you have one order online.
52:34Dale Jaw.
52:53So thank you so much, guys, for joining us in the live chat. And yes, we will be
52:59picking one winner. Also, we will be giving away, um, any of these four.
53:08So you want to pick a winner or you want to decide later?
53:13Because we want other people to, you know, share the post, even after this live. So maybe we can
53:19decide later tonight. And then we can, um, we can announce,
53:24comment.
53:28Then you will be communicating. Marianne will help you out.
53:31All right. Okay. Thank you.
53:33So thank you.
53:36Thank you for inviting us.
53:37Thank you. Yes.
53:42I really love the passion.
53:47Purpose.
53:48Sorry, ambition for this. So, um, we can't wait.
53:54And I can't wait.
53:59That we will soon discover. So thank you. And to all our viewers, don't forget to check out
54:05objects for beautiful, meaningful art pieces that turn everyday moments into stories.
54:11Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or a unique piece for your home or for your
54:16friends, for women, um, for your parents, for your mother, especially the coming Mother's Day
54:22is a women's month, you know, just a letter of encouragement to other women.
54:27You can use their postcards or their, um,
54:32can be a gift, a souvenirs or whatever. So you can find them in islalocal.com.
54:38It's an online marketplace for Filipino local products, just like this one,
54:42where you can find favorite handmade creations like native bags, fashion accessories,
54:49paintings, home decors, or even artisanal food like dried mangoes,
54:53farm to table products, and gourmet chocolates.
54:56So you only need to go to www.islalocal.com, search for a product, add it to your card,
55:03pay. And after that, we will take care of your delivery. For Cebu City,
55:08Isla Local offers same-day delivery and we can ship nationwide and worldwide.
55:13So thank you so much for tuning in today. Again, this is Queen Hercia Dionaldo,
55:17and thank you for joining us. And as always, stay creative, stay inspired,
55:22and keep supporting local business. See you next time.
55:38Bye.