MANA

Mana is a social enterprise that aims to uplift local heritage crafts by empowering local artisans in order keep our culture thriving. Its main product is leather goods made from Marikina, the heart of the craft & shoe capital of the Philippines. Run by the UP Juinor Marketing Association, it is an avenue for young people to learn about running a social enterpise from begining to end. I had the honor of being part of their creatives for 2 years and was able to co-head the creatives department, and establish a new brand direction.

In 2019, I creative directed the shoot in Intramuros, Manila. The goal was to truly immerse one into the “MANA universe,” which is ultimately what Filipino heritage is. And in 2020, I was asked to creative direct, style, and photograph the first collection. Due to lockdown, we had limited location options as well and so we opted for a field and a friends house.