Retazo, coming to you soon...

Let’s start the day with a quick quizz. Are you ready? In your opinion, what amount of textile is simply trashed each year? Any idea? Ok, I will help you; we are talking about millions of tons. Still no clue? Every year, 13.1 million tons of textiles are trashed and only 15% of those are recycled, when the half of it is perfectly reusable. If you did not guess it, don’t worry, you’re part of the 78% of the population, unaware of the issue.

And now you are all wondering where is he going towards? What’s the purpose of talking about textiles trashes? Ok, let’s end a part of the suspense and watch the following video.

Yes, Gifts and Graces is cooking something for you, something old and fresh in the same time, something trendy made out of what could be considered outdated. We receive many different and interesting textiles from a generous partner based in the United States. But what to do with it? Throwing it was out of the question. Marge, our designer, together with our partner communities got an idea. 

And what if those scrap fabrics could become fashionable? So Gifts & Graces decided to offer its design input, together with the skills of our talented partners and this is what you get: a whole new line of bags, actual with a touch of vintage. You want to know more about it? Be patient, more exciting news are coming soon, so keep posted.  

Jeremy

The G&G 2013 product clinic

Although we've already posted about the capacity building program, we wanted to highlight the product clinic conducted for the participants by our in-house Designer Marge. We never have enough of the good things, right?

The product clinic was held on May 1^st. Yes, it was a holiday, people are not supposed to work. But since our partners came from different parts of the country, we wanted to maximize their time here and we know that our participants can handle it.

The product clinic started at 1pm to give everyone time to sleep-in after the Partners Dinner the night before and three exhausting and so busy weeks. To make it not so formal, the clinic was held in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Makati Ave. Drinks are ordered, we have a table big enough, so time to start.

The product clinic started with Marge presenting the trends, from animal printing, to natural materials, ethnic designs, etc. and discussing how to apply the trends to our partners own crafts.

To apply what was shared during the presentation, the participants formed groups. Each group was composed of people from different organizations, with different skills and using different materials. "You have one hour to come out with items, mixing the different materials when possible" were Marge's instructions.

Who was the most talented in drawing? Some were very, let’s say, arty, conceptual. Group 1 came out with three ethnic bags of different sizes, mixing tinalak from Klo-Wil, canvas and plastic strips from our partner Pamana. 

Final work of the team 1

Tatay Ding, from team 1

The award for the most artistic and colorful work went to the second group. To thunderous applause, please welcome Yolly, Dahlia and Mike with their “fancy collection” a very colorful line dedicated to summer. One convertible bag made of printed canvas, a pair of sandals, both in shiny colors. It made me want to go to the beach.

Their very colorful creations

Team 2's artists at work

Enough accessories. The last group has decided to focus on furniture and decorative items. On your left, made of rattan paper and tinalak please welcome the “center table”, going along with an assorted lampshade and a magazine rack. But this living room line wouldn’t be complete without a chair to make it more comfy to read a magazine from the newly designed rack. 

One chair designed for team 3

Team 3 artwork

The ideas presented here are interesting but need to be analyzed by our designer. Drum roll. She gives her comments, how it could be improved, why this and this doesn’t fit together, etc.

We are now done with the group work. Finally we get to what everyone is waiting for and stressed out by. One by one, they will show some of their items to Marge who will then comment, give advices. One after another, they cannot escape. Everything goes well, participants are writing done what’s said, committing to use those helpful advices in a near future. They come out with new ideas, new possible combination of materials. Despite the fatigue, participants stay focused, and seem to enjoy it. You can see it in their eyes, behind those growing eye bags. Last presentation is done. Right on time it's starting to get late - it's already about 6pm. Coffee cups are empty. Sun is going down. It’s time to end a successful workshop, leaving with the head full of ideas.

Fun Run for Fair Trade - TAKKKBO on June 1st, 2013

On June 1st, Gifts and Graces together with the Community Crafts Association of the Philippines (CCAP) and the World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO-Asia) held its first fun run, to spread the word about fair trade and at the same time, celebrate CCAP's anniversary. Here is the story.

The run was entitled TAKKKBO. The three Ks stand Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kayamanan to embody the values of fair trade which are to care for the environment, take care of producers (including their health), and provide economic opportunities for poverty reduction to the disadvantaged.

The run took place at the Quezon Memorial Circle at the heart of Quezon City and a popular venue for fun runs, bazaars, and casual strollers on weekends, walking from a place to another, and occasionally stopping by one of those zumba activities, to dance on a mix of old disco songs, R&B and heated up Latino tunes.

On Saturday, June 1^st, it's D day. I was there at 4:30am together with a few other participants who started coming in one by one. I found myself thinking Lucky sun, it’s still sleeping. My two and a half hours of sleep and three cups of coffee won’t make it for the whole morning. Time to be tough Jeremy. “You’re doing it for a good cause, you’re doing it for your organization, and you’re doing it for Fair Trade. Think wider.”

Registration booth

Registration was onsite so more and more people started coming in. There was a slight glitch - the sound system was stuck in traffic so the program couldn't start yet. Legs started fidgeting, showing their willingness to move and run. Excitment and tension was mounting when, suddenly, a sound. For the first time, the noise and smell of an old van was like a blessing, a gift. The sound system had finally arrived. Hurry up, time to set it up.

The program started with a warm-up. The participants gathered before the stage where a coach started moving, jumping, etc., something between fitness and the ubiquitous zumba. The crowd followed, smiling and sweating. 

"Put your hands up in the air..."

"5am on a Saturday morning, so hard"

A few minutes later, the game is on, it's time to start running. The 5k participants will go first, followed a few minutes later by the 3K ones. Everybody is excited, the Gifts and Graces team is on the track. Marge, our in-house designer will run 5K and the rest of the team, 3K.

Marge is on the track. 5 more K to go!

Jo and Jhun Jhun, the new G&G running team

3… 2… 1… START! Time to go. Let’s proudly represent G&G and our advocacy. Also joining the fun run at the invitation of G&G were runners from the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Globe Telecom. The run went around the circle where there were water stations every few meters. There was no feeling of competition in the air, just fellow runners of all ages, enjoying the fun run all together. Runners (and walkers) were sweating a bit, smiling a lot. After about 15 minutes, the first 3K runners arrived at the finish line, a big smile on their flushed faces. Everybody is now getting closer to the end.

The program continued with awards and prizes for the fastest runners with items from our partner organizations and from our sponsor Resorts World and WFTO Asia. The three first guys and girls from each category got their package. 

And the winner is...

Because running is not enough, let's dance guys!

After the “ceremony”, games were then organized to continue entertaining our guests to push their first fair trade experience further. So, participants gamely played "the longest fair trade"? Folks take a very deep breathe, you now have to start screaming your lungs out. Only one winner would be chosen. There is tension in the air. Who has better vocal cords than the Castafiore? Yelling very loudly, they are doing their best and ears of the assistance can feel it. One by one, they are out of breath and giving up. Finally, a winner! With the games over, it was time for the closing remarks, acknowledgements and congratulations. The crowd starts scattering, all moving towards the bazaar to get a well deserved breakfast before going back home and rest after such a fun and exciting activity.

We would like to thank all of you who made this event a success, and we hope to see you soon, in our stores, at our stands during bazaars or maybe at our next fun run. And most important: do not forget to spread the word about Fair trade.

More pictures are available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627725597255961.1073741831.434696616558861&type=1

and here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627733413921846.1073741832.434696616558861&type=3

- Jeremy

Capacity Building Program 2013 - An article from Ulot Watershed Model Forest newsletter

As most of our followers, friends and partners know, Gifts and Graces held this April-May its first Capacity building program. Enclosed you will find the newsletter article from our partner and participant, the Ulot Watershed Model Forest. We hope you will enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed participating in this. Do not hesitate to comment, share your ideas at the end.

In order to achieve its goals, Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation Inc. (G&G), with thanks to its partners: Globe Bridgecom  and  Accenture/PinoyME,  decided  to  start  a trainer’s  training program  for its  partner communities. The goal: to equip trainers from within G&G’s network with the knowledge, skills,  and attitude to conduct fair trade audits and enterprise management training to their communities. This was finally realized 10 April to 3 May 2013, when G&G held its first one-month trainer’s training program in Manila.

The first week was held at the Asian Social Institute (ASI) and involved an introduction of the participants,  which included Ms. Elaine Springgay as a representative of the Ulot Watershed Model Forest (UWMF), and the concepts and principles of social enterprise. Facilitated by the Philippines Social Enterprise  Network (PhilSEN), the participants learned how to use the Social Enterprise Quality Index tools  developed by PhilSEN, which are tools for doing well (economic) and doing good (social and  environmental). Although the two days involved intense learning, it was also interspersed by fun games and practical exercises. 

Our studious participants during the first session with PhilSEN

On Saturday, 14 April 2013, Mr. Danny Miralles, the President of the Ulot Watershed Model Forest Stakeholders Federation (UWMFSF), was able to join the other participants in time for a G&G organized field trip to Robinsons Ermita in Manila and South Mall in Las Pinas, where G&G had a special exhibit to celebrate women’s month. The purpose of the trip was to have a look at G&G’s displays, become aware of what other organizations are doing, and to find some inspiration. Mr. Miralles was stunned by quality of the products, especially those made of bariw; he asked, “Can we really compete with these products?” It’s a valid question, but Ms. Springgay has no doubt that with a commitment to NTFPs and a lot of effort, then not only can Ulot’s products compete, they can outshine the competition. 

Yes, they are working! ;)

By the second week, it was time to get to the heart of the matter: “Generate Your Business Idea” and “Start Your Business” trainings, also facilitated by PhilSEN. This whole-week session involved 3 days of lectures, including tips on how to train others, and then two days of facilitation practice. The lectures included topics such as business models, developing a business plan, strengths and weaknesses of a business idea, opportunities and threats and bookkeeping. In other words: the essential points of establishing a healthy and flourishing business. 

As said earlier, this was trainer’s training; therefore, the goal was to make the participants able to train people in their own community on what they learned. So, after 3 days in class it was time to be the facilitators. On Thursday, 18 April 2013 all the participants went to G&G’s partner FCED in Paco, Manila, where 20 members were patiently waiting for their newly trained trainers. Over two days, the participants shared with the women what they had the chance to learn earlier. Although some were apprehensive about facilitating for the first time, the new trainers were happy to transmit their newly gained knowledge. Two days of sharing, learning, seriousness and fun, equaled two very successful days. 

The newly promoted trainers and their trainees of the day

On Saturday, everyone returned to ASI, where Globe Bridgecom volunteers provided training in basic IT tools: the Internet, email, and MS Office. But that wasn’t even the best part. All  the participant communities received a notebook and got cake to celebrate a participant’s birthday! Now that is what we call ‘getting cake and eating it too!’ 

Congrats! ;)

Part of the Globe volunteers

The third week started with everyone transferring to DTI’s Cottage Industry Training Center in Marikina City for skills training. Two trainings were offered: bamboo weaving, and leather sewing; UWMFSF‘s very own Danny Miralles from San Isidro, Paranas and Mario Moscosa from San Rafael, Hinabangan participated in the bamboo weaving where they learned new materials, new skills, and new opportunities.  “We have lots of bamboo, so it is nice to learn how to properly prepare the materials and apply our weaving skills to new products,” explained Mr. Moscosa. 

With introductions and orientations taking up the first day, there were only 4 days to learn how to process the materials and produce final products. It was a very busy and  labor-intensive week: preparing the strips  of bamboo, weaving the materials and perfecting a technique. But, by the end of the week projects took shape, participants still had smiles on their faces, and some of them were already imagining new creations. 

Starts looking like a basket

Our leather team

Despite a very busy week, there was still work to do. On Saturday 27 April, the participants returned to ASI to learn from members of the Advocates for Philippines Fair Trade Inc (APFTI) about fair trade. Why was this session important? Even though G&G’s partners are expected to follow as many fair trade principles as possible, this does not mean they are aware of what these principles are. Moreover, as trainers, participants are expected to spread fair trade principles to their own community and beyond. Work hard. Play harder. After a long and highly productive week, the participants were treated to a day exploring Manila. From Intramuros, where they visited the Casa Manila – a museum depicting Spanish colonial life – to Makati where they toured the Ayala museum and admired its impressive collections. 

The final week focused on product finishing. Thanks to DTI’s Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP), different modules were offered to the participants, including natural material dying, gifts and houseware finishing, and furniture finishing. Ms. Springgay shared, “It was like art class! The techniques were fascinating, but one of our challenges to adopt such finishes is access to supplies. However, an objective for UWMF is to gain access to natural dyes in order to protect the environment and the producers – chemical dyes are so toxic.” Even on 1 May, a holiday, G&G organized a product clinic with their in-house designer, sharing trends and critiques on how to improve products. It was an excellent introduction for UWMFSF members to the expectations G&G has regarding products. 

Part of the team

At work 

With bags under eyes, big smiles on faces, and half a dozen certificates rewarding hard work – including UWMF’s newly certified facilitators Mr. Miralles and Ms. Springgay – everyone celebrated their achievements at a final dinner. It was an intense month. Everyone gained a lot: new skills, new knowledge and, most importantly, new friends.  

It is now time to pay forward  lessons  learned. For the UWMF, there will be a serie of trainings facilitated by Mr. Danilo Miralles, starting July 2013 with a trainer’s training for the Ulot youth, and followed by training to enterprise-engaged POs. 

By Elaine Springgay (ULOT) & Jeremy Callegher (G&G)

For more pictures, do not hesitate to visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150281698609987.1073741828.23239344986&type=3

Fair Trade Shopping

Vote for fair trade products with your wallet

Gifts and Graces would like to thank WFTO Asia for inviting us to their Open House today. Support WFTO Asia's Open House and support fair trade organizations in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and of course the Philippines.  

G&G products: Newspaper bags, newspaper wine caddies, monster dolls, retaso travel pillows, retaso denim bears, bead robot charms, travel sets, retaso cellphone cases, handmade paper gift tags

Fair trade seeks to correct the flaw in trading practices between the North and South; it seeks to correct the imbalances and injustices in this trading system and dared to ask Why not a trading system that protects and benefits the producers who globalization is supposed to benefit? Read about the 10 principles of fair trade in our About Fair Trade page.

The fair trade movement has grown to include many producers to help them gain access to opportunities and develop sustainable livelihoods. Fair trade builds the community's capabilities and incorporates environmental stewardship in production and business practice. To quote from the WFTO Asia website

"In an era of mass consumption, Fair Trade puts forward a big challenge for producers and consumers to seriously think about. The underpaid workers at the far end of the line, the rapidly degrading environment, the fading cultural identity and traditions, the discriminated women, the exploited and overworked children, and the families and communities searching for means to survive."

The fair trade model is not only a social enterprise, it is a social innovation that is a wholistic approach to conducting business in a creative, resourceful, and most of all humane way. Gifts and Graces believes that fair trade is a powerful model to fight poverty because it is an inclusive and empowering model that enables livelihood communities to move from vulnerability to self-sufficiency. 

Gifts and Graces supports WFTO's campaign to encourage consumers to do their part in fighting poverty by making the switch to fair trade products. By buying Gifts and Graces products you buy gifts that lift the spirit because even as a giver, you are blessed by the knowledge that you are buying great products that are aligned with your values. What's more, you are doing your part to support the entrepreneurial efforts of our marginalized partners such as urban poor communities, former prison inmates, former streetchildren, persons with disabilities, special needs individuals, and indigenous groups. 

Sharing below a video from WFTO Asia. Choose with your heart, buy with your conscience, vote with your wallet. Make the switch today.

Producer Spotlight: Linda Casimiro of FCED

Nanay Linda Casimiro is 61 and helps support her six children and four grandchildren through the orders that she gets through Gifts and Graces, in particular the consistent orders of Vic Barba.

Before joining the FCED Foundation, she dabbled in sewing, but her earnings were not enough for her family. As a member of FCED Foundation, she trained in sewing under KaBaKa - Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Kaunlaran, an initiative of then Mayor Bagatsing. Through her involvement in FCED and the help of Gifts and Graces, she honed her sewing skills and expanded her opportunities.

She narrates that making Vic Barba bags also helped her a lot in improving her sewing skills. It was four years ago when she first received orders of custom made bags for Vic Barba. She studied the design drawings and samples that were sent to her and produced bags that she was very proud of. When asked why she was proud of the Vic Barba bags she replies “maganda ang quality ng ginagawa namin, alam namin yan dahil sinasabi ng ibang tao. At shempre maganda ang design. Ako ang may gawa eh!”. (We make good quality products, we know this from the feedback of other people. And of course they're very well designed. Of course I made them!). Nanay Linda is grateful for the Vic Barba bag orders, she adds “malaking bagay ang pagagawa namin ng bags ni Ma'm Vic, nakakatulong ang kinikita sa pagpapaaral ko sa bunsong anak ko” (Making Ma'm Vic's bags helps us a lot. The income I get from making those bags help in sending my youngest child to school).

She's also very grateful to Gifts and Graces for giving FCED a lot of income generating projects. “Dahil sa Gifts and Graces hindi kami nawawalan ng trabaho” (Because of Gifts and Graces we have reliable livelihood).

Through your support of Gifts and Graces, producers like Nanay Linda can send her children to school and give them 3 square meals a day. There are various other stories like Nanay Linda's and their stories are tied in to yours. Your act of support and generosity today can be their success story for the coming months.

Producer Spotlight: Liezel Quismorio of FCED

As one of eight siblings, Liezel Quismoro dreamt of a better life. She left her hometown of Makato, Aklan with high hopes of bettering her lot in life. She came to Manila to study programming at STI but abandoned the dream of becoming an IT professional when she realized that encoding and programming was not for her.

Instead of being in front of computers, what Ate Liezel really wanted was to be in front of a sewing machine. She wanted so badly to learn how to sew but failed to get into the free training in TESDA. She ended up working for an aunt instead who sold clothes and who taught her basic sewing skills.

It was seven years ago that she joined FCED. Eventually her sewing improved and she learned additional skills like beadwork which she learned form Firma owner Lito Vijandre and rag- weaving which she is learning from Rags 2 Riches.

She expresses her gratitude to Gifts and Graces for helping them find work and marketing their products. She says more people should buy from Gifts and Graces to help poor families like hers.

Ate Liezel is one of five women from FCED who make the tarp bags for Market! Market! Aside from the bonding that they do while completing their sewing tasks making tarp bags allow  them to buy essentials for their kids. Making the tarp bags for Market! Market! Also allows her to earn an income from home while looking after her four kids. Three of her children are in school, she's hoping she could send her third child Ronel to school too. Maybe like his younger sister Rahzel, Ronel could be awarded first honor as well.

She dreams of one day owning a small house and lot in Laguna or Las Pinas where she could be close to her aunt and where her children can have better access to schools. With your help in providing her with a steady income through your support of Gifts and Graces, Ate Liezel's dream could still become a reality.

They're SOy Good!

At Gifts & Graces we have a variety of Soy candles to choose from. Buying your soy candles from Gifts & Graces helps the men of Pag-asa sa Paglaya Multipurpose Cooperative who have reinvented themselves as candle makers after being released from prison.


Aside from benefiting our partner community of candle-makers, did you know that soy candles are good for the environment and your health too?

G&G soy candles come in 5 beautiful scents:

vanilla, cinnamon, citronella, lavender & orange

Here are just some reasons why soy candles are a better choice than other candles:

1) They burn slower. Soy candles burn up to twice as long as parafin candles. You can savesome money by buying just one soy candle instead of 2 parafin candles.

2) They produce much less soot. You know that black smoke that comes out of regular candles? Soy candles produce only very little soot that it is unnoticeable.

3) Their scent is more potent. Soy candles' ability to make a room smell good is better and lasts longer than parafin candles. The scent that emanates from soy candles smell cleaner too!

4) They come from a renewable source. Unlike parafin that comes from crude oil, soy is a plant. Buying soy candles also help give livelihood to the soy farmers!

5) There are various health benefits! Which you can read more about here.

Switch from parafin candles to soy candles today. They're just SOy good!

*see the full range of Gifts & Graces candles HERE.