The water hyacinth is one of the most damaging aquatic plant worldwide because of its capability to reproduce at an extraordinary rate. Growing up to two meters wide, it reduces light and oxygen, as well as changes water chemistry, and – as a result – affects local flora and fauna.

In fact, the livelihoods of many fishing communities have been greatly affected by the plant – e.g. they encounter marine transportation and irrigation problems; there’s the unwarranted death of fish populations; there’s flooding that force people to evacuate; and some communities experience high rates of water-borne diseases like malaria or dengue.

To deal with the plant, Jacinto & Lirio (which translates to “Hyacinth and Lily”) came into being.

But “not only does J&L serve as a viable environmental, social, and commercial solution to the water hyacinth problem, but also serves as an answer to the Philippines’ poverty and colonial mentality problem as well,” the company said to Kickstart Magazine.

J&L creates “well-designed, functional, and Philippine-inspired plant leather-goods” that “aim to improve the lives of people from both ends of the spectrum — the water hyacinth communities who are empowered through meaningful work, and the people purchasing who are enriched by the eco-friendly products.”

Products include: restaurant or hotel amenities, office desk accessories, and corporate or promotional giveaways like leather goods, travel accessories, desk accessories, eco-bags, pouches, journals, coasters, and so on.

“Not only are these products of high quality and personalize-able, but they also complement the flare of sustainability and common well-being that local products have to offer,” the company stressed.

To know more, head to http://www.jacintoandlirio.com/.

When Diana Abne established Sugar Mommah PH in June 2020 with a start-up capital of only around P5,000, it was – at first – only a “passion project”. She loved cooking, yes; but she didn’t (really) bake.

But then the goods she prepped started selling out; so much so that it only took her three months to get ROI, so that now she’s focusing on further growing her business.

Now what makes Sugar Mommah PH different from others offering the same goods?

“I offer unique flavors and tastes – from my Puto Bumbong Cheesecake, Sapin-Sapin Cheesecake and Calamansi Muffins,” Diana proudly said.

Must-try include: Baked Kani Salmon (P400/solo,P550/regular, P1299/party), Baked Samgyeopsal (P350/solo,P500/regular, P1299/party) and Baked Cheesy Tteokbokki (P350/solo,P500/regular, P1299/party).

Also must-have: Tableya Cheesecake (P850/regular, P400/minis), Puto Bumbong Cheesecake (P700/regular, P350/minis), Berry Cheesecake (P700/regular, P350/minis), and Calamansi Muffin (P350/box of 6).

Wanna try the savory offerings of Sugar Mommah PH? Head to Facebook or Instagram: @sugarmommahph; or send a message to Viber/WhatsApp 09177537804.

ARC Clothing is continuing to make a name in sustainable fashion industry, as it extended its line of merchandise that combines both utility and design. Known for its reusable face masks and alcohol holders, the brand is releasing a line of personalized letter patchwork tote bags.

ARC tote bags are 14.5” x 5” x 16.5” in dimension, made from a thick bull twill fabric, held by a 21-inch shoulder strap. It is expendable and has an inner pocket that gives you an ample amount of space and storage for your day-to-day essentials. These tote bags come in black, khaki, and fatigue color.

The tote bags are part of the ARC conscious initiative, a line of ARC Clothing products that puts emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. The brand seeks to minimize its textile waste by recycling and upcycling fabric offcuts from previous productions to new lines of merchandise. 

The bags feature a letter patchwork design, using various fabric offcuts. As it uses scraps, the designs create a distinct and unique pattern for each bag. You can further personalize your bag by choosing the letter of your patchwork upon ordering. 

You can check them out through ARC Clothing’s official website: shoparcclothing.com. You may also follow their social media accounts on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/shoparcclothing) and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shoparcclothing/]. For further inquiries, you may contact them through Viber +639664453127 or email them at arcclothingph@gmail.com.