Three Filipino entrepreneurs are finding new markets for products rooted in local agriculture, food and traditional craftsmanship, as they adapt their businesses to changing consumer habits.
Their stories are featured in Grit Expectations, a docuseries presented by Shopee Kultura+ and produced by FEATR. The series follows Cacao Culture, Organic Options and FilDogScarf, three businesses that have built their products around local industries and traditions.
Cacao Culture founders Shiela and Ken Reyes-Lao became interested in Philippine cacao after moving from Manila to Davao. Their business eventually expanded to support more than 20 local chocolate brands, highlighting products made from Philippine cacao.
For Organic Options founders Mike and Malou Melendres, the focus has been on working with smallholder farmers. The company has worked with more than 300 farmers over more than 25 years while developing products including organic produce and rice-based products.
FilDogScarf founder Anilene Atanacio took a different approach to preserving a family tradition.
Atanacio drew from Filipiniana craftsmanship passed down through her family and adapted it into handmade apparel for pets. She started the business with P2,500 and initially handled its operations herself.
All three businesses eventually turned to online selling as they sought customers beyond their local communities, with Shopee becoming part of their sales channels.
The docuseries follows how each entrepreneur uses online selling alongside their businesses, from Philippine chocolate and food products to handmade pet apparel. Grit Expectations is now streaming on FEATR’s YouTube channel.
