The Echosi Foundation led by the awesome trio of Chit Juan, Jeannie Javelosa, and Reena Francisco, in cooperation with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Government of Canada thru the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Yuchengco Museum, Sofitel, Cibo, and dozens of partner organizations and foundations in the country, launched the Great Women brand last tuesday, March 19, 2013 at the Yuchengco Museum in RCBC Plaza.
ECHOsi Foundation aims to provide design, production, promotion and marketing assistance to small and micro enterprises nationwide.
They will help them promote and sell their products thru Echostore outlets in the country and globally as well.
By the time I arrived at 6:10 pm, the place was already full of women and just a handful of men. There were no more seats available. I just got lucky because there was a guy who stood-up, not to let me sit, but he left even before the program started.
(Chit ano’ng binubulong mo?)
I happened to sit beside these ladies belonging to the Diwata Women in Resource Development, Inc. (DIWATA). The literal meaning of diwata is mountain goddess.
If there are those who oppose mining, these are the fairy-looking ladies who promote responsible mining.
KABABAIHAN TANGLAW NG MINAHAN:
(left to right) Atty. Patricia A. O. Bunye (Senior Partner at Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco Law) , Rochelle G. Hilario (Marketing & Communications Manager of Philex Mining Corporation). Maria Rosa “Bing” Carrion-Buck (Chairman and Publisher of of Seagull Phils), and Puri Warren – Gonzalez (Director, Core Business Services of SGV & co.)
Yvonne Yuchengco gave the welcome remarks.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley
Signing of distributorship agreement for Tesoro’s and Milky Way to display in their stores Great Women products.
(left to right) Malu Gamboa (General Manager of popular restaurants Milky Way Cafe and El Circulo, Azuthai), Isbel “Beng” Tesoro (youngest child of Donya Salud and Don Nestor- founders of Tesoro handicrafts and now the CEO of Tesoro’s), Jeannie Javelosa and Reena Francisco
The 3rd floor of the museum was transformed into a selling exhibit of indigenous products sourced-out from all over the Philippines.
Gourmet toyo and vinegar
Rrenowned product designers collaborated with the women producers to help them make better products.
Lulu Tan-Gan designed the dress and the throw pillows.
The chair is by Ann Pamintuan
Designed by Len Cabili
The minute I saw this, I was like “wow, I want to have that”.
It was extra small but it fit Ambassador Delia Albert. She bought it and wore it right away. If I am not mistaken, it’s about P7,000.
Fashon accessories designed by Sen Sanchez
Zarah Juan designed a few scarves, this pouch bag and some cute wallets.
Zarah Juan, CEO of Green Leaf bags
This dress was designed by Lingling King
This big scarf was designed by talented Jeannie Javelosa. Jeannie is also the curator of the Yuchengco Museum.
DIWATA has a section displaying pictures taken at several mining sites in the country.
This one is from the Rio Tuba coffee table book. Photographer is Andy Maluche. I actually have a copy of that book.
Tribal women at the indigenous sports fest at Rio Tuba in Palawan.
I am going to order a native dress from Lenora “Len” Luisa A. Cabili, founder and creative designer of FILIP + INNA
Sec. Mely Nicolas, Boots Garcia, Lulu Tan-Gan, and Ann Pamintuan
Ann Pamintuan, Len Cabali, Lulu Tan-Gan, Tess Pasola. Tess is a multi-awarded product designer and paper artist and is founding member of Movement 8).
Lulu Tan-Gan’s throw pillows
Lulu Tan-Gan began her career crafting fabulous knitwear. Her style continues to evolve with the use of indigenous materials in contemporary design.
Designers Tess Pamisola, Amado “Dannie” Alvarez (formerly with the Design Center of the Philippines during the time of Arturo Luz, art manager and exhbitions curator of the Yuchengco Museum), Jeannie Javelosa (ECHOsi Foundation’s president), Ann Pamintuan (multi-awarded jewelry and furniture designer and a founding member of Movement 8), and Lulu Tan-Gan.
Lulu Tan-Gan with Mrs. Weng Domingo
Merle, Luvy Villanueva, Arida Esmael, Maritz Montejo and Weng Domingo
Designed by Tess Pamisola
Sofitel lady
Ube Tart from Sofitel
Cibo prepared delicious longganisa pasta using noodles made of carrots and malunggay.
Langgonisa
Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s French Chef Anne Cecile prepared delicious crab moose, foie gras, and gazpacho.
I have never drank tomato juice in my whole life except last tuesday. And I had two. Chef Anne mixed the cherry tomatoes with watermelon, basil, cucumber and other organic herbs. Super delicious and healthy too.
Chef Anne is the only lady master chef in Sofitel. She has worked in the Carribean and New York City for more than 12 years cooking for multimillionaires and celebrities at St. Barthelemy. She has also worked for Michelin star chef Georges Vongerichten and at the Andre Gauzer one-star Michelin restaurant.
The Great Women products are available at the ECHO stores in Podium, Centrix, and Serendra.
Dresses P1,800 each
Sofitel Chocolatier Tweety Obsequio, Chef Anne, Takaw An, another takaw Ann, Myrna Yao, and Pacita “Chit” Juan (President of ECHOstore and Vice President of ECHOsi Foundation).
Ann Pamintuan and I went around and tasted everything laid out on the food tables. We spent more time in front of Sofitel’s table and probably ate the most amongst the guests.
Ann Pamintuan——- An, eto o siopao.
Me———————- Kala ko busog na tayo?
Ann——————— Hindi, tikman natin.
So kain kami.
Ann——————- ay, matigas na.
Ambassador Delia Albert proudly wears her precious find at the exhibit.
The three of us are now “pet” relatives; we have a strong blood connection. Ann’s dog Sabina is the daughter of our dog Twinkle.
Mica, the dog of Reena’s dad, is also the daughter of Twinkle.
Sleepy na’ko
