Oct 23, 2024

Four Filipinx-owned businesses you should know

The AGO presents Borloloy, the market dedicated to Toronto-based, Filipinx-owned businesses on Nov 2

By Wendy So
a triangle bag made out of weaved textiles from the Philippines

Puso Hardin Embroidered Pyramid Clutch. Made by Filipino designer Christian Cera with Rags2Riches (R2R). Photo Courtesy of Cambio & Co. 

Community meets culture and art on November 2 at the AGO with Borloloy, a pop-up market highlighting Filipinx-owned, Toronto-based businesses. The market will feature 30 Fliipinx-owned vendors with a wide range of products, including jewelry, candles, prints, clothing, zines, beauty products, housewares, accessories and more.  This market comes as the exhibition Pacita Abad opened at the AGO earlier this fall. 

Borloloy is organized by Carla Felix, a Toronto-based Filipina community advocate with over 25 years of experience connecting and collaborating with artists and business owners. Felix worked with the AGO to curate the vendors for Borloloy and create the Tagalog wall panels featured in Pacita Abad.  

“Pacita’s work resonates with so many generations of immigrants, women and artists,” Felix said reflecting on Pacita Abad. “Her bold and colourful style tells truthful stories of current landscapes woven into layers of different mediums. She is the embodiment of bravery and courage during a time when most would rather be silent.” 

“Pacita is the epitome of a soul whose inner strength, conviction and moral purpose leaves a legacy for future generations. Her work remains relevant decades later and although the recognition is long overdue, I am glad it is here now and ready to share with the world.” 

A portrait of community advocate Carla Felix

Carla Felix. Photo Courtesy of Carla Felix. 

“Borloloy,” Felix explains, “is an alternate spelling of the word burloloy, which is a Tagalog word meaning embellishments, decoration, jewelry or trinkets.”  

The word burloloy has often been used to describe Abad’s work as her trapuntos were once considered “too decorative, ethnic and folklorist”. For Felix, the pop-up market is the amalgamation of the Filipinx concept of "excessive ornamentation" and creatives from the local Filipinx community. She hopes Borloloy encourages everyone to add colour and ornamentation to their life through the works by local Filipinx businesses. 

When asked about the distinguishable features of the local Filipinx creative community in Toronto, Felix explains, “They are inspired by their unique backgrounds. They are their own role models. Most are children of immigrants which creates individuals that have a mix of culture, generation, class, education as well as political circumstances.”  

Toronto’s multiculturalism play a significant role in their perspectives and artistic drive. Felix says, “The city’s diversity helps these local entrepreneurs find their niche and pursue endeavours unrelentingly. Toronto also fosters creative freedom that gives them permission to express themselves however they feel. They are led by their creativity. Their Filipinx heritage helps them connect with others and build community.” 

As we prepare for Borloloy on November 2 at the AGO, here are four vendors Felix recommends checking out. 

Cambio & Co  

 Based in Toronto and Manila, Cambio & Co. is a Filipino jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts pieces with local materials and Philippine artistry. Sourcing straight from Philippines-based designers and artisan brands, they preserve traditional craftsmanship from the Philippines and work to build bridges with the diaspora.  

"Partnering with Filipinx designers and artisan communities in the Philippines, Cambio & Co creates sustainable livelihoods while preserving pre-colonial craftsmanship.” 

Kalamansi Kollective  

 Based on a popular citrus fruit from the Philippines, Kalamansi Collective is a Toronto-based lifestyle and clothing brand creating designs focused on honouring their Filipino culture, history and people. 

"A clothing and lifestyle brand that pays homage to immigrant families and the fruits of their labour which is why the company is named after the Philippines' favourite fruit!” 

Pinay Collection  

 Pinay Collection is a Toronto-based Filipina-owned apparel company that celebrates, owns, and reclaims Filipina/x identity. 

"A social enterprise dedicated to reclaiming the Pinay (a woman from the Philippines) identity, they work to reclaim Tagalog words and believes that connecting with Filipinx roots comes with understanding the struggles of people in the homeland.” 

Jillian Joy Hand Crafted 

 Made locally in Toronto, Jillian Joy Hand Crafted creates custom-made bridal ternos and ready-to-wear modern Filipinianas. With a focus on the butterfly sleeves of the terno, the brand offers contemporary designs of the traditional Filipino garment.  

"They are at the forefront of a new generation of designers tapping into history whilst pushing the boundaries of a cultural garment.” 

Borloloy takes place at the AGO on Saturday, November 2 from 11 am to 5 pm in the Weston Family Learning Centre on the Concourse Level. It is free for the public to attend. For more information, visit ago.ca/events/borloloy-filipinx-market. A roundtable discussion dedicated to Pacita Abad is also happening on November 2 at 2 pm inside the AGO’s Baillie Court. For details and tickets, visit ago.ca/events/pacita-abad-roundtable-conversation.  

 

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