Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates

I am totally addicted to chocolate, but I also know that way too often the stuff is not produced in a very ethical way. It is also often imported and transported a long way from the source. Good news is that there is now not only locally sourced and produced chocolate, it is also completely super yummy, and comes in a range of flavors, all just as good.

At our factory, Theo & Philo says, each batch of chocolate is produced in small quantities (actually, it would be "micro" in industry standards) and overseen personally by people instead of machines. We take great care, time and effort to ensure that each step starting from the selection of the cacao bean to the final step of molding and packing, we are only offering the best.

You can get your bar at a number of Manila outlets, check out where here.

Panda Cleaners

Ok, laundry is probably not very high up on anyone's like-to-do list. Still, sometimes we have to, and what is then better than try to be a bit kind to the environment at the same time.

Panda Cleaners is the largest eco-laundry chain in the country.

The Farm at San Benito

A centre for holistic healing and wellness, where people balance their mind, body and spirit with nourishing live foods in an eco-friendly environment. The Farm is a healing journey, a “must have” in every individual’s life at least once a year.

Or in my words, an amazingly beautiful place with incredible food and such a relaxed environment there is a big risk you never want to return back to kids and work and traffic jam in Manila... Has to be experienced! And less than a couple of hours drive from Manila!

the Ipil Collection

The coolest bags in town come without doubt from the Ipil Collection. Get your hands on one of these and you'll have your own lucky number!

The IPIL collection promotes local craftsmanship and traditional weaving by sourcing textiles from indigenous producer groups from the islands of the Philippines. By adding value to these products, the IPIL collection aims to sustain and revive the rich weaving culture of the Philippines.

 

Southern & Northern Eats

From the author of the amazing food blog OurAwsomePlanet comes two indispensable books for those of you who enjoy a good eat - and who doesn't, really!

Each contains descriptions of 50 restaurants in Southern and Northern Manila that are 1. not commercialized, 2. has a unique concept and 3. has an inspiring story. For sure, and it goes without saying, the food has to be good as well.

I picked up my copies at National Bookstore and they have already taken us on excursions to a number of hidden gems in for us previously undiscovered Manila areas.  There certainly is life outside the malls so go get your copy and start exploring!

Human Nature

Human Nature was born in 2008, with the vision to flourish as one of the country's leading social enterprises. This meant to try to use business to build a better Filipino society, especially for the poor, by operating a sustainable business that primarily benefited our country. The company was founded on three core principles: to be Pro-Philippines, Pro-Poor and Pro-Environment.

In combination with amazing products - their kids shampoo is the ever best smelling and comes in big bottles - and super cool packaging it was bound to be a success. Now, just go buy some! Find out where or buy on-line on their website.

Messy Bessy

Messy Bessy runs a super cool range of green cleaning products - good for your hands, your kids and the environment, what a win-win-win! - and a completely irresistible website. So cool even I feel ready to start cleaning up that mess.

This is what they say about themselves: Messy Bessy is a manufacturer and wholesaler of natural, biodegradable household cleaners with the primary goal of employing, training and educating disadvantaged (formerly abused, trafficked, out-of-school, impoverished) young adults. It is a fusion of addressing a need for a greener lifestyle and a cleaner environment and helping these young adults out of their victim complex and leading them into a life that they choose to live.

 Again, nothing but GOOD STUFF.

The Green Grocer

The Green Grocer is Manila's first home delivery service of fresh produce, artisan bread, premium meats, deli items, and other grocery necessities.

What they say: "Home delivery of fruits and vegetables, as well as other groceries is a new concept to most. Those of us who do our own groceries like the control of picking out our produce and making sure what we pay for is exactly what we want. But if we could choose, we would rather spend the extra time―if any―with family, or attend to other matters, than take that extra hour to do a supermarket run."

What I say: "I agree!"

Moreover, if it is organic, and local, or at least either, and always super fresh, of highest quality and simply GOOD STUFF, delivered to your doorstep, I find there is little to argue about. Check out their website and place your on-line orders HERE.

Rags2Riches

Rags2Riches is a for-profit social enterprise based in Manila, Philippines, creating eco-ethical fashion and home accessories out of up-cycled scrap cloth, organic materials and indigenous fabrics by working with artisans (mostly women) living in poor communities across the country.

Rags2Riches’ philosophy stands upon its four bottom lines: People, Profit, Planet and Positive Influence and is exactly the kind of enterprises I want to promote through this new blog.

For more info of what they have and where to find their GOOD STUFF, please check out their website and blog!

In search of GOOD STUFF

One of the very first things that struck me when I moved to the Philippines about half a year ago, was the Filipino love for shopping and for enjoying life, the “good life” of nice food, massages and any other kind of services or entertainment that makes life easy and comfortable. And I don’t think anyone visiting Manila can be but amazed by the huge amount of malls, popping up like mushrooms everywhere and where everything you could ever think of wanting is readily available.

And I wont try to hide the fact that I’m also a lover of beautiful things, good food and everything that adds pleasure to my life. So I rushed to the malls. And have to admit that I constantly felt there was something missing. For me that something is the personal touch and the love and care for the products and services on offer. As well as for the many people involved in the process of making them available to us. And for the natural resources needed for their production.

So I started to investigate. And was then struck by the amount of great products and services there actually are out there, that include all of that. They were just not massively marketed and a little bit hard to find.

I would love to help other finding them, promoting their visibility, professionalism and – ultimately – growth and success and hope you will find this webpage useful and that it will help you find new and interesting goods and services, that also have a human and ecological touch. Because – what can be better than shopping and enjoying good treats AND at the same time support people who need it and being kind to Mother Earth, the only one we have.

Enjoy, support and please help me by recommending other GOOD STUFF in Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines!