The quaint town of Liliw in Laguna is home to many local footwear makers and distributors. Two rags-to-riches shoemakers are joining the October 2019 edition of Manila FAME, showcasing the best of Laguna’s shoe capital.
Ai-She Footwear
Just a year in the business, Ai-She Footwear already made its first foray in Manila FAME, which paved the way for opportunities owner Corazon Coligado never imagined could happen.
“Because of Manila FAME, we are now a long way from retaining two employees and having a small nipa hut as a makeshift factory. Our first exhibit in the Manila FAME marked our very first export to Panama,” enthused Coligado.
Ai-She’s mere nipa hut turned into a full-blown factory located in a vast land where the Coligado family now lives and where their employees, which grew from 10 to 60, have a place to raise their families.
“In Manila FAME, we meet new foreign clients every year. We were also able to join international exhibitions like the China-Asean Expo,” added Coligado.
Ai-She’s main raw material is abaca. They use it for their most famous product, the espadrilles.
“To keep the interest of our local and international clients, we keep on developing new designs. We also source from areas such as Zamboanga and Ilocos as they deliver high-grade raw materials perfect to maintain the quality of our products,” she added.
Jhaz Footwear
“Shoemaking is already in my blood, that is why at the first test of fate, I came back to this industry that I love most,” shared Nephtali Moneda, owner of Jhaz Footwear.
He started his business by borrowing shoe stocks from friends and reselling them to different provinces around the country. The income generated were used to support Moneda’s growing family.
In a place where throngs of creative shoemakers are everywhere, he needed a venue to market his shoe designs and elevate his game. He found an opportunity when he was introduced to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Moneda’s first Manila FAME was in 2011. This edition introduced him to a Japanese buyer who has been their client ever since.
“Manila FAME made a big impact to our little shoe business. My mind was opened to export possibilities and opportunities and we were obligated to further develop our factory and our products,” he added.
The upcoming Manila FAME is slated on October 17-19 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.
