Discovering that Papemelroti supports the Philippines, actively contributes to environmental protection, and helps the less fortunate has made me even prouder of the brand.
Papemelroti’s motto, “Hands to work. Hearts to God,” reflects their commitment to practicing what they preach. Local artisans and partner suppliers proudly produce their items in the Philippines. Each purchase supports their many livelihood programs. They continue to impact lives by providing sustainable livelihoods through fair wages, even though they face challenges when suppliers cannot meet production demands or request cash advances due to living hand to mouth.
Many of their products are created by people in need. They partner with organizations like the Kidney Friends Foundation of the Philippines to support dialysis patients who face unemployment and help provide a source of income that can be made at home. Patsy highlighted the brand’s commitment to empowering Filipino families. “Although we could source from China for lower prices and larger quantities, we choose to support Filipino families by sourcing from them. We believe we have a responsibility to help our country.”
Papemelroti holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up discovering its unique offerings, from gift items and stationery to home decor. For over half a century, the store has thrived on its founding principle—love. Many of their products reflect values dear to the family, such as love for God, family, home, country, and the environment. Patsy shared that during her interview with a prominent TV journalist, if Patsy ever wrote a book about the business, she should contribute the journalist’s story. During a challenging period in her youth, when her parents were separating, she found comfort in visiting the store. The messages of hope and Bible verses she read there encouraged her. She noted, “It can impact personal lives. She’s just one. I’m sure there are others.” A visit to a Papemelroti store promises to be an uplifting and inspiring experience.
From its origins as a small, family-operated shop, Papemelroti has expanded to over 20 branches, providing stable employment for more than 100 people. They have a factory in Bulacan with housing for employees and a building along Roces Avenue that houses the main branch and offices of the business. Their online presence through their website, papemelroti.com, platforms like Lazada and Shopee, and social media channels allow them to reach customers globally.
The company supports local artisans by featuring their designs in Papemelroti’s products, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and helping to preserve traditional craftsmanship. Papemelroti also promotes Philippine cultural heritage through its designs, celebrating and maintaining the country’s rich traditions and artistry. Their dedication to artistry and environmental stewardship has earned recognition from the Finnish Embassy. In 2015, founder Corit Alejandro received the “Person of the Year” Posthumous Award. Papemelroti shares their employees’ aspirations for the business and looks forward to fostering more Philippine entrepreneurs to develop local talent and produce high-quality items for the local market.
Papemelroti significantly promotes environmental and societal well-being through its commitment to eco-friendly practices and policies. A central part of their environmental efforts is the Papemelroti Planet Patrol (PPP), which focuses on raising public awareness about critical ecological issues. These include recycling, effective waste management, protecting endangered species, and conserving energy and water resources.
Through these initiatives, Papemelroti actively supports the zero-waste movement by striving to minimize waste production and manage solid waste more effectively. Their upcycling practices illustrate how sustainability can be economically advantageous and socially responsible. Using recycled paper and reclaimed materials, Papemelroti helps minimize deforestation, which is essential for preserving forests and maintaining ecological balance.
Interviewing the “Pa” in Papemelroti has been profoundly humbling, as I had never expected to have the opportunity to interview the owner of a store I have been visiting since my college years. It was an enlightening experience to learn about how Papemelroti seamlessly incorporates a range of advocacies into its business operations. I have always admired its dedication to environmental conservation through recycling practices, its celebration of Philippine culture in its designs, and its commitment to operating as a God-centered and family-oriented business. These values deeply resonate with my principles.
Discovering that Papemelroti supports the Philippines, actively contributes to environmental protection, and helps the less fortunate has made me even prouder of the brand. Ms. Patsy’s connection with me after the interview was particularly touching, highlighting the genuine care and commitment behind the business. This experience has reinforced my dedication to their motto, “Hands to work. Hearts to God.” It has given me a new perspective on how a family business can operate harmoniously. It has been a powerful reminder that aligning personal values with professional endeavors and achieving meaningful impact while maintaining a strong sense of community and purpose is possible.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. She wrote this reflection paper for her class on Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series. She can be reached at crislet_bantegui@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
