How local brand Koko Slow Living promotes a more intentional way of life

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“I was born very sick, allergic to almost everything,” says Koleen Davila-Palaganas. “I spent my first eight months in an incubator, surviving only on dextrose and sugar water.” But apart from the care she received during those early days, what helped her survive was goat milk. Little did she know that one day, she would create a line of soap using it—along with other consciously selected ingredients.

Koleen Davila-Palaganas

Her brand, Koko Slow Living, began as a passion project. Last Christmas, with support from her husband Jose, her son, and her sister Karen, Koleen produced candles, soaps, and room sprays—products made with the values of sustainability, local, organic, and whole (SLOW) living in mind. After receiving an overwhelming response, Koko Slow Living officially became a full-fledged enterprise last February, inviting people into a more intentional way of life.

“It was a big step, but one that felt so right,” Koleen tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Because at its core, this was never just about selling products—it’s about sharing a way of life, one that’s natural, mindful, and deeply connected to the world around us.”

Unboxing artisanal products
As its founder and curator, Koleen sees her brand as a vehicle to champion her green advocacy. But to remain faithful to that mission, she focuses on crafting products using nature’s gifts—fruits, herbs, and other flora with restorative properties that not only nourish the body but also promote overall well-being.

 The brand’s all-natural aromatic and Ayurvedic soaps

For people to fully embrace the SLOW lifestyle, the shift must feel natural and doable. That’s why one of Koko Slow Living’s first offerings was soap. According to Koleen, our skin isn’t just a barrier—it absorbs everything we put on it. So, when soap contains harmful chemicals, we may unknowingly absorb toxins in small, continuous doses.

Her brand’s all-natural aromatic soaps and Ayurvedic soaps are made from ingredients that help restore the body’s balance. For example, sage and peppermint soothe eczema and psoriasis. Ashwagandha and tea tree provide moisture and are great for mature skin. Frankincense and myrrh, used since ancient times, serve as natural antiseptics.

Koko Slow Living's aromatic room spray and soy candles

Koko Slow Living has since expanded to include products that enrich the home environment. These include soy candles beautifully encased in acacia wood and aromatic room sprays that are antibacterial, refreshing, water-based, and free from harsh alcohol scents—perfect for those sensitive to synthetic fragrances. Rounding out the line are liquid laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, and dishwashing soaps, all made with natural ingredients and an easy-rinse formula to help save water.

“I personally make a 100 percent coconut laundry bar soap for people with severe allergies, and it’s only ₱50,” Koleen says. “Sustainability shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be something every family can embrace.”

Sharing the SLOW movement
As vice president and head of the SM Group Sustainability Office, Koleen has dedicated her career to mindful living and sharing that vision with others. Together with SM Supermalls, she launched Green Finds, a program encouraging greener product choices and shopping habits. Now, Koko Slow Living has become part of Kultura’s wide array of local goods that also uphold sustainability.

Koleen at the opening of Kultura Edited

The brand’s official welcome into the Kultura family took place during the launch of Kultura Edited at Greenhills Mall in San Juan City last March. Koleen expressed her gratitude to Kultura president Ivy Yap and her team—Tim Uy, Joyce Chan, Kay Cellona, and Dea Zamora—for guiding her through the packaging, pricing, and accreditation process. She also extended thanks to Tessie Sy-Coson, vice-chairperson of SM Investments, for championing Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the formal retail space.

“Kultura will definitely elevate our brand in ways we could only dream of—through wider reach, exposure, continuous learning, and improvement. They didn’t just let us in, they took us under their wing,” Koleen says. “Now, Koko Slow Living isn’t just growing—we have the best mentors guiding us every step of the way.”

To learn more about the brand, visit @kokoslowlivingstore on Instagram.

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