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Eight decades later, the Philippine handicrafts store remains true to its mission of championing Filipino crafts and artisans.
You could say that Tesoros is ahead of its time. Long before fairs spotlighted artisanal products and traditional Filipino pieces were reimagined for contemporary wear, the Philippine handicrafts store had been bringing local crafts closer to people since 1945. Eight decades have passed, and it continues to champion handmade Filipino products—from tableware and shellcraft to local apparel—through its retail stores.
“Tesoros has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Filipino craftsmanship,” says Tesoros CEO Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro. “Our artisans pour generations of skill into their work, and through collaborations like this, we ensure that these traditions evolve while staying rooted in their authentic origins.”
Happy Andrada (middle)As it marks its 80th anniversary this year, Tesoros aims to go bigger, bolder, and stronger. To kick things off, the retail store has partnered with noted Filipino fashion designer Happy Andrada for a collection that celebrates local artistry, sustainability, and modern cultural expression.
Happy drew inspiration from the legacy of Tesoros for this collaboration. She wanted to create a line that “merges tradition with something more modern.” She perfectly captured this vision by using local textiles such as inaul, piña, piña silk, cocoon, and pinilian abel, among others, manipulating them to create silhouettes that align with today’s fashion sensibilities.
“I incorporated hand-pleated origami techniques on piña, as well as embroidery and hand-beaded appliqué details on some of the outfits,” Happy tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “The collection isn’t just for formal events; the pieces can also be worn for everyday occasions—it all depends on how you style them.”
The collection was unveiled through a fashion presentation at Tesoros’ flagship store in Makati City. In addition to the collection, Happy also introduced her Happy Dolls—miniature couture masterpieces that blend high fashion with collectible artistry.
Creating this collection for Tesoros’ oak anniversary was a full-circle moment for Happy. She recalled visiting the store as a young girl to purchase traditional Filipino clothing for school performances and formal events.
“I am thrilled and honored to be the selected designer for this collaboration and to have our creations in the boutique,” she muses. “The Tesoros team was amazing to work with—they gave me creative freedom for my designs. Even for the show, I had full control over how I wanted the clothes to be presented. They were very accommodating and professional—such a breeze to work with!”
“We see this as part of a movement—where young designers take inspiration from the past and bring it into the future,” Beng says. And with the collection's success, shoppers and fans of the store can expect more to come as Tesoros celebrates its 80th milestone all year round.
The Tesoro x Happy Andrada collection is now available at the Tesoros store on A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.
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