WATCH: Inside Gouache, the Marikina-made bag brand Pinoy creatives love

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MANILA, Philippines — What started as a search for a camera bag that matched a photographer’s personal style eventually grew into a homegrown brand in Marikina.

In 2013, Louie Poco was looking for a sensible and functional camera bag but could not find one that fit his needs. The search inspired him and Ann Enriquez-Poco to create Gouache Bags.

In the second episode of Where Pinoys Work, Philstar.com visits the Marikina-based brand and takes a closer look at the people behind the bags, pouches, aprons and custom-made products for clients — from cutting the canvas to the last stitch — at their workshop.

The episode also highlights the craftsmen behind the products, some of whom have spent decades in the bag-making industry. Gouache Bags says it provides its workers with fair working conditions, regular employment and benefits.

Despite the challenges of sustaining a manufacturing business, the owners continue to grow the brand with support from the Marikina City government. 

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Produced and written by Philstar.com / EC Toledo
Video edited and voiced by Philstar.com / Hannah Santos
Shot by Philstar.com / Hannah Santos, Geraldine Santos, EC Toledo