The SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds of 2024: Local Brands Edition

(SPOT.ph) You've seen our list of great finds in the realms of retail, tech, travel, and even self-care, but now we shift the focus to the local brands that shone bright this year. From cosmetics brands that have accompanied us since we were students and shoe brands that forward slow-fashion and Filipino craftsmanship, to niche spaces that welcome and foster community, this list has a little bit of everything. All of these brands are on the longer SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds list, but here, we talk a little bit more about each one.

Also read:
The SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds of 2024
The SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds of 2024: Tech Edition
The SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds of 2024: Retail Edition
The SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds of 2024: Self-Care Edition
The SPOT.ph 50 Great Finds of 2024: Travel Edition

Here are SPOT's favorite local brands of 2024:

The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio

For all things arts, crafts, and everything in between, Marikina's The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio is the place to be. Hobby supplies aside, the studio also allows you to rent a table so you can let your child-like creativity run wild--take your pick from the dozens of hobbies they support, along with handmade merchandise from local artists. Entering the space is an explosion of color, courtesy of the studio's very own yarn line and displays of finished hobby products. It's never too late to pick up a hobby, in fact, we'd argue it'd be healthy for you as an adult.

The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio is located at 3/F, West Drive Commercial Center, West Drive corner Champagnat Avenue, Marikina Heights, Marikina City. Open daily from 12 noon. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the Attic Yarn Facebook page.

Also read: The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio in Marikina Is an Artist’s Haven

Zapateria

A stone's throw away still in Marikina City is Zapateria, a heritage shoe brand with years of history imbued into every pair. Handcrafted by artisans of varying ages, the local brand's shoes are custom-made, molded to your feet, and can range from classic and timeless to outrageous and avant garde--it all depends on your vision. They're not one to say no to a dream shoe; if you can dream it, they can do their best to make it happen.

Aside from being an incubator for shoe designers and makers, Zapateria also champions the local shoemaking industry, not just in the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, but nationwide. It's all about showing the Filipino people and the world that we can make a pretty damn good pair of shoes with the proper resources, mindset, and dedication.

For more information, visit the Zapateria Facebook page.

Also read: Inside Marikina Shoe Brand Zapateria Hub's Workshop

Linya-Linya

Filipino humor hits different and we all know it, but it would be pretty difficult to explain to someone who doesn't fully understand the language's nuances. One such brand that takes advantage of this humor is Linya-Linya. You might have seen their puns and punchlines around--think funny shirts spotted in the wild or a lame but just-as-cheeky pun on a pouch. It illicits laughter at the oddest times and we're not in the business of holding back on the laughs.

For more information, visit the Linya-Linya website.

Also read: The Linya-Linya x Geloy Concepcion Collab Reminds You to Take a Breather

South Trading Post

The vintage and secondhand community has been booming in the country as of late and it's a welcome development in the book of Filipino style. More than just scoring a new item for your wardrobe, it's all about finding new love in somebody else's discarded belongings or clothes. Just ask all the people who fell in love with the unique pieces they found at South Trading Post, the South's very own flea market. Milling about in between rows of hangers and clothes is a vibrant and inclusive community that's all about wearing storied pieces with intention.

For more information, check out South Trading Post on Instagram.

Also read: Glorious Dias Reimagines Filipino Vintage

Locally

You'd be able to find apple or orange juice readily in supermarket and even convenience stores, but what if you're craving the sweet taste of Filipino fruits in a can? Quench your thirst with Locally and its selection of underrated but equally delicious fruit flavors; Dalandan, Mango, Pink Guava, Guyabano, Calamansi, Pomelo, and Tamarind. They're great on their own, but you can totally mix them with other beverages for a sweet fruit medley, or even with alcohol if the night's festivities demand it.

Ever Bilena

Long before the local beauty scene became beast it is today, there was one local brand on drugstore shelves and in the kikay kits of thousands of Filipinos: Ever Bilena. The local brand has been at it for years, delivering makeup products that won't leave your wallet crying. And they don't play about keeping up with the times, either--they're releasing products in trending formulae and shades, being the reliable go-to for both beauty rookies and veterans alike.

For more information, check out Ever Bilena on Instagram.

Colourette

Speaking of beauty, there's another brand that came out swinging and cemented its place in bathrooms, kikay kits, and makeup routines nationwide--Colourette. The local brand has been around for almost a decade and has grown to offer more and more products through the years. It's pushing the envelope of what Filipino makeup and skincare products can be, bringing forth a wide shade range, pretty packaging, and offerings that address unique but legitimate concerns for the Filipino beauty enthusiast.

For more information, visit the Colourette website.

Vice Cosmetics

In case you didn't know, Vice Cosmetics is 100% cruelty-free, and we're happy to be living in a time when Filipino makeup brands are getting their shine. Vice Ganda's beauty brand was founded just in 2017 but it has since become a presence in the local beauty scene. The inclusive beauty brand welcomes all genders, ages, colors, and shapes, hoping to empower Filipino beauty lovers of every kind.

For more information, visit the Vice Cosmetics website.

Andante

Made by seasoned shoemakers in small batches, Andanté's pairs are crafted from high-quality materials in timeless and classic silhouettes that complement your life's numerous eras and ensembles. The slow-fashion brand is known for its loafers and ballet flats infused with modern touches like pops of colors and chunky soles. They started out selling shoes online, and it's a treat to see them branch out with an in-person kiosk where you can try on the shoes for yourself and bring home the pair that fits you best.

For more information, visit the Andante website.

Also read: Andante Has These Pink Leather Pairs for Your Cutesy Wardrobe

Macopa

Something seemingly mundane like flour sacks can gain new life in the right hands. Sustainable brancd Macopa sees wonder in canvas and katcha, aptly transforming them into wearable apparel that boasts color and personality. You're killing two birds with one stone: you lessen waste by wearing an upcycled piece, and you're actively adding a dash of fun to your OOTDs. Each item is a guaranteed conversation-starter and they're pretty airy and comfy, too!

For more information, check out Macopa on Instagram.

Also read: This Chic Puffer Bag Made from Upcycled Flour Sacks Is Less Than P1,000