Have you ever been to a place that leaves a mark on you so deeply…
that there never seems like an adequate way to honor that connection? I first visited the Philippines solo in 2013, joining a group of 20 explorers from all over the world on a 5 day boat expedition through remote islands of the Philippines. We sailed miles and miles every day, visiting remote villages & beaches, swimming through caves, snorkeling above shipwrecks, and admiring the most picturesque vistas I have ever seen. We feasted on incredible Filipino food — fresh seafood bought from local villagers along the way, fruit & vegetables from their gardens, coconuts right off the trees, and even pork from a pig that was slaughtered before our very eyes. The Filipino crew docked the boat every night and we would swim ashore to enjoy rum & pineapples as the sun went down, chatting around the bonfire with people that only a few days ago were simply strangers. We spent nights under the stars, sleeping in bamboo huts on the beach and waking up to a gentle breeze and the sound of waves crashing nearby. No running water, no electricity, no luxuries. I have visited 3 more times since, joining the same expedition year after year, visiting the same towns, seeing the same friendly faces. Their way of life, their infectious smiles and their ability to live effortlessly happy even on the simplest of terms — has laid an everlasting effect on me. It impacted me in such significant ways that when it was time to start my company, I knew exactly what I wanted to name it after, my beautiful Philippines. An ode to this beautiful place that has undoubtedly shaped who I am as a person today.
Mabuhay.
- Hana
Favorite international cuisine: Italian 🍝
Favorite Trader Joe’s product? Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Coffee or tea? Tea 1000%
Food pet peeve? When people eat cherry tomatoes like grapes
Favorite section of the grocery store? Berry section
Death row meal? A big plate of creamy pesto cavatappi pasta with mushrooms, well-seasoned French fries, and a giant bowl of strawberries
Pancakes or waffles? Waffles 🧇
Favorite spice? Nutmeg
Favorite food pairing? Apples & peanut butter
Craziest thing you’ve ever eaten? Fish eyeballs in the Philippines 🤮
THE STUDIO
Nestled in a log cabin @ 9,600 ft in Breckenridge, CO.