ECHOes of the Heart: Everything Natural and Organic
by Patricia Mae Tan
It was a humid morning. I was headed to Serendra, a little lost as I find my way to this quaint little store. The place was refreshing. Aside from the inviting aroma of coffee (the store shares space with Kape Isla), the store abounds with different finds. I came just in time for the launch to start.
ECHOstore, whose acronym stands for Environment & Community Hope Organization, is a central hub for everything natural and organic. From home decors, to gifts, to fashion accessories, body, beauty and nutritional products, to books, and food, there is something for everyone in ECHOstore. Owned by Reena Francisco, Jeannie Javelosa, and Chit Juan, the three believe that they can do something for this world, especially to the country. So, they decided to provide a venue where Filipinos can showcase their products.
ECHOstore is a meeting ground for small marginalized, cultural communities, creative industry practitioners, women groups and foundations to promote their products.
During the launch, we were greeted with warm hellos by the owners/managers of the various participating groups. They each told us what their products are all about. I particularly liked the beauty items from Zen and Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms, all were made from natural ingredients. ECHOstore also carries products from the ff:
Alter Trade
Association of Negros Producers (ANP)
Correctional Institute for Women (CIW)
Daily Herbal Community Enterprises
Filipinas Fair Trade Ventures
Gawad Kalinga
Gifts and Graces Fair Trade Foundation
Holystic Haven
Indigo Baby
Messy Bessy
Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)
Rags 2 Riches
I’ve always believed in the excellence and creativity of Filipinos. And this store proves just that. By purchasing any product featured in ECHOstore, you become a tool for change. You become part of the emerging trend of the conscious and caring consumer group. What started out as a humid morning ended with a feeling of admiration to these small communities and to the three ladies with a big heart. ECHOstore is inspiring. I hope that like me, you’d get the same feeling of helping out when you get to visit the shop one of these days—especially this season, when everything is about being generous and loving.
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ECHOstore is located at G/F Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City (beside Kape Isla). They are open daily, 12NN-10 PM. For more info, you may call (2) 901 3495 or email echolifestyle.store@gmail.com.