Some people shout to be seen. Others stand quietly—and still move the world.
This week at Simpol, we bring you stories of Filipinos who take their stand with grace, grit, and quiet conviction.
We begin with a story about dreams—and sneakers. When Paul dela Fuente launched Finn Cotton, he didn’t have a factory, a big budget, or an industry connection. What he had was belief—that Filipino-made could stand tall. Today, Finn Cotton is no longer just selling shoes—it’s building a movement of self-expression, confidence, and pride in local craftsmanship.
From streetwear, we move to ceremony. Fashion designer Jor-el Espina reminds us that tradition isn’t something to archive—it’s something to wear, boldly and beautifully. In Heirloom, his tribute to the late Patis Tesoro, every stitch becomes a declaration. To dress in culture is more than remembering—it’s an act of resistance.
And finally, we arrive at something even more intimate than what we wear: the body itself. For over a decade, AJ Kalinga has offered hot meals, clean clothes, and bathing facilities to Manila’s homeless. But the real gift isn’t soap or soup—it’s dignity. Bathing becomes a metaphor. To wash someone’s feet, to offer a fresh shirt, to care without judgment—this, too, is a stand. One taken daily, humbly, and without fanfare.
These stories are different in tone and texture—but together, they ask the same quiet question:
What do we choose to stand for?
The rest of this week’s issue continues the conversation.
We walk beside John Sherwin Felix, who documents the country’s food heritage with empathy, precision, and emotional courage. We explore the discipline and mentorship behind real culinary growth with Chef Kenneth Cacho, whose legacy lives in the kitchens of those he’s trained. In From Stigma to Stardom: What It Really Takes to Become a Chef in the Philippines, we look deeper at how the culinary profession is transforming—from misunderstood backup plan to a career worthy of national pride.
And we raise our glass to a legacy worth toasting. Destileria Limtuaco, the Philippines’ oldest distillery, just brought home three international gold medals from the World Drinks Awards in London. From cacao to calamansi, these Filipino-crafted spirits now stand among the world’s best.
Whether you’re slipping into sneakers, donning heirloom embroidery, or standing beside someone who’s just stepped out of the shower—may these stories remind you:
There is strength in showing up. There is beauty in holding your ground. And sometimes, the softest gestures speak the loudest truths.
Tatung Sarthou
Editor-in-Chief, Simpol.ph
