With all the perils we have experienced this 2020, our relationship with canned goods became more vital. From being an instant meals during typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and the pandemic, canned goods are among the things that helped us survive this year.

Channeling that kind gesture that comes in every canned food item is Filipina designer Zarah Juan, as she launches a line of tote bags in collaboration with a brand many generations of Filipino grew up eating, Ligo. (And it looks like our guess from a previous post is spot on!)

"The brilliance of the minds behind the Ligo brand mixed with the quirky nostalgia of the Zarah Juan brand brings you this fantastic design sure to stir up memories and at the same time represent hope for our local artisans," Zarah says in an Instagram post.

Staying true to its DNA, Zarah Juan's Ligo Sardines bags feature the craft of the Paete Artisans, Bulacan Bag Artisans, and textiles from the Weavers of Abra. The bag collection also comes with a limited edition Ligo Sardines can, with a label Zarah co-designed with artists John Lawrence German, Yhel Santiago, Ivan Aguilar, and Jazz Baac.

As helping communities is among the core values of Zarah Juan, 30 percent of the proceeds from the bags' sales will be donated to 24 artisans in Marikina and Paete, to help make Christmas happen in their homes.

"The journey of the Ligo brand is something I have been watching unfold, it is very inspiring, and it shows clearly that it also comes from the heart," she says. "Maraming salamat, Macky Tung and Mikko Tung for this opportunity. All these were created under the solid foundation of trust. With these bags, we carry the work of many communities."

Zarah Juan x Ligo Sardines collection is available at www.zarahjuan.com.

Photos by Sheila Calito from Zarah Juan Instagram page.