Although we’re nowhere near the end of the pandemic, more people are venturing out to go to work, replenish their food supplies, protest for better governance or even just to feel the warmth of the sun again. Because we know that we still need protection from the pandemic, face masks are now an essential in OOTDs, so much so that many brands and online sellers have taken up the task of providing fashionable and fun masks that will hopefully shield you from coronavirus.
One such brand is Rada Collab, a group of designers, craftsmen and makers who aim to make Filipino-designed and Philippine-made products accessible to the rest of the world. Their latest collection features a limited edition set of Abaca fiber face masks with fresh and striking designs.
This collection was made in collaboration with various Filipino artists as well as Salay Handmade Products, a Misamis Oriental-based artisanal company that creates paper products like calendars, baskets, pots and bags. The sales of this collection will be given to a beneficiary chosen by the artist who designed it.
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One eye-catching and nostalgic design is artist Vanilla Arucan’s “Good Morning” face mask. The mask is inspired by our childhood bimpo—you know, the one you use to mop up your sweat after an intense game of patintero or Chinese garter. You might have also seen this towel used by jeepney drivers or your friendly early morning taho vendor or even by the people you dated back in high school who’s playing patintero against you.
Other limited edition designs include a “Lupang Hinirang” mask designed by Marjo Tagabuca that features underground potatoes in pieces of traditional Filipino attire as well as a “Pug-od” face mask for when you want your mask and a good dog pun to tell the world that you’re too tired for all of this.
If you’re already sold on the design but are still having doubts about their effectiveness, don’t be worried. These Abaca masks come with a filter that’s more effective at stopping virus transmission than a regular cloth mask. Aside from the artists’ advocacy, you’ll also be helping a network of around 350 artisans in Mindanao.
Photo courtesy of Vanilla Arucan and Rada Collab
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