7 Up and Coming Brands In Pampanga That Deserve Your Money
- The 45th
- May 23, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: May 29, 2020
If you look hard enough, you'll find that Pampanga is a rabbit hole of peculiar finds that you won't see anywhere else in the Philippines. Kapampangan artists are a tight-knit community who share their individual passions and modify it in a way that everybody can benefit from.
There's no inkling of corporate entities feeding our local skaters, painters, or even social media influencers. The source is within this intricate ecosystem that's 100% spun out of pure love for the culture.
No matter who you are, where you come from, as long as you're here, you are already contributing to this labyrinthine Kapampangan tapestry.
In this article, we give props to some of the best brands Pampanga has to offer.
RGKD
RGKD is the abbreviation for REKTA GALAN KENG DALAN. REKTA is a Kapampangan word that means "Fixed Gear", while the words Galan Keng Dalan mean "Chasing on the Road".
RGKD has been providing fashionable and functional threads for speed pedalers since 2015. They incorporate a sort of reflective material in their designs to keep the bikers safe whenever they're out smoking some pavements. It's a practical and unique twist on streetwear and one that is most welcome especially in this city full of bike aficionados.
Joseph's dream is simple. Through his brand, he vows to expand the local and international bike scene and give it new life. He also hopes for a worldwide takeover and honestly, there's just no reason not to right? If they can't come here to discover the local scene brimming with potential, maybe it's time we bring the local scene to them.
FOTG
Feet On The Ground Clothing is a lifestyle brand created by Maiko Smith. Born from his vision to start a movement and cultivate a community of passion and creativity, he aims to tell the story through his art and intricate designs.
He wants to build a culture to inspire others to stand for something they believe in, to achieve what they sought out to achieve while keeping their feet planted firmly on the ground.
The world is currently going through a pandemic. But for Maiko, that shouldn't stop us from making something good out of this. Let FOTG serve as a reminder that we are stronger than any crisis. And as long as we're still standing, nothing can keep us down.
DIFFIX
Diffix is the by-product of a collaborative effort of talented artists from different walks of life, coming together to shed a different "light" in the streetwear scene.
Ronald Buenacifra Jr. came up with the idea of creating his brand because he wants to give the scene a different perspective. A brand not to oppose other brands but to work hand in hand to inspire and everyone. Diffix aims to be a selfless brand that believes that we rise by lifting others.
And you can see it in his work too.
His lettering designs are hand-drawn and he draws his inspiration from his spiritual beliefs.
"A brand that glorifies our Father in heaven. All honor and glory belong to him." Ronald declares.
When asked to describe his brand further, he thinks of it as a jar of marbles. All unique in color, style and content, but united, they share the same purpose.
FOOS
What started as a mere concept in August 2019, to Jan Mikhail Contreras, FOOS is a representation of himself, his dreams of success, and his daily struggles.
He created the FOOS brand in hopes to reach out to people who are going through the same thing. All of us have dreams. All of us struggle and put up with shit every day. And FOOS is there to bring us all together and remind us that we are never alone.
We start from the bottom together, we rise to the top together.
We asked Jan what can we expect from FOOS. He told us that his focus right now is to create meaningful designs that convey positive energy. He just wants to keep doing what's best for the brand and for the people who have supported him from the get-go.
OXYMORON
Kevin wanted to create a brand that represents him in a positive light.
He decided on the word "Oxymoron" as the name of his line after Schoolboy Q's junior album.
"I often contradict myself as a placebo effect where I place myself to do perilous things to overcome a fear or hurdle.
While the brand is still in its development stage, he's been working hard devising and planning concepts and designs that tackle youth, music, and skateboarding. He also plans to invade various subcultures which he admits is a little hard to pull off, but knows in his heart that he's doing it for the passion and the culture.
His brand is an extension of himself as an individual. While there are thousands of brands who claim individuality already, he believes that true grit and passion will be the main driving force for the brand to take a life on its own and forge its own identity.
LINGKOD
LINGKOD was birthed in Manila but planted its roots up here in Pampanga. It means "to sit" in Bisaya, and "to serve in Tagalog.
Made up of the dynamic duo of Jethro and Sevy, they create unique art pieces that are not only aesthetic and eccentric, but can also function as distinct furniture that you can proudly display in your homes.
As a start-up, they've already made waves with their first signature design. Their goal is simple. And that is to put out fresh design pieces for everyone who has been part of their journey as they grow their brand.
For their success, imagination is the key. And we here at the 45th HQ cannot wait to design our interior with nothing but LINGKOD originals.
KALIDAD
Niccolo Yabut does not beat around the bush. Coming up with the name for his brand has challenged him and his team to step up to provide high-caliber service to all their customers. From the grinding of the coffee beans down to the host's guest greeting, the team at Kalidad always give it their 110%.
Niccolo doesn't settle and that translates well for Kalidad. They're always experimenting and concocting in their lab, prioritizing the quality of their beverages. Their menu is ever-evolving to give each customer a unique experience every time they walk in.
Like most local brands, they want to do their part in serving the community in the only way they know how. And that is to give everyone a sip of their finest and freshest brew.
Kalidad is still a new business and has yet to scratch the surface of what they can hope to bring to Pampanga. We look forward to having our daily dose of fresh blends once again.
Comments