1) How did this idea of creating protective gear for frontliners come about? What (or who) inspired you?

I saw a post online that's been going around about what frontliners need the most right now - PPE's were one of them. I have an in-house staff made up of sewers and tailors in my atelier, and they were all willing to get to work and help create protective gear, as well as scrubs for our health workers! 

2) What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome to achieve this?

The biggest challenge was acquiring materials, my stocks have been used up. I posted on my instagram account, asking for help and donations. I let people know what we are trying to achieve. The response was phenomenal, not only did we get to gather the necessary textiles, some people donated food for my in-house staff too. I am in awe at everyone's generous spirit, and how we are all creating a community of hope by binding together at a difficult time like this. We set out to create and produce as long as the need is there, so please for anyone reading this, keep the donations of fabrics and materials coming. Thank you in advance.

3) What advice would you give those who would like to help in their own little way, but don’t know where to start?

There are a lot of ways to help, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make or create something. Food, or a small amount, pay it forward. Any small act at this point will have a ripple effect on our nation as a whole. I encourage everyone to simply look around you and ask yourselves: what can I live without? Someone in need might make good use of it.

1) How did this idea of creating protective gear for frontliners come about? What (or who) inspired you?

One day, a friend of mine messaged me asking if I know someone that can make a hazmat suit. I told her I think I can do it, as long as we have the right materials and specifications. Shortly after, upon doing my own research I was led to Mich Dulce’s instagram post looking for volunteers to make the PPE's and I messaged her, I told her I would very much want to help. She sent me a copy of the specifications, and my friend Cathy Binag, ordered 500 yards of spun-bond fabric to help me out. Luckily, some friends pledged more materials like zippers and garters. I have an in-house seamstresses, who I am very grateful for, she has been sewing day and night since we started this project in hopes of helping as many people as we possibly can.

2) What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome to achieve this?

For me, it hasn't been that hard because thankfully I was able to source materials quickly through friends, who were all very willing to help. I am more nervous about the execution; because the construction is very technical, and needs to be done in a precise manner.

3) What advice would you give those who would like to help in their own little way, but don’t know where to start?

I know it has been said plenty of times, but the best way to help is first, to stay at home. Second, check your social media and see if there is anything you can help in or donate just from being at home. Maybe you can just start with donating useful fabrics and materials that you find lying around your house. Or if you have more than enough food, why not cook homemade meals and give food to other frontliners such as security guards? Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to offer a prayer for those who have it harder than most of us. 

1) How did this idea of creating protective gear for frontliners come about? What (or who) inspired you?

When we heard about the news regarding shortage of masks, we decided to help by creating them ourselves. The first batch of masks that we made were given to the trash collectors in our municipality. We know that the nurses and doctors needed the medical grade masks more than we do, so we gave people around us this alternative. We used retasos (scraps of fabric), that are water repellent for the shell and an absorbent fabric for the lining. Right now, I'm part of an initiative by designer Mich Dulce and the Vice President of the Philippines Leni Robredo, in the production of non-medical grade hazmat suits.

2) What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome to achieve this?

The biggest challenge right now is that we're low on some fabrics and trims that are needed to finish the masks and other PPE items. Since the start of the community quarantine a lot of my suppliers have closed shops. However, we have quite a generous community of designers who are all helping and encouraging each other. 

3) What advice would you give those who would like to help in their own little way, but don’t know where to start?

Spend time doing ample research, there is so much information online nowadays, the nation is pulling through, giving each other a helping hand. Share your talent, your skills, your resources for free. This to me is the silver lining in all this, more than ever, I am a witness to people's generosity and selflessness. Big or small, let's all do our part!