Update from Manila!

Elevyn’s expansion plans this year kicked off with a 3-week trip to our neighbours the Philippines.

We had initially made plans to meet up some organizations here back in October 2009 but Manila’s recent flooding forced us to postpone the trip.

So here we are now, absolutely knackered after a day-long meeting with our hosts the Non-Timber Forestry Products (NTFP) and its offshoot organization and potential online shop, the CustomMade Crafts Center (CMCC).

Things have been pretty good so far in Manila – the people are friendly, English is widely spoken, wifi is easily accessible and there’s McD’s, KFC and Starbucks just around the corner if we ever miss good old KL!

The meeting today was a good one. Both NGOs are very well organized, work well with the artisan communities and most importantly, have very interesting handmade crafts.

Besides Manila, our hosts have also graciously helped made our travel arrangements to visit several indigenous communities around the country. It’ll be interesting!