Victoria Buencamino-Dionglay, 31, and Chesca Layug-Dionglay, 29, are the driving force behind Sinag Collective, a Filipino brand that’s making waves in the sustainable fashion industry. They may come from different professions (Victoria in operations and sales, Chesca a licensed medical doctor), but their shared love for local, sustainable products brought them together to create Sinag Collective in 2021, right after the pandemic.
“We’ve always been fans of supporting local brands, especially those that prioritize sustainability,” says Victoria. “The pandemic pushed a lot of businesses towards eco-friendly practices, and we loved the idea of creating a clothing line that offered beautiful, ethically-made pieces for the modern Filipina.”
Sabrina Set in the color Alon
Sinag Collective’s pieces are crafted using natural fabrics like piña and abaca, handwoven in Aklan. They also use locally sourced linen. The brand partners with a local manufacturer to bring their designs to life.
the Hiyas Set
Building a business wasn’t without its challenges. “Finding the right market was tough,” Victoria admits. “The Philippines has a very diverse population, with different preferences across various demographics. We wanted to create a brand that appealed to people who appreciate ethical and sustainable fashion, and we’re so grateful for the positive response we’ve gotten from our customers.”
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This isn’t Victoria’s first foray into the business world. “I’ve always been passionate about collaboration,” she says. “Since 2018, I’ve dabbled in different ventures, from swimwear to food. Each experience has given me valuable knowledge and helped me build a network of amazing people.”
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So where does Sinag Collective get its design inspiration? “Pinterest is my go-to!” Victoria laughs. “We sketch our pieces, aiming for a classic chic style with a modern Filipina twist.”
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Currently, Sinag Collective’s products are available at the Frankie General Store Podium branch and on their website.
Victoria has some encouraging words for aspiring business owners: “There will be ups and downs, for sure. Some people take courses to prepare, but if you have a passion project you believe in leap! There’s nothing wrong with calculated risks.”
Looking ahead, Sinag Collective is excited about the future. “We’re working on expanding our collection to reach new markets,” Victoria teases. Keep an eye on Sinag Collective – they’re sure to continue lighting up the sustainable fashion scene with their beautiful and unique pieces.