Multiplying gratitude

THERE is no gift more fulfilling than the gift of giving. Each year, as the holiday season comes around, I always find that more people than I think share in that theory of mine. And then of course, when it is made known to someone that the gift was well thought about, it gives the notion of importance and not impulse, making it even more heartwarming. While it is always the thought that counts, as humans, we always aim to please, and somewhat find an element of thrill when the recipient likes what we give. In the recent years, I personally have been pleased to find that so many have become more conscious gift givers. People tend to want their gift to benefit a greater cause beyond the happiness of the recipient alone, and to me, that heightened sense of social consciousness is always appreciated. On a personal note, that is something I personally have been working hard on ever since I’ve moved back from college five years ago, and through multiple collaborations with various entrepreneurs, I think that I’ve somewhat been successful in being able to give people a plethora of platforms to give back and gift back through to benefit a greater cause.

One of these platforms is the “Stationery for a Cause” collection under Printsonalities’ Paperie. And though this almost often reaches its peak in the –ber months, it is available all year round. Every last quarter of the year since we launched this partnership in 2015 however, a new capsule collection that showcases my designs, beautifully rendered into correspondence cards, scribble note cards, sticker labels and gift tags by Printsonalities’ in-house team of creative talent is made available, and it is always so exciting to develop a new concept to ensure innovation across collections, and to make sure that no one collection ever replicates the other.

This year’s collection entitled “Balik Tanaw” is a homage to personal history and heritage. Growing up, the value of always honoring your roots, giving credit where it is due and being grateful to the most encouraging and supportive was repeatedly ingrained in me. Perhaps this is the reason why I value perspective, and always look at things – whether they be objects, opinions, places, matters or simple designs – from different points of views. Tanaw, a tagalog word that gives the notion of how one chooses to look at something simple translates to “view point,” and gives the impression of a personal perspective in whatever one chooses to see. Balik Tanaw therefore is a look back at what was, and what has been. This collection is a yearbook of sorts. A tribute, if you will, to the year that has been. To the people who continue to lend a hand and inspire me ceaselessly. To the experiences that have shaped me. To the places that have left me in awe, and have won a part of my heart. To stories that I have grown up with, and will forever continue to tell. To some of my most famous doodles and designs that have become a “signature” and a part of the work that I do. And to members of the next generation who bring smiles wherever they go, and remind me why I have set-out to do what I do.

2018 has undoubtedly been a year like no other – it brought me to magical places, has taken me on adventures and personal journeys that have made me re-examine my purpose, and re-affirm my path. This collection is a compilation of nuggets of inspiration I have picked up, taken with me, and have chosen to translate onto paper. It is a collaboration with a talented team of artists who have taken my perspective to create their own renditions of what truly inspires me. And while I’ve had my favorites in each collection through the years, I cannot and will not deny the fact that this year’s has found a most special place in my heart. For one, I found myself working with a fresh set of talents – and though initially the thought of having to work with a new set of artists was quite daunting, it turned out to be a most beautiful surprise. Another lesson to embrace change for it in turn can yield positive results. And in true Balik Tanaw fashion to give credit where it is due, I’d like to end this piece with a few shout outs: to JC Flores, Roxette Gagal and Stepfen Caoili who are ever so humble in their abilities, but whose creative prowess is parallel to none in generosity and potential, I hope the three of you realize that your debut into Printsonalities has just shown how much talent is still out there waiting to be discovered. That attitude is what takes you places, and this “baptism of fire” collection if you will is as much your work, as it is mine. It is a testament to the gems that you have become. And of course, to my (and the team’s) Printsonalities parents – the ever dynamic Bailon couple who lead firmly, but with so much heart in a way only the both of them know – this is another collection yielded from your trust and constant faith. Your encouragement means the world, and you both are undoubtedly a big part of who I have become, and will continue to be. I cannot wait for the bigger and brighter things that await!

Meanwhile, I do hope that you all take a moment to browse through this collection which we have painstakingly but ever so passionately put together for all of you. Multiply gratitude by gifting it – in the form of stationery sets that will surely bring smiles – not only to your friends and family, but to the next greater community of the next generation: the children of MovEd. ***