The grand idea
Cole Haan recognizes the world’s newest breed of changemakers
In 1903, the world saw humans soar up with the vision of the brothers clearing the skies for air travel. A young college dropout, changed the way Silicon Valley operated in the ’80s with his software that became the backbone of many operating systems all over the world. At the last UN Climate Action Summit, 16-year-old Swedish activist
called out the world leaders for not doing enough to fix environmental issues affecting every nation today.
Grand ideas like these are what lifestyle brand Cole Haan aims to celebrate with the launch of its Generation Zerøgrand, inspired by the new generation of talented professionals who work for what they believe in. “For almost 20 years Cole Haan PH has served three generations— the Baby Boomers, the Gen X, and the Gen Y,” says the general manager of Cole Haan PH
“Today we are passing on the heritage and cutting across to the next generation, to the Gen Z.”
With the launch of the Generation Zerøgrand, Cole Haan also opened the GrandShøp. Designed for young innovators, the newly opened GrandShøp at SM Aura Premier in BGC is the sixth among other concept stores in the world. It features a wide assortment of lifestyle products fit for young, urban professionals seeking form and functionality in every part of the day.
Thunberg Serano. Wright Bill Gates Greta Angelo
To kick off the two launches, Cole Haan invited one of its ambassadors and the brand’s three Grand Idea Leaders to share how they have pursued possible answers to their “what if” stories.
REX INTAL
A former UAAP volleyball champion, knows that Gen Zs meddle in different worlds. “Us Gen Zs, we want to connect both online and offline,” he says. “But it is also important to connect offline. It’s still different from you being genuine and authentic in front of people.” A graduate of Information Design, he sees social media as a perfect avenue to showcase his graphic designs, paintings, and sketches and use them to connect more with people. With a heart of a champ, Rex is set to compete at this year’s Southeast Asian Games happening here in the country.
Rex Intal
Instagram: @rexintalart
TERE DOMINE
An Ilocana with a background on Biogenetics, aims to bring local coffee into the international table through Kalsada Coffee. She
Tere Domine
believes that when the community partners do well, the business will do well. “The goal was to bring Philippine coffee back to the international stage. We already did that. Our next goal is to evolve from there,” Tere says. “We found out that there are so many gaps in the agricultural sector. We identified those through interviews with the farmers. We want to offer options or alternatives to the farmers so we can encourage more young farmers to get involved and for farmers to take pride in their produce.”
‘Why are you even pursuing the project? You have to have a deeper connection to the problem. It has to be personal to you for you to stick to it when the challenges arise.’
www.kalsada.com | Instagram: @ kalsadacoffee
AUDREY TANGONAN
Starting her company at 27, with only ₱20,000 for capital, was a challenge
Tangonan Audrey
was determined to overcome. “Why are you even pursuing the project?” asks Audrey. “You have to have a deeper connection to the problem. It has to be personal to you for you to stick to it when the challenges arise.” In founding the first Filipino menstrual cup brand, Audrey is able to promote eco-sustainability and empower Filipinas by breaking taboos about menstruation and the female anatomy. She continues her mission by conducting free educational menstrual and reproductive health sessions at various public high schools around the country. “It is really uncomfortable for some women to talk about these things because of culture,” says Audrey. “It is really a challenge to package our message in a way that is more palatable and understandable. Body acceptance is not just about how we look on the outside. It grows from the inside out.”
www.sinayacup.com | Instagram: @sinayacup
JAMICO JAMLANG
“There was this story of the fishermen. Before, they could swim and go to islands together with dolphins,” says founder of The Bamboo Company. “But now with pollution, the water is no longer clean and the dolphins are no longer there. I don’t want that to be our story.” With just a bamboo toothbrush, Jamico’s sustainabilityled company has now grown into a forwardthinking business aimed at changing the people’s mindset about plastics . It also aims to present bamboo not as cheap material but as a high quality and green alternative. “Two years ago we started the Bamboo Company and people we’re just laughing at us,” says Jamico. “But as time progresses, people have seen what we’re advocating. Don’t be afraid to chase after your grand idea. You’ll never know if it’s possible until you try.”
Jamico Jamlang,
www.thebamboocompany.ph | Instagram: @thebamboocompany
www.colehaan.com | Facebook and Instagram: @colehaanph