Meet Jennilyn Peñalba Banda, 29, born and raised in Tagaytay City. Also known as "Choi" to family and friends, she is the owner of artotell—a one-woman startup creating trendy, reusable, and carry-all tote bags for every occasion.
"I started artotell in 2016—a few years after getting my tourism degree from Cavite State University. Ama taught us how to use a sewing machine at an early age. I fell in love with it."
Operating at a makeshift workshop right from her childhood home, Choi focuses on tote bags made from sustainable materials which she painstakingly pieces together and individually hand paints—sometimes with the help of friends and hired workers.
"Our tote bags are made-to-order. Customers order in bulk for their quirky wedding souvenirs, corporate giveaways, and similar kinds of events. It can also be used for daily errands like grocery shopping, working out, or going to the bank. It's very versatile, handy, and easy-to-wash. It eliminates the use of single-use plastic bags and you can also avoid constantly buying eco-bags at the supermarket."
Choi initially aspired to get a job related to her course. She even worked in the Middle East for a couple of years, but the longing for loved ones brought her back to her home city.
"Growing up here and studying tourism made me appreciate the environment more. I wanted to come back home and do something where I can use my education and my love for Mother Earth at the same time."
She also shared a side of Tagaytay that non-locals often overlook for the usual spots. Here are 5 of them:
Aozora Japanese Restaurant
"I'm not a big meat-eater. I mostly go for fish and ramen that's why I come here. Plus, it's classy, cozy, and quiet. Perfect for chilly afternoons which pretty much happens daily here."
Taza Mia Coffee
"After a heavy meal, we usually spend a few hours drinking coffee and enjoying light-hearted laughs and conversations here. Sometimes they have live music, but I mostly go here to relax and get my caffeine fix."
Tagaytay City Track Oval
"Sometimes when work gets too overwhelming, I go out for a run at the local track oval. Aside from jogging, you can also play frisbee, go biking, and walk your dogs here. I come here around late afternoon so I could watch the sunset before the day ends."Ukay-Ukay Hub
"I love thrifting because I can get chic outfits for less plus it also helps in conserving energy and resources. Sometimes, I even make bags out of cute shorts and pants that I get from here."
Anya Resort Tagaytay
I haven't had the pleasure of staying at Anya, but we have visited and worked with them for a wedding that my friends' companies Evertrend and Thal Ruin Photography had not too long ago. I personally liked Anya Tagaytay's rooms plus the amazing views. I also appreciate that they are using eco-friendly practices to lessen the damage most businesses and tourist leave in Tagaytay.
For more information on Artotell Bags Collection, visit their Facebook page here or follow them on @artotellph.
To know more about Anya Hotel Tagaytay and its eco-sustainable processes, log on to their website at www.anyaresorts.com.
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