Since Rags2Riches was established in 2007, the social enterprise famed for its stylish woven products has been regularly collaborating with other brands. "Kasi (Because) that's our way to increase our reach and positive impact through connecting companies," said R2R's president and founding partner Reese Fernandez-Ruiz at the launch of their latest collaboration, this time with the smart device manufacturer, OPPO.

"This is the first time we've done something like this with a brand, with four creatives all at the same time," she explained to DAILY TRIBUNE at the event. "Four collaborators ito, e. So, [we have] Rei Germar, David Guison, Pam Quiñones and Daryl Chang. For us, it's a first time to do all of that at the same time. Parang (It's like) times four in a shortish amount of time. It's very exciting to us."

Fernandez-Ruiz went on sharing how the way she and her team choose R2R's collaborations with other brands has changed over the years: "Before, I used to have a long list na parang (something like), 'Oh, they should be doing this and that.' But then I realized na if someone's trying, let us be the platform to try.

"So, if a company wants to do something sustainable and they want to start with us, they should be able to because I think it's better than being gatekeep-y about it. Ayaw namin na parang (We don't want something like) 'No, we're only exclusive, so dapat (it should be) purely ganitong (this kind of) company.' I don't believe in that 'cause I think all of us have the responsibility to the world.

"I feel that as long as its values aligned and the brand is sincere in the desire to really create positive impact, then I'm all for that. Gano'n talaga ang (That's really) our guiding principle, always starting somewhere. Even if it's small, lalaki din naman kasi 'yun (it will eventually grow)."

OPPO x R2R

Fueled by continuous innovation as a technology-driven brand, OPPO is also dedicated to "impactful partnerships," such as the one with R2R, according to its OPPO Philippines' head of PR and Customer Relationship Management, Joanarc Sales. She added, "This is just the beginning of our shared journey to promote sustainability."

Each of the four creatives came up with a unique design with the use of sustainable materials while honoring traditions and celebrating artistry. Germar's Dumpling Bag has a woven body made with upcycled fabric and gussets fashioned from indigenous fabric in Binetwagan weaves. Its details include genuine leather trims, a magnetic snap top closure, cotton fabric lining and inner side snaps to transform the dumpling bag into an onigiri-shaped handbag.

Quiñones, on the other hand, designed the Loop Bag that features a woven body made with upcycled fabric in a checkerboard pattern. This is R2R's first completely hand-stitched bag, with no machine used to make it. It is also a vegan bag, which means no other components except the fabric used to make the body.

For her part, Chang created the Ring Sling Bag like a set of three small carriers all attached to a round ring through metal hooks. There's a leather drawstring pouch, then a round zip purse and finally, a phone sleeve in jersey woven panel. It also comes with a detachable and adjustable leather strap.

Rounding up the limited-edition collection is Guison's Pixel Crossbody Bag. It's a rectangular crossbody bag made with upcycled fabric woven into a Blocks pattern. It features genuine leather trims, a top zip closure, an exterior back zip pocket and cotton fabric lining. Both the short handle and the wide adjustable long strap are made with genuine leather. It comes with a bag charm in the form of a key ring and upcycled fabric tassels.

Each piece is priced at P3,500 and can be pre-ordered via R2R's website, www.r2r.ph/collections/r2r-x-oppo-philippines. All of the proceeds from the sales will go exclusively to the R2R artisans for the continuous upgrade of their craft and livelihood. To help them further in their everyday living, you can also donate OPPO phones and other tech items.