Friends since their freshman year in high school, Jen Calma-Sarmiento, Tess Santos, Nikki Yuson-De Guzman and Joyce Crisologo-Mendoza decided to put up Sapato Manila in May 2005. Jen, a dentist by profession and designer at heart, was then starting a bag business and asked her friends if they wanted to go into the shoe business with her. Although coming from various fields like Property Management, Banking and Merchandising, Theresa, Nikki and Joyce immediately jumped in and the four have never looked back.
They aim to provide comfortable and fashionable shoes for all women. Their goal is to come up with a variety of sandals, heels, wedge and flats using different interesting and colorful materials for the women who choose comfort and fashion. Being shoe addicts themselves, Sapato Manila has helped them realize their dream of working together on something they have a shared passion for. It gives them pride that their shoes are 100% Pinoy and that they have helped the local shoe industry in their own little way. More than anything, they emphasize that Sapato Manila is a testament that Filipino craftsmanship is at par with foreign products in the market.
Now on its 7
th year,
Sapato Manila has over 20 styles in store of flats, sandals, wedges and heels. And every month 5 new styles are launched to keep up with the ever changing trend in
Philippine Fashion. Through the years, Sapato Manila built a strong relationship with several brands like
Coco and Tres (owned by one of Sapato Manila owners), Frank and Sign, Vida and Via Torino. Thus, giving these brands home in the Sapato Manila store.
At present, Sapato Manila is launching 2 new collections: The T’nalak Collection; and The Sapato Manila Women Collection. T’nalak Collection. T’nalak is a hand-woven abaca fabric made by the women of the women of the T’boli tribe of Mindanao. This highly popular fabric is incorporated with the modern designs of Sapato Manila, giving birth to the “T’nalak Collection”. This collection includes sandals, ballet flats, wedges and heels.
To celebrate Sapato Manila’s 7th year, the owners picked 5 loyal customers to complete the Sapato Manila Women Collection. These women were given freedom to design their own shoes and express their style. This collection is available for every woman to enjoy. For every pair sold, a portion of the profit will be donated to Museo Pambata’s Mobile Library. The money will help support the project and provide children around the Philippines the opportunity to read.
OTHER BRANDS IN STORE
Coco and Tres. Owned by Jen Sarmiento (also a partner in Sapato Manila), Coco and Tres bags are also available in Sapato Manila Store. The bags are made of real leather and natural materials such as raffia, rattan, abaca, jute, sinamay. Coco and Tres bags combine different textures and materials indigenous to the region. It is a brand that is distinctively labeled “Modern Filipino”.
Franck and Sign. This jewelry brand that is imported from Europe offers modern accessories and handmade designs. It integrates genuine leather, woodworks and additional chain detailing to create works of art.
Vida. Owned byVida Macasaet. This is a locally made brand of crocheted necklaces with bead accent.
Via Torino. Owned by Francis Manalo, also a locally made brand with glass necklaces; and bracelets made of stone and wood.
Sapato Manila has grown with its collections and added other brands it retail. Now, Sapato Manila is ready to accommodate more brands in its store and welcomes wholesalers interested in distributing Sapato Manila shoes.
Store: 2nd Floor, Archaeology Power Plant
Mall, Rockwell Center.
Tel: 897‐6116
Email: sapatomanila@gmail.com.
Website: www.sapatomanila.com
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