Hey y'all! We're back with another episode - continuing with our Community Cultivator Series for Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, our special guest is Raquel Stewart from Bukobaba. In today's episode we learn about the origin story behind the Bukobaba brand and the story behind the name (it is the most adorable story ever!) Driven with a purpose to good, Raquel set out to help local coconut farmers and producers by bringing premium Filipino coconut products to Canada. Bukobaba products are made in small batches, hand-crafted, and sustainably sourced by using traditional Philippine method that retains the integrity and quality of each product. Knowing how the farmers have struggled to pass down their family traditions in coconut farming and protect their families, we discuss why it was important for Raquel to play a role in providing a sustainable livelihood for farmers, in hopes of empowering the next generation. We discuss the strategy behind the brand - why it was significant to build a universally appealing brand but remained rooted in Filipino culture. We speak about what it means to be a part of the Filipino Food Movement happening in Vancouver and the future of Bukobaba as it continues its mission to make an impact by bringing awareness to Filipino culture and its products to the world.
BUKOBABA ESSENTIALS
Bukobaba is a Vancouver based, family-owned business. Our mission is to provide healthy premium coconut food and wellness products to markets in Canada by supporting and working directly with local organic coconut farmers in the Philippines. All of Bukobaba’s products are made and packaged in the Philippines. We use production methods that preserve the integrity and quality of each of our products. Each item is made in small batches, hand-crafted, and sustainably sourced.
RAQUEL STEWART
Raquel Stewart is the passionate founder and owner of Bukobaba Essentials Inc. Born in Las Piñas, Philippines, Raquel grew up in Vancouver maintaining strong cultural ties with her birthplace. Bukobaba is Raquel's vision of bridging her two worlds: bringing Philippine essentials, prepared in traditional methods going back centuries in the Philippines, to Canada where educated consumers recognize artisanal, small-batch products that support local farmers and producers in native lands.
“You have the power to do good… for your body, your soul, and for the people around you.” - Raquel Stewart
Thank you to our partners Potato Corner BC and CiTR 101.9 FM for supporting this podcast. Follow Filipino Fridays Podcast on Instagram: @FilipinoFridaysPodcast Email us at contact@filipinofridays.com. Music: Hot Coffee by Patrick Patrikios
