From Craft to Community: The Heartfelt Rise of Subida Souvenirs in Negros Oriental

NEGROS ORIENTAL — The story of Subida Souvenirs is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Behind the beautifully crafted bamboo mugs, engraved wooden art, and native toys is a deeper narrative of a couple’s love for culture, community, and the Filipino artisan.

At the heart of it all are Michael and January Alano, a married couple and creative duo who transformed a small collaboration hub in Valencia, Negros Oriental, into a multi-awarded, socially driven enterprise. What started in 2014 as a humble experiment became something far greater: a platform for local craftsmen and artists to shine.

By 2015, the Alanos officially registered Subida Souvenirs as a business. With minimal equipment—just a computer, heat presses, and a handful of part-time workers—they operated their shop while also crafting each product by hand. Every item told a story, and every sale helped keep Filipino culture alive.

In 2017, the couple’s turning point came through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). A grant enabled them to acquire a laser cutting and engraving machine, which opened up a world of possibilities. Suddenly, their product range expanded by over 400%, and their dream gained momentum.

That same year, they began receiving vital assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program. This included design, business matching, and marketing support—paving the way for participation in national, regional, and provincial trade fairs. These efforts boosted their brand visibility and credibility on a national scale.

By 2019, Subida reached a major milestone with the establishment of the OTOP Hub by Subida at Robinsons Place Dumaguete—a vibrant retail space that showcased local artistry and gave both tourists and locals access to proudly made Negrense products.

Subida’s creativity and community impact did not go unnoticed. They earned the Most Innovative Product Award at the 2017 Sandugo Trade Fair in Bohol, and the Most Creative Non-Food Product Award at the 2018 Regional OTOP Fair in Cebu. More importantly, their business model empowered dozens of artisans, like Jimson Macalua from Guihulngan, who now owns his own sewing machines and has significantly improved his livelihood. Subida also provided meaningful work to six deaf-mute artisans in Bais City, proving that business can—and should—lift people up.

By this year also, Subida was thriving with four retail locations and 68 craft workers across Negros Oriental. That same year, they were named one of the Top 5 Social Enterprises in the Philippines by the BPI Sinag Accelerate Program—a prestigious recognition that included funding, mentorship, and access to a growing network of impact investors. This award affirmed not just their growth, but the deep social value behind their work.

Beyond business, Michael Alano has always been more than just a co-founder and craftsman. While managing daily operations and leading their growing network of artisans, he is also a devoted husband to January and a supportive father to their only daughter, Bella, a rising artist in her own right. Just like her parents, Bella is discovering her own voice through art—carving her creative path with the same passion and heart that built Subida. Michael’s dedication to nurturing both a business and a family reflects the values at the very core of Subida: love, legacy, and lifting others up.

But like many small businesses rooted in tourism, Subida Souvenirs was not spared by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the lockdowns brought everything to a halt. With 90% of their clientele made up of tourists, the travel bans and public health restrictions devastated their retail operations. One by one, their stores had to close, until only their original shop in Valencia remained. It was a painful but necessary decision—one that tested not just their business, but their spirit.

Yet through it all, Mike and Jana never gave up.

Today, they are slowly rebuilding—more intentional, more grounded, and more focused than ever before. They’ve returned to their roots: small-scale production, close community collaboration, and products that reflect both heritage and hope. While the road ahead may still be challenging, the Alanos have proven that resilience, when anchored in purpose, can weather any storm.

Subida remains a space of possibility—for craftsmen, for culture, and for the community it serves. And in every handmade piece that leaves their shop, you can still feel the heart of two artists who dared to dream, fell, and chose to rise again.

Through every challenge—including the heartbreak of the pandemic—Mike and Jana Alano have remained steadfast, not just as entrepreneurs, but as visionaries. Their story is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about surviving hardships—it’s about holding onto your purpose, adapting with grace, and never losing sight of the dream.

They continue to create, to uplift, and to serve—keeping alive not just a business, but a mission rooted in Filipino pride, people, and community spirit.And as they look ahead, Mike and Jana remain guided by the same heart that started it all—devoted to empowering local artisans, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that Subida Souvenirs will always be more than a store. It is, and will always be, a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of dreams shared with the community. (DTI Negros Oriental) ♦

Date of Release: 26 June 2025