Fino Archives - Life in Manila

Do you wanna know what my birthday gift to myself is? A wallet. Do you wanna know what I asked the hubby for his birthday present to me? Another wallet. Why would I need two wallets, you might ask. My answer is…why not? One for weekdays, one for weekends. End of story.

But wait, I’m in the mood for a wallet story, so here it is. Growing up in the province, I always saw the contents of Mame’s wallet. I always knew when she still had money or when she was running out of it. When I knew she had extra money, I’d ask her to buy me the few fancy things I liked. When I knew she had very little money, I kept my mouth shut and never bothered her for anything that would have the potential of burning a hole in her pocket.

Continue reading “A Wallet Story”

I first heard about Fino from this post. I’m not sure if it’s the same year the post was published that I got to read it or the next. All I remember is that I developed an instant liking for the brand and its stylish and sturdy leather goods. With a consumer culture lusting primarily over foreign designer brands and patronizing just about anything imported, seeing local brands like Fino thrive is a breath of fresh air. It also affirms our capability to be at par with the best in the world. It even adds to the list of things that make me proud to be a Filipino.

I have always wanted to own a leather bag, something that’s long-lasting and worthy of my hard-earned money. I initially wanted a Cuyana tote (me and my bias for tote bags!) in caramel but decided against it after setting foot inside a Fino store and laying my eyes on the Davos bag, which is the very design synonymous to Fino. I knew right then and there it was the one I truly wanted. But I found it expensive at PHP8,000+ then. Plus, I didn’t have the money yet. When the time came that I already had the money for the bag, inflation made its price even higher at PHP13,000+.

Continue reading “My First Leather Bag is a Fino!”