Second Hat.

Even before college, I was already involved in our family business — helping out at the workshop, observing the craft, and learning how things were made.

What began as curiosity gradually became responsibility. During the pandemic in 2020, I formally took over management of Wagas Ukuleles, steering the business through uncertain times and helping it find new strength through innovation, storytelling, and structure.

Managing the business taught me what it means to lead with both vision and patience — to honor tradition while building systems that can carry it forward.

When the World Stopped, We Rebuilt

During the lockdown, our only store — the heart of our business — was forced to close. Sales vanished overnight, and with it came a single question: how do we keep the workshop alive?

Around that time, I was taking a marketing class that made me see the power of storytelling. So I started small — using my old laptop, I began posting our ukuleles online, sharing our story, and connecting with people stuck at home who wanted to create or support local.

Within two months, we reached ₱1 million in sales, keeping our workshop running and our team employed. What began as survival became the start of a new chapter — one built on creativity, community, and heart.

A family dream built again together — my dad designs, my uncle runs the workshop, and I share our story with the world.
I turned our ukuleles into canvases, partnering with local artists to paint stories on each piece.
Getting to know the people who’ve built with us for over 20 years.
I personally bring our ukuleles to global stages and into the hands of players worldwide.
Built our lasting partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines through exclusive custom designs made for their museum shop.
Spearheaded collaborations with the DOT, Cebu Province, and DHL for custom ukulele projects.
Spearheaded product innovation for new lines under our mother company.
Together with my dad, we’re relaunching the 1998 classic that started it all — our collapsible wooden baskets.

When the World Stopped, We Rebuilt

A family dream built again together — my dad designs, my uncle runs the workshop, and I share our story with the world.

I turned our ukuleles into canvases, partnering with local artists to paint stories on each piece.

Getting to know the people who’ve built with us for over 20 years.

I personally bring our ukuleles to global stages and into the hands of players worldwide.

Built our lasting partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines through exclusive custom designs made for their museum shop.

Spearheaded collaborations with the DOT, Cebu Province, and DHL for custom ukulele projects.

Spearheaded product innovation for new lines under our mother company.

Together with my dad, we’re relaunching the 1998 classic that started it all — our collapsible wooden baskets.

Journalist

Researcher