Koko Bags

Koko comes from the Japanese word “kokoro” which means heart.
The meaning, however, goes beyond the notion and connotation of the heart;
it is the totality of a person. A good kokoro means heart, spirit, soul and mind are all united as one.

The Koko brand is a story of love, stemming from the loving memory of a beloved mother-in-law we fondly call Amah who always carried a bayong in lieu of a handbag. Everything went into Amah’s bayong, The day’s lunch and dinner in the “timbrera”, the newspaper, the newly purchased slippers, dusters and blouses from Arranque Market and wads of paper bills from the day’s sales of the retail store.

The bayong of Amah went through material transformation. My first memory of her bayong as a young bride was that it was made of buri, but as years went by and many grandchildren after, Amah’s buri bayong gave way to the plastic bayong made from woven poly-nylon straps. The all purpose versatile bayong now became more durable, washable and easier to maintain.

After years of indecision to pursue the concept, Koko Bags and Home was finally born during a trip to Japan. It was a trip of emotional healing, rebalancing life and redefinition of direction. The new project is now a story of a choice to heal, a choice to live with purpose and meaning, and a choice to live a joyful life .

The story of Koko is also the story of a giving heart. In our own small way, Koko aims to provide livelihood to the weavers while they stay home. While looking after their families, the weavers handcraft Koko bags and home accessories to put food on the table and send their children to school. Majority of profits of all Koko bags and home accessories are donated to charities dear to our hearts.

The story of Koko is a story of love, healing and giving.
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Koko bags are named after bucket list destinations or places we long to revisit. Places full of memories of magical honeymoon, joyful family bonding, healing and rejuvenation and that once in a lifetime chance encounter.
Each destination is a siren call …
To explore beyond comfort zones
To push limits and boundaries
To heal the body, mind and spirit
To redefine meaning of our lives
Or simply celebrate life.

Koko bags are made of High density Polyethylene Washable, Environmental-friendly, 100% recyclable and non-toxic