This March, Casa Juan introduces a collection of plates inspired by tropical life in the Philippines. Michelle Fontelera, who launched the brand in 2020, begins, “Our first collection inspired by birds were the Kalaw and Handsome Sunbird. The Ibon Collection continues this celebration of our country as a global hotspot for global biodiversity. We have 237 endemic bird species in our country, and I hope that through Casa Juan, the world will appreciate the beauty of our natural resources and our country.”

The Philippines is a vibrant archipelago bursting with life. For Michelle, sunbirds endemic to the country are particularly striking. “They are beautiful winged creatures that are not featured as much.” Informed by a vision of bringing a piece of local life to every home, she began working on a new collection of plates that would bring the beautiful colors and textures of these dainty, winged creatures to every table.

Ibon showcases four avian species that are endemic to the country.

• The Palawan Flowerpecker is found only on the isles of Busuanga, Culion, Calauit, and Calamaines.

• The high plains of Mt. Katanglad and Mt. Apo are home to Red Eared Parrot Finch.

• In Mindanao, Cinnamon Ibon, known as old-world sparrows, thrive.

• Blue-Headed Fan Tail, with its unique color patterns and hues, is found only in Luzon and Cataduanes.

 Every collection from Casa Juan endeavors to bring a piece of local life to every table. In putting together Ibon, Michelle had the idea of highlighting the country’s rich biodiversity through tableware. She furthers: “Our pieces are intended to become conversation starters, a chance for us to talk about the beauty of the Philippines.”

Collaboration with Reach Out And Feed Philippines

 Part of the proceeds from the sale of Casa Juan pieces are dedicated to supporting the feeding programs of Reach Out and Feed Philippines. The long-term partnership, which came to fruition in 2023, aims to reach out to less privileged children who suffer from hunger and widespread malnutrition.

 Last year, Casa Juan supported Reach Out and Feed Philippines’ initiatives at Batu-Batu Central School in Tawi-Tawi. The project impacted roughly 600 students from kindergarten to grade 6. This year, Casa Juan endeavors to deepen its commitment to fighting hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines by participating in more feeding programs around Luzon and other parts of the country.

 For 2024, the brand plans to support Reach Out and Feed Philippines’ Project Baon, an initiative to address poor nutrition among schoolchildren, which impedes performance and learning. With support from brands like Casa Juan, Project Baon provides daily and consistent nutrient-rich meals for malnourished children across impoverished communities nationwide.

“Our partnership with Reach Out and Feed Philippines aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing a piece of Philippine life to the table,” ponders Michelle. “Through this collaboration, we can also bring joy and nutrition to the less fortunate — all while inviting them to our table in a symbolic way. We also invite all our patrons to join in this effort to share the abundance on their tables to the lives of our less fortunate children.”