Director, artist, and crafter Julius Lumiqued has spoofed a viral tote from the US, using a local symbol of abundance and wealth.
Lumiqued said, “Suddenly, a grocery bag from the US becomes a trending must-have bag, a new status symbol in the Philippines, at nauso siya sa pasabuy,” describing the trend that turned a plain US grocery bag into a status symbol.
The viral tote bags, which were released in 2024, cost originally $2.99 in the US but have become scarce due to their global popularity and not to mention skyrocketed its price with res sellers hoarding the grocery bag.
“So habang pinapakyaw ng mga Pinoy ang nasa shelves sa US, for Baguio City and La Trinidad, a ‘sound-alike’ Trader Joe’s destination is more connected to locals. It creates a statement for the local market, so there: Trading Post,” Lumiqued explained.
The local Trading Post in La Trinidad serves as an economic hub for the transport of vegetables to lowland markets signaling profit for traders and farmers.
Lumiqued said when he saw friends carrying the viral tote, his entrepreneurial skills kicked in. He saw an opportunity when a friend suggested he should make his own version.
The local version of the tote is made of canvas with a zipper. The colored trimmings are rubber-layered nylon, and there are two variations available at a fraction of the cost of the original bag. Maria Elena Catajan