1780 by SariSari Launch

Last Wednesday, Rockwell Tent was dressed up in haute native as it played the venue for the launch of SariSariStore.com's 1780 storefront.

1780 is a sub-directory store under the SariSariStore platform (by Erneil DyLim of Simplesoft). It showcases locally-sourced premium products from all around the country (17 regions - 80 provinces). Items range from food delicacies, fashion accessories to handwoven tapestries.

The merchants featured on the site are micro-entrepreneurs who are known to craft quality products in their hometowns. Thanks to this new selling platform, these businesses now have to opportunity to reach more customers.

Actual samples of brands being sold from the online store were displayed in the event hall. Some food items were also available for tasting, including CT South Tropic's fruit wines.

1780's corporate secretary Atty Edmund Abesamis uncorked the event with a short introduction and a video presentation of what the new storefront is all about.

The people behind 1780 has made it their mission to help promote promising homegrown products, which otherwise may not have had the chance to enter such a wide market. This, in turn, contributes to the economic growth of the community and fosters the preservation of tradition and heritage.

Brand architect Amor Maclang (of GeiserMaclang) stressed the importance of buying local without haggling too much, but "making local the new premium" instead. Some handcrafted works can take months to finish, and it's important to factor in that value on the price tag.

Some industry influencers also made an appearance that night, including travel blogger Ivan Henares, Amina Aranaz of Aranaz brand (via video) and Patti Grandidge of Sweet Patti Cakes.

Planning to shop in 1780 this holiday? Check out the shopping walk-through by Junatobuy.com here.