Over a year ago, I was sketching my first shoe design in a small journal that also held my handwritten business plan. I wasn’t entirely sure if I was doing the business side of things right, but there was one thing I knew for certain: I wanted to represent Filipinos on the global sneaker stage.

Marikina, a city with a rich history of shoemaking, has experienced a decrease in workshops due to global competition. While efforts are being made to maintain this heritage, Hayo Footwear stresses the significance of supporting local artisans by choosing Philippine-made shoes. Hayo's goal is to foster unique connections through its footwear, transforming personal stories into meaningful and original products, and promoting a more self-reliant and community-oriented nation.