Second-generation Fil-Am: How my upbringing influenced Solid Soaps' Filipino Heritage Collection

As a Filipino-American-owned brand, my heritage influenced each bar and candle in our Solid Soaps Filipino Heritage Collection. I wanted to share these nostalgic scents with others because they're comforting, and I have fond memories behind them. Read on to learn why I chose these scents specifically. 

Sampaguita 

The national flower of the Philippines, Sampaguita (Jasminum sambac) has a sweet, delicate fragrance and symbolizes purity, simplicity, strength, and devotion. Sampaguita is derived from the Tagalog phrase "sumpa kita," which means "I promise you."

Adding this iconic scent into our Filipino Heritage Collection took longer than expected, and it was the latest addition to the collection in December 2024. I went through multiple jasmine fragrances before finding the perfect scent. When I found the right one, I was instantly reminded of this jasmine shrub in our backyard growing up. My mom would pick some of the flowers and place them in water on our kitchen table.

You may find sampaguita growing along churches or schools in the Philippines. It's a climbing vine with beautiful, small, white flowers. I'm currently trying to grow one next to Stu (my studio).

Buko Pandan 

Inspired by a delicious Filipino dessert, this scent combination of young coconut (buko) and grassy pandan leaves reminds me of visiting my aunt's house where she always had buko pandan in a giant jug. She'd ladle two or three large helpings for me, and it was so refreshing during a hot day.

Our Buko Pandan soap and candle also has a hint of pineapple, which sets our products apart from others. It's not overly coconut-y. Think elevated tropical vacation vibes. 

Coconuts are used daily in the Philippines, whether it be for cooking, cosmetics, or traditional medicine. Coconut oil is a core ingredient in all of our soaps. 

Calamansi 

A staple in Filipino kitchens and traditional remedies, calamansi is a native citrus fruit known for its brightening and cleansing properties. Its scent is bright and refreshing. You'll see calamansi as a garnish for Filipino dishes like arroz caldo, pancit, whole fish, or just as a simple "lemonade." Feeling under the weather? Hot water and calamansi. Dandruff? Put some calamansi on that. Constipated? Calamansi. BO? Try some of that calamansi in that bath water.

I digress. Also, please use calamansi juice at your discretion (I am no longer a medical professional and am not giving any medical advice here). My memories of calamansi are ongoing. My parents had a huge calamansi tree that produced a lot of fruit every year, and we'd spend hours squeezing the juice out of those little fruits into bottles to freeze them. I currently have a calamansi tree in my backyard that was given to me by my dad, and it's thriving. The flowers are white and kind of remind me of sampaguita, too. 

Blending some Filipino "flavor" into our products is quite fun. I enjoyed creating a sensory experience collection that celebrates the Philippines. Solid Soaps' Filipino Heritage Collection is what sets us apart from other soap and candle makers, and I encourage you to give them a try. Maybe they'll bring comfort and joy to you!

Share your favorite Filipino scent or one your would like to see in our Filipino Heritage Collection. I'd love to grow this collection with more nostalgic scents. 

Salamat po sa pagbabasa.

-e