Last November 5, 2025, the Likha+Mundo team spent a meaningful day at San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in Taguig, leading a candle-making workshop in partnership with BPI Foundation’s Project Liwanag -- an initiative dedicated to bringing light, both literally and figuratively, to communities in need.
Held within the Sto. Niño de Taguig Parish, the workshop was designed to empower parish volunteers and community members by teaching them a practical, creative livelihood skill. More than just learning how to make candles, participants were given an opportunity to build confidence, explore their creativity, and discover new ways to support their families through supplemental income.
The day began with a training session for the BPI-CMG team, equipping them with the knowledge to guide and support the community in the workshop and as they produce their own candles later on. In the afternoon, we were joined by 16 incredible women -- church servers, seamstresses, online sellers, street sweepers, and sari-sari store owners, all aged 45 and above, who brought so much energy, curiosity, and joy into the space.
With Likha+Mundo Founder, Iiko Asuque, leading the workshop, the community members learned the step-by-step process of creating hand-dipped, molded, and votive candles, while also exploring simple ways to package and market these products. The workshop quickly became more than just a learning session -- it was a space for collaboration, shared stories, and genuine connection.
Project Liwanag reflects a powerful mission: to foster dignity through work, strengthen community ties, and create pathways for sustainable livelihood. Candle-making, in this context, becomes more than a craft -- it becomes a source of light for both homes and hearts, supporting parish needs while opening doors to small enterprise opportunities.
It was a joyful and inspiring day, made even more special by the creativity and enthusiasm of our nanays and titas. Moments like these remind us that when skills, purpose, and community come together, meaningful change begins, one candle at a time. 🕯️
Watch the reel here.