What happens when art, agriculture, and social good come together? In this episode, Chit Juan talks with Bernadette “BidiBidi” delos Santos, artist, entrepreneur, and farmer-leader from Bicol. Through her vibrant upcycled fashion brand, BidiBidi empowers over 150 rural women with embroidery skills while promoting sustainability and Filipino culture. She also shares her work as RAFC Chair, giving voice to farmers and fisherfolk in national policy-making. It’s a powerful story of creativity, community, and change stitched together with purpose.

GUEST BIO:

BidiBidi is a passionate social entrepreneur, artist, and volunteer farmer leader dedicated to sustainability, community empowerment, and cultural preservation. Through the BidiBidi enterprise, she taught more than 150 rural women and continues teaching the art and skill of hand embroidery. She upcycles fabrics into vibrant patchworks, creating unique handcrafted products that celebrate Filipino artistry. Her work provides livelihood opportunities to local artisans, particularly women, while promoting eco-conscious fashion. As a volunteer farmer leader and RAFC Chair of the Bicol Region, she advocates for sustainable agriculture, rural development, and the welfare of farming communities. Rooted in creativity, social impact, and environmental stewardship, BidiBidi’s work is a testament to the power of art, sustainability, and community in transforming lives.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How BidiBidi started her enterprise after returning home to Camarines Sur
• The role of embroidery as both creative expression and community livelihood
• Reviving a local embroidery tradition that had nearly disappeared
• Training women from 4Ps communities through DSWD partnerships
• Building a self-sustaining value chain by buying back finished embroidered goods
• Balancing art and business to create an impactful, mission-driven brand
• Her work as a farmer representative through the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council

QUOTES:

• I needed people to also make the products that I had in mind. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• You actually found yourself an army of women. — Chit Juan
• All they have to have are a pair of hands and good eyesight. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• I always say that the inspiration actually comes from myself. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• Do whatever you love doing, and be good at it. — BidiBidi delos Santos
• Create things that not only help communities but are also good for our environment. — BidiBidi delos Santos

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with BidiBidi:

• BidiBidi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bidibidi101/
• BidiBidi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bidibidi101

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape at Echostore.ph.

For more information about the A Five Star Collab event, visit the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards on Facebook.