Baguio Local Buzzin’ Biz: Liryo PH

Everything Baguio

Hey, everyone! I mentioned before that I will be doing a series of blogs about local brands that were born in the City of Pines. I am delighted to share another homegrown brand that was inspired by a legacy and empowering advocacy.  

Behind the brand/ First Impressions

I learned that one of my batchmates in elementary school, Ashley, started a clothing business. She’s been posting about it on her personal social media pages. I was drawn to explore it because:

1. It’s a brand started by a batchmate and I like supporting people like Ashley who are so genuine (P.S. She still remembers my childhood nickname, and she addresses me with that, “Mara.” So cute! hehe ) . She’s one of many Facebook/Instagram friends who I actually interact with personally and online. Baguio City is a small town, we all most likely see and greet each other because we got acquainted somehow. She has also supported my small business before when I was still baking. 🙂
2. I love fashion. I always like dressing up and I was so enticed by its material. I learned a thing or two about fabrics when I worked at a tailoring shop in Makati. I know that cotton and linen will always be a good choice of fabric in this tropical country. 
3. The designs are not too basic and not too dressy. It is something you would wear for different occasions. Even for a coffee date or a grocery run. You will look so chic!

I had the opportunity to try out some of her pieces and I totally love all the garments! I thought, hey, I want to write about this, too, in a blog. This brand deserves an in-depth write-up, not only an Instagram post. 🙂  So, I messaged Ashley and asked more about Liryo. 

Why “Liryo”?

Here’s a trivia that I learned from Ashley; Liryo is the Filipino term for Lily. She drew inspiration from a Bible verse from the book of Luke 12:27, “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”  

Ashley added, “Liryo is a ’pandemic baby.’ It never occurred to me to put up a business at such a volatile time as this. But Luke 12:27 (including the verses before and after that) reminded me that God provides in all seasons. So naming the brand Liryo is my praise to Him. Symbolically, the Liryo represents hope and love and is a symbol of Easter, the resurrection of Christ, who is my eternal hope. This is a reminder that God clothes us in garments of faithfulness, hope, protection, and love.” 

I think it signifies a lot about the growth that one can build something good even in these trying times. 

A Hopeful Legacy

I asked Ashley why she started a business and why she chose to manufacture a clothing line. I learned that it is not just about passion for dressing up but it is a legacy by her late grandmother, Noemi, who ran a vocational school but closed when she passed away last year. Ashley decided to establish a clothing shop together with their teacher of the dressmaking course. She said, “ So it’s just really me and her who make up Liryo, at least for now. Liryo is also my little way to continue the legacy of my lola.”

To be honest, because of fast fashion and luxury brands still opening up and staying strong, sometimes you can hardly find garments that are stylish but affordable. Ashley realized this and so she thought of letting one of her grandmother’s dressmakers, Ate Lens, to make clothes for her. Eventually, she figured, why not offer it to other people, too?  Ashley added, “Our core values in Liryo are intentionality, quality, and simplicity. These are where we always hope to operate from.”

A Beautiful Advocacy

There is a bigger story about how Liryo came about and it all goes down to the advocacy that Ashley’s grandmother wanted to establish. She shared with me more about her grandmother, “My lola was such a force. She put up the vocational school which was officially recognized by the Dept of Educ in 1961. She wanted opportunities for women (especially those who can’t afford academic/uni schooling) to learn and thrive. She had this regalness and grace in her; her hair was always done, make-up on, and her clothes were stylish and well-thought-of. I remember fondly how she would sew clothes for us (with my siblings and cousins), she’d make clay accessories for us, she would knit scarves and blankets. My sister took on the knitting skill and we plan to offer knitted clothes hopefully soon too. ☺️ She also had the kindest heart, helping people through the school. She was a perfectionist and a planner; she wanted things done really well and that’s what I hope to share with people through Liryo, like a piece of my lola in every clothing made. 🧡”

Love local & help the locals 

Each piece of Liryo is laboriously crafted by ambitious artisan dressmakers. When you buy their garments, you sustain the livelihood of women who pursue to thrive in this global adversity. Let’s continue to help each other as all of us can be a blessing to others. 🙂 

I am looking forward to seeing more creations of Liryo! Ashley already teased about having knitwear soon! I am so excited!

Follow Liryo, check out and order some of their tasteful and gorgeous garments that you could wear all year round! For those living outside Baguio, they have a Shopee account! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liryo.ph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liryo-PH-111267477896145

Shopee: https://shopee.ph/liryo.ph