Binhi, which promotes organic farming and advocates zero-plastic waste marketing, is making a comeback on February 14 at the Canvas Boutique Hotel to offer chemical-free food products and eco-friendly items.
The Binhi Organic Market will be a four-day event starting Valentine’s Day until February 15 at 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on February 16 to 17.
Gia Querubin, founder and main organizer of the Binhi, said their return is a continuation of their advocacy for people in the city and province to become “mindful shoppers” and help in promoting zero-waste marketing.
“BINHI aims to promote a conscious and mindful shopping experience for the consumers. It is also a goal for the merchants to find alternative ways on how to package their products, kasi before laging nakabalot lahat ng plastic. But now they also find creative ways on proper packaging. What we really want for BINHI is to build a community of conscious and mindful citizens. No one’s perfect, we are all not immune sa paggamit ng plastic. But through awareness and mindfulness, we hope to lessen the generation of plastic wastes,” she said.
BINHI is a plastic-free weekend market that supports Palawan organic farmers and promotes a healthy and sustainable lifestyle through conscious consumerism and better entrepreneurship.
Querubin said what they are also after is the promotion of organic farming in Palawan.
“We also want to promote our organic farmers in Palawan. Gusto namin i-highlight iyong concept of consuming food without too many chemicals, iyong fresh from the farm or kahit sa backyard pa iyan. BINHI will be a place that is accessible for them to showcase their products and to the consumers through direct contact” she added.
Founded on September 15, 2018, BINHI has successfully formed a friendly community of organic farmers and entrepreneurs who no longer wants the idea of using plastic as a primary container for store-bought items.
Among the merchants that will join Binhi this month is Ara Pilak owned by Jude Rivera and Best Honey PH by Blessing Mariñas.
Ara Pilak sells a line of creative and reusable straws, cutlery, and utensils made of indigenous materials, said Rivera.
She said Binhi’s advocacy towards eliminating plastic waste is what drew her to join Querubin in her advocacy for “mindful marketing” in Puerto Princesa City and Palawan.
“As a business owner, that is what I am actually trying to promote. Kailangan lang talaga ng konting consistency and promotion. And that is what BINHI is all about” Rivera stated.
Mariñas, who owns and operates Best Honey PH that sells budget-friendly and natural skincare essential products, said what encouraged her to become a Binhi member is the firm bond they have as active merchants.
“BINHI is not just about selling products, it is about the community. We never felt that we’re outcasts and that’s what interested me to become a merchant,” she shared.
