How Pili Ani is putting Filipino Skincare on the global map
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Mitsukoshi BGC store to join in the celebration of Pili Ani's new flagship store. It was an afternoon filled with Pinoy Pride as I got to explore one of the pioneering brands of Filipino skincare in the global market. What made the event even more special was the appearance of the one and only Bretman Rock, who brought his signature style and personality to the celebration.
During my visit, Dane Albay, Pili Ani's Global Marketing Manager, graciously walked me through the entire product line and shared her extensive knowledge of the brand. I was particularly fascinated by her insights on the next big super oil in the skincare community, which she generously shared with me.
Pili Ani has come a long way since offering pili and essential oils. They now have a complete range of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, facial oils, lip butters, and three different versions of moisturizers. I can't forget to mention their Deep Detox Volcanic Exfoliating Mask (P390 / 20g, P1,200 / 80g), which comes in its iconic Mayon volcano packaging and is made using actual ash from the Mayon volcano.
Pili Ani's products are not only effective but also multi-use. The Ageless Concentrate Facial Oil (P2,700 / 40ml), for example, can double as a primer before applying makeup, while the Self-care Night Recovery Oil (P1,450 / 15ml, P3,200 / 40ml) helps to relax and prep your skin for a restful night's sleep, infused with lavender oil.
Their Lip Butters (P550) come in seven different shades, including a mint variant for overnight moisturizing. The universally flattering shade Barely There is a must-have in anyone's makeup collection. I, for one, am excited to see more skincare-infused makeup in their future launches!
The opening of their flagship store is a significant milestone for Pili Ani as they strive to become a globally recognized brand. Their largest store to date offers an extensive selection of products, including new launches, all while incorporating Philippine design elements. The modern and spacious store features locally-made wooden lamps shaped like pili nuts and their signature solihiya-patterned rattan, representing the brand's roots and commitment to its heritage.
Mother-daughter duo Rosalina Tan (right) and Mary Jane Tan-Ong (left)
During my visit to Pili Ani's flagship store, I had the pleasure of meeting co-founder Rosalina Tan, who shared her inspiring story with me. Mrs. Tan revealed that she never saw Pili Ani products in duty-free markets, despite their quality being on par or even better than other brands. A farmer at heart, Mrs. Tan identified as an organic farmer before becoming a brand founder. She even joked that she lost money in the early days of organic farming before it became popular. Now, she is a pioneer of pili oil in skincare and an inspiration to many. Mrs. Tan's curious nature and dedication to quality make me excited to see what the future holds for Pili Ani under her leadership.
Pili Ani's commitment to Filipino representation is evident through their newest endorser, Bretman Rock. The international influencer is using his platform to showcase Pili Ani and says, “I see myself in the brand. We belong in the beauty industry just as much as other skincare brands.” He also credits being back home for his flawless skin.
Looking ahead, Pili and elemi oils remain the backbone of Pili Ani's skincare products. With laboratory results from New York showing that pili oil has one of the strongest anti-aging and moisturizing levels amongst other ingredient oils, Pili Ani is poised to launch pili and elemi as the next super oils. Luxury hotels have already reached out to Pili Ani to consider their products for VIP amenities.
Pili Ani has exclusive items that are only available in the Philippines, such as the Alco-Sanitizer (P380 / 50ml) that was born out of the pandemic and has become a popular gift item. The flagship store also has more exclusives coming soon, with new products launching as early as May. Stay tuned for what's to come from Pili Ani!