Growing up in the small town and a rather remote area of the province, Crispina was very much accustomed to trees and woods all around her. As a young girl, she would witness her father burned cut woods of madre de cacao to make charcoal out of it as a source of additional income for the family, but she’d always felt a twinge of regret  at how such a wood be turned to black just like that. Deep down in her heart, it seemed to her that there could be more to it than just be used as charcoal.

She never knew much of her connection to these woods and the destiny that awaited her until she met her partner, Narinder, who suggested exporting big handmade earrings for the African-American market.  With this venture, she’d learned little by little how they could transform a tiny excess of wood into something truly beautiful. Armed with passion, dedication and hard work they were set to conquer the world of wood crafts.

But just like most start-up business, the exporting did not turn out quite a success.  Down but not giving up, Crispina, together with her cousin, Virgilio, took their chance to the local market instead.

Crissander Enterprises, as the business is called (after Crispina and Narinder's son's name), had a rough journey, but they pushed on and carried it through.

 Until a great break came when the Department of Industry Technology took noticed of Crissander’s products and invited them to participate in various trade fairs and exhibits. Slowly, Crissander started to make a name in the industry; especially when two of their products got handpicked for the Analyst Choice at the Global Sources Fashion Show in Hong Kong held last October 26-29, 2016.

Things became even more promising with the intervention of Department of Science and Technology. Crissander got to acquire machines that helped them became even more productive and efficient in their field.

Today, Crissander Enterprises happily contribute to the home and fashion sector of the country and even start exporting once again with the hope of bringing Filipino ingenuity to the world - promoting not just their products but other artisans’ works of art and masterpieces as well.