Cover For What’s the T?, we asked our readers what their favourite local candle brands are (Photo: courtesy of Saan Saan)
For What’s the T?, we asked our readers what their favourite local candle brands are (Photo: courtesy of Saan Saan)
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From hand-poured soy blends to nostalgic scents inspired by our very own towns, here are the homegrown candle makers our readers and editors are currently loving
There’s something undeniably euphoric and satisfying about striking a match after a long day. The crackle of the wick, the sudden glow in a dim room and then—the scent finally hits you. Lately, the ritual of coming home and burning a really good candle has felt like an absolute necessity. Especially when the rainy season hits Manila, making us all crave just a little extra warmth and comfort indoors.
But you really don’t need to look elsewhere to find a beautifully crafted scent profile anymore. We’ve noticed a massive shift toward homegrown craftsmanship, and the local talent is astounding. Filipino candle makers and brands are blending high-quality soy wax and clean oils with a deep understanding of what makes a house feel like a home. So, we asked our readers for their current favourites, mixed in a few of our editors’ top picks, and put together a list.
Whether you lean toward heavy woody notes, sweet gourmand profiles or something light and fiercely floral, these local brands bring character and intention to your everyday spaces. Ready to find your next favourite scent? Let’s take a look.
The list is in alphabetical order.
Alex & Coco
Above Alex & Coco (Photo: courtesy of Alex & Coco)
Alex & Coco (Photo: courtesy of Alex & Coco)
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Among its thoughtfully made offerings are hand-poured candles that literally invite you to pause, breathe and relax. Known for a distinctly minimalist aesthetic that looks effortlessly chic on any nightstand, the brand focuses on clean, soothing scent profiles. It’s the perfect companion for a slow Sunday morning when you just want to read in bed.
Candle Cuddle
Above Candle Cuddle (Photo: courtesy of Candle Cuddle)
Candle Cuddle (Photo: courtesy of Candle Cuddle)
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Hand-poured and made entirely from pure soy wax, these scented candles are created to bring warmth and comfort to your day. They are particularly loved by local wellness enthusiasts for their clean burn and incredibly cosy, room-filling fragrance throw. Seriously, lighting one actually feels like giving your living room a lingering hug.
Chandler’s List
Above Chandler’s List (Photo: courtesy of Chandler’s List)
Chandler’s List (Photo: courtesy of Chandler’s List)
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Boasting a lush collection of skin and home care products, Chandler’s List offers bespoke blends that celebrate the necessary ritual of slowing down. Their complex fragrance profiles are designed to turn any cramped city condo into a comforting sanctuary. They remind us that self-care is a daily practice we all deserve.
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El Pabílo
Above El Pabílo (Photo: courtesy of El Pabílo)
El Pabílo (Photo: courtesy of El Pabílo)
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These natural soy wax candles come in comforting, familiar scents ranging from roasted coffee and sweet sampaguita to soothing vanilla and eucalyptus. Because they capture the exact essence of Filipino mornings so perfectly, they’ve become a huge hit as personalised gifts and event souvenirs. It’s that very specific hit of nostalgia you probably did not realise you were missing.
Koko Slow Living
Above Koko Slow Living (Photo: courtesy of Koko Slow Living)
Koko Slow Living (Photo: courtesy of Koko Slow Living)
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Handcrafted candles in sophisticated scents—think coconut lime, bamboo ocean, tonka and oud—are offered alongside their gorgeous home and self-care essentials. The brand is rooted in the philosophy of intentional, unhurried living, making pieces that bring an immediate sense of calm. It’s an everyday luxury that grounds you the moment you walk through the door.
L’Abondance
Above L’Abondance (Photo: courtesy of L’Abondance)
L’Abondance (Photo: courtesy of L’Abondance)
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Offering a wide array of locally made scented candles and home essentials, founder Lulu Meriguet-Cacciatore expertly crafts her pieces with phthalate- and paraben-free fragrance oils. Bringing a touch of French-inspired elegance to the local market, the brand’s gourmand and floral blends smell incredibly decadent without ever feeling overpowering. You’ll definitely want to keep these jars in heavy rotation all year round.
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Lumi Candles
Above Lumi Candles (Photo: courtesy of Lumi Candles)
Lumi Candles (Photo: courtesy of Lumi Candles)
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These scented soy candles are designed to completely elevate your spaces through unique fragrances while fiercely supporting Filipino artists and local craftsmanship. They are widely recognised for their eco-conscious packaging and sustainable practices, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can beautifully coexist. Plus, their sleek aesthetic blends perfectly into almost any interior design style.
Saan Saan
Above Saan Saan (Photo: courtesy of Saan Saan)
Saan Saan (Photo: courtesy of Saan Saan)
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Inspired by specific places, local traditions and our vibrant culture, founder Mark Zavalla’s collection brings a deep sense of nostalgia into the home. Scents like Mindoro Coast or Linen Room capture fleeting memories, translating them into complex, slow-burning soy candles. It’s brilliant storytelling, just poured into amber glass jars.
Simoy ng Haraya
Above Simoy ng Haraya (Photo: courtesy of Simoy ng Haraya)
Simoy ng Haraya (Photo: courtesy of Simoy ng Haraya)
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Lala de Leon’s locally made scents span everything from floral, fruity and clean to musky, woody and gourmand. Naming their products using beautiful Tagalog words like Buko Pandan or Himig, the brand offers a deeply curated, emotionally resonant collection for every possible mood. It’s uniquely Filipino, celebrating our native language and our collective love for a beautifully scented space.
Sunny Label
Above Sunny Label (Photo: courtesy of Sunny Label)
Sunny Label (Photo: courtesy of Sunny Label)
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These candles are crafted with natural oils and raw soy wax, then housed in brightly coloured, hand-painted jars that bring a distinctly playful touch to any space. Beyond just smelling amazing, the vibrant vessels double as quirky home decor long after the wax has completely melted away. They are an instant mood booster for your work-from-home desk.
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
