What is Gawa Gawi?
"Creating a world of good."
Gawa Gawi, or GAWI for short, (meaning Guided Actions With Intention) is a Filipino brand and a way of life, rooted in gawa (intentional action) and shaped by gawi (ingrained values and culture). What began as a mission to create thoughtfully designed essentials has grown into a conscious ecosystem that nurture families, empower communities, and celebrate Filipino creativity in all its forms.
We honor the exceptional artistry of the Philippines and the transformative power of conscious craftsmanship, recognizing that our artisans’ creations are not merely instinctive gestures, but the result of thoughtful dedication and a deep desire to create something with meaning and soul.
In Filipino thought, gawa signifies deliberate action guided by intention and purpose. Gawi on the other hand represents the deep-rooted habits and inclinations that shape our way of being. At Gawa Gawi, we believe that when intention and tradition come together, something powerful happens: a conscious culture is created. A mindful fusion of both; skilled hands guided by tradition, and hearts driven by purpose, gives life to objects and experiences imbued with meaning, soul, and a genuine desire to do good.
A Movement Rooted in Intention, Culture, and Care
What began with a mother’s love and a desire to create inclusive, thoughtfully designed essentials has grown into something far greater, a living movement that nurtures families, empowers communities, and honors the richness of Filipino culture.
Long before Gawa Gawi was born, Janica Rina carried within her a deep reverence for the earth and a strong sense of purpose. At just 7 years old, she joined environmental movements with the belief that caring for the planet wasn't just about helping people, but about creating a world where all life could thrive in harmony. That belief shaped her perspective and continues to guide her work today.
In 2021, she and her team painted an underpass mural titled “Coexistence,” a visual expression of the sacred relationship between humans and nature. The artwork served as a reminder to value the treasures of our land while we still can, to live mindfully, responsibly, and connected to the world around us.
“When we create with meaning, we create a better way of living.”
Janica Rina, inspired by her journey as a mother and deeply moved by her experiences growing up with her mother who served as a devoted public school teacher, saw how deeply interconnected our everyday choices are with the future we build. Witnessing the effects of environmental decline and the struggles of underserved communities, she felt a strong calling to be part of the solution, starting with conscious decisions made at home and expanding into the broader world.
During the pandemic, she also faced a common yet overlooked challenge: the lack of high-quality, unisex clothing for her two sons. From this gap emerged a mission, not just to design better clothes, but to create a better way of living. One rooted in intention (gawa) and guided by values (gawi), where products are made with meaning, soul, and a commitment to doing good.
From fashion to wellness, parenting to sustainability, Gawa Gawi has become a conscious ecosystem, where every product and initiative is designed with meaning, soul, and the desire to uplift. Whether through artisan-made goods, nourishing community-grown ingredients, or childcare rooted in intentional love, Gawa Gawi brings to life the harmony between deliberate action and ingrained values, creating a way of life that honors culture, community, and the earth.
At its heart, Gawa Gawi is Janica’s ongoing movement shaped by childhood awakenings, creative expression, and a lifelong devotion to crafting a world where tradition, intention, and impact co-exist beautifully.