Marikina, Metro Manila - Doli Lizaso, a Filipino indie writer based in Singapore, recently shared her latest book, “Wilma Needs New Shoes.” This story follows a young girl on her quest to find the perfect pair of shoes—a journey that mirrors her own path of self-discovery and growth.
To bring Wilma’s story to life, Doli partnered with Zapateria on a project that captures not only the essence of Wilma’s adventures but also the spirit of the artisans behind the craft. Together, they aimed to create something deeply meaningful that resonates with readers and reflects the joy, creativity, and dedication found in every pair of shoes crafted at Zapateria.
Hosting the book launch at Zapateria was a natural choice. As the Philippines’ first creative hub dedicated to footwear design and development, Zapateria stands as a space where tradition and innovation meet. Founded in 2017, this unique studio is grounded in the shoemaking legacy of the Sta. Ana family, whose commitment to Filipino craftsmanship stretches across generations. Zapateria’s artisans, with their skilled hands and passion for detail, breathe life into each design, infusing their work with creativity and a love for their craft.
The launch of Doli’s book aligned beautifully with Zapateria’s mission of bridging heritage and innovation. Just as Wilma’s journey was a search for something that felt deeply true to her, the artisans of the studio craft each pair with the same search for authenticity, quality, and meaning. Zapateria is more than a studio—it’s a living testament to Filipino craftsmanship, a place where traditional shoemaking finds new expression through the next generation of creatives. Through events like this, the artisans bring to life its vision of making the Philippines a world-renowned destination for design and quality.
In hosting the launch in their showroom and studio, Zapateria offered more than a setting; they provided a window into the world of Filipino shoemaking. Doli's book launch was an intimate gathering, filled with warmth and community, perfectly complementing the heartwarming story of “Wilma Needs New Shoes.” Friends, family, and the team who helped bring the book to life attended, celebrating the creativity and collaboration that Wilma’s journey represents. It was a moment to honor everyone who, like Wilma, seeks something meaningful and welcomes growth in their own lives.
One of the event’s highlights was the presence of Juno Abreu, the talented illustrator behind the book's beautiful artwork. Juno joined Doli in signing copies, creating an even more personal experience for attendees who could connect directly with the creative minds behind Wilma’s world.
A storytelling session allowed the audience to dive deeper into Wilma’s journey, bringing them to the heart of her quest. The moment reached its peak when Doli unveiled the actual pair of shoes featured in the book, a tangible representation of Wilma’s pursuit, crafted with care by Zapateria’s own artisans. This reveal surprised the crowd and created a shared moment of joy, bridging the story of a fictional young girl and the hardworking artisans who make dreams happen through their work.
Zapateria’s team also made the event even more memorable by inviting guests to craft their own embossed keychains as a keepsake. This hands-on experience allowed guests to leave with a personal reminder of their time in Wilma’s world and the heart of Filipino craft.
Since the event was held at the hub, guests could explore an array of shoes handcrafted by the artisans. Many lingered to admire the intricate designs and quality, appreciating the skill and dedication poured into each piece. Some were even inspired to purchase a pair for themselves, mirroring Wilma’s own quest for the perfect shoes, which added a deeper, more personal connection to the story and enriched the overall experience.
The event turned out to be a fun and memorable gathering, with guests leaving with their own copies of the book and a sense of connection to the spirit of Filipino craft. The heartfelt storytelling, interactive activities, and shared passion for creativity made it an unforgettable gathering that celebrated not only Wilma’s story but also the artistry and soul of Zapateria’s artisans.