At the Provincial Capitol Christmas Bazaar, among rows of festive stalls and holiday shoppers, the handcrafted ornaments and floral displays of Bhe’s Handicraft quietly stand out, each piece a product of perseverance and purpose.
Behind the small business is Maria Teresa “Bhe” C. Dela Cruz, 44, of Brgy. Lalawigan, Borongan City.
Candles, Christmas ornaments made of white cement, keychains, Christmas mystery gift boxes, fuzzy wire flowers, and more are available in her stall.
Her first venture was candle-making. The process was new, the materials were limited, and the outcome was uncertain. Failures and setbacks came early, products that didn’t meet expectations, techniques that didn’t work, and moments that tested her patience, yet she pushed forward.
Eventually, her persistence paid off when she received her very first order from a friend, a small but meaningful milestone that affirmed her efforts. Encouraged, Maria Teresa began exploring new ideas.
She discovered that white cement could be transformed into elegant display ornaments, gift ideas that are pre-made perfect for occasions–handmade pieces that were both durable and visually appealing. Not stopping there, she expanded her skill set further by learning to create flower displays, adding variety to the products she offered. Each new craft became another step towards growth.
Being a mother of two, she understood the struggles of other mothers who wanted to earn but were constrained by circumstances. She then hosted workshops on making fuzzy wire flowers to share her knowledge and skills, in the comfort of her home. Doubt surrounded her efforts, but it did not stop her—with the scarce support, from her own pocket she provided materials to the learning mothers.
“Waray ak hat ka discourage, bagkus mas gin pag-igihan ko pa para mas mapansin an ak passion ngan pagtutdo han ak mga igkasi nanay”, Bhe said.
Driven by a strong will to help, her initiative empowered women to believe in their own capabilities and gave them practical means to earn.
What started as her way of making ends meet has turned into a success story as she participated in several bazaars throughout the local government units, as she joins the Christmas in the Capitol Bazaar, where she proudly presents her handmade souvenirs. Bhe’s Handicraft continues to stand as a testament to resilience, creativity, and compassion.
Maria Teresa Dela Cruz’s story is not just about handmade souvenirs; it is about an individual’s success in collective empowerment. Indeed, what began as a quiet attempt to survive loss has grown into a small business that now creates hope not only for its owner but for other mothers striving to make ends meet. (KDA-GBP)
