Filipino Artist Creates Mini Bag & Phone Charms Inspired By Quarantine Food

Mini Filipino foods as bag & phone charms

Filipinos have yet to run out of creative ideas to deal with the boredom stemming from the COVID-19-induced quarantine. From making themed PPEs for health workers to whipping up cups of Filipino-inspired dalgona drinks, there’s something new popping up every day.

Recently, Filipina artist Scher Padilla of Chibi Cravings made miniature clay versions of her favorite quarantine food items, pancit canton and noodle soup, and turned them into cute bag and phone charms.

Scher Padilla, miniature food artist

Padilla is no stranger to making miniature food items. In 2018, she opened up her store, Chibi Cravings, selling miniature polymer clay versions of popular Filipino foods that you can use as charms.

Wonder Woman eating a Filipino breakfast – tapsilog with tuyo
Image credit: @chibicravings

Before she opened up her business, Padilla was a toy collector. In an interview with INQUIRER LIBRE, she explains that she likes collecting miniature models of popular characters such as superheroes and Disney princesses.

She also likes taking pictures of them and was often frustrated that the toys didn’t come with Pinoy-themed props. So, using her skills, she made the props herself.

Making the most out of the quarantine

It’s good to stock up on food, but don’t hoard!
Image credit: @chibicravings

Stuck at home just like the rest of us, she had plenty of time to make new designs for her products. This included a line inspired by Filipino “quarantine food” – instant noodles that we love to stock up on, whether in quarantine or not. From Lucky Me’s Pancit Canton to beef and chicken noodles, any Pinoy will recognize these food items. You can get them by ordering on Chibi Cravings’ Facebook or Instagram pages, for P150-P200 (~USD2.96-3.95) per charm.

Stay safe from the virus with alcohol and face masks
Image credit: @chibicravings

Apart from the food, she has also made other quarantine-inspired miniature models, such as a shopping cart filled with food, mini bottles of alcohol, and face masks. These were posted with captions telling people to stay safe and maintain cleanliness, and to stop hoarding. She also spoke up against resellers that sell these items for a high price.

Other Filipino food-inspired charms

A full spread of Jollibee food
Image credit: @chibicravings

Having made miniature clay models for 2 years and counting, Padilla has created over 60 different food items, a variety of traditional Filipino savory dishes, fast food items, and snacks and desserts.

Just alas tres things – fresh star monay and a cold glass of orange juice.
Image credit: @chibicravings

The prices for these miniature food items vary from P50 to P500 (~USD0.99-USD4.64) each, and you can get them as mini bag and phone charms, or use them as food props for your own figurines just like Padilla.

Support local businesses

The lockdown in most parts of the country has caused businesses to take a big hit. Now more than ever, it’s important to support our small-scale local businesses. If you have money to spare, each purchase could go a long way for these business owners.

Also check out:

Cover image adapted from: @chibicravings and @chibicravings

Hazel Lumbre