Probinsyana: Bringing great finds to metropolis

Sofia Araneta (lower left) and Trina Ching-Ramos created Probinsyana to bring their favorite finds such as ginataang hipon and longganisa from the province to Metro Manila.—CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Many micro and small entrepreneurs were born during the pandemic. Some were created not just out of a necessity to earn but out of an advocacy and desire to help others or make a difference, whether in a small or big way.

Probinsyana is one such business. Created just in September 2020 by two friends, Trina Ching-Ramos and Sofia Araneta, it was borne out of desire to bring good food and personal finds from the provinces to Metro Manila.

But the great thing about bringing great finds to the Metro is that it’s a gift that goes both ways. As they bring their discoveries to the capital region, they also help probinsyanas or the communities in the province that make the products.

At the moment, they bring products from Quezon, Laguna and La Union. From Quezon, they have the famous Lucban longganisa as well as suman sa lihiya from San Antonio.

From Laguna, they have kesong puti (carabao cheese) and ginataang hipon, which Sofia absolutely loves. They also offer Laguna’s famous espasol from Lumban, and suman sa ibos from Sta. Cruz. They carry well-loved probinsyana brands such as Orient Buko Pie and Mitz Cassava Cake from Los Baños and the very popular Bibingka Cheesecake by Chef Gel Salonga Datu of Ted’s Kitchen. They also have nonfood items by artisans from Laguna such as handcrafted bags and placemats.

From Tarlac, they are selling Christmas parols handcrafted by women from Barangay Balete. And just in time for Christmas, they sell Luisita Rum paired with Excelente Ham. When foodies bond

“We saw the pandemic as an opportunity to start Probinsyana,” recalls Sofia. “Our friendship always revolved around bonding over good food so we eventually thought of sharing this with everyone.”

They dream to bring in products from every province.

In the meantime, they ensure that all the products are delivered fresh and dispatched immediately. For those like me who love to gift friends with great finds, you will be pleased to know that they have the prettiest packaging! Even the kesong puti and ginataang hipon, though sourced from quaint shops, are elegantly packaged in bottles or placed in handwoven baskets and bags—ready not just for your personal consumption but to be given away as gifts.

“We hope everyone can support our ‘probinsyana’ lifestyle of enjoying great local products outside the metro while also helping build, rebuild or strengthen the different communities that supply our products,” Sofia shares.

Truly a great advocacy and one we can all support, especially this coming season of shopping and gift-giving! Call 0917-5131880 or 0917-7031297 or find them on Instagram or Facebook.