An Overview of our 2019 and an Outlook for 2020

We are yet in another year-ender contemplation period — thanksgiving for the triumphs of the previous year and a wishful goal-setting for the next. Although this could be gimmicky at times, I believe this tradition can keep us in check — for at least once a year we become really mindful and introspective about ourselves. It is a powerful tool to remain in control of our journey and destination. “Are we on the right track, or do we need to fix something this coming year to avoid being off-track?”

So with this, let me share ours.

PURVEYR has gone a long way since its inception in 2012 as a lifestyle blog (when we were still purveyr.net for the first few months). Looking back, it’s a whirlwind of triumphs, hardships and uncertainty. But every year we try to elevate the brand to achieve our vision, in 2014 we decided to produce our first few small events, in 2015 we opted to invest on paper through PURVEYR magazine (which took a year to make and was launched in 2016), and in 2017 we ventured into retail through PURVEYR Post. This time around, we’re ending the decade with better perspective and immense experience, so we’re excited to delve into new realms in the coming years.

As we reflect on our past year, 2019 marks the year when we have lost or slowed down some key pieces of the brand. For one, we have closed PURVEYR Post Bangkal, which is our first foray into retail and a home to a local creative community. Personally, this is huge for me because I believe in retail so much that closing shop only supports the idea that retail is dying. In the same notion, we also missed releasing an issue of PURVEYR Magazine, which echoes the assumption that “print is dead”.

Although we faced vital losses in the past year, we also experienced numerous victories which can easily be clouded by the failures if we’re not intentional in acknowledging them. Through PURVEYR Post Poblacion we were given the chance to work with local artists and creators. We are grateful for the trust and patience of these people. We understand that we are a rookie in the “gallery” business, so we appreciate all of you for giving us a chance. Thank you to all our exhibitors: Trip63 and all the artists who contributed for the first exhibit, VJ Villafranca, Renzo Navarro, Kris Abrigo, Doktor Karayom, Quatro Hapimeel, Tyang Karyel, and Nix Puno, and brands who hosted a pop-up in 2019: Transit, Leon Denim, 35cl Cocktail Co., Episodes, KLTRD and Alan Navarra.

In addition, 2019 is our biggest year for brand partnerships. We highly appreciate the confidence that these brands have for us, for letting us do what we do and trusting our ability to tell stories. Thank you to Nike, Bench, Onitsuka Tiger, OPPO, Fujifilm, San Mig Light, Globe, San Miguel Brewery, and a lot more. Each and every one of you fuel our organization’s growth and potential, and we grateful for that.

Lastly, 2019 has also presented us some recognition locally and internationally. It’s really surreal to look back and realize that PURVEYR caught the attention of different prominent organizations. In February last year, we were invited to share our insights about publishing a magazine in a Media Art Symposium in Tokyo, Japan. In May, we received a Silver Award in the Magazine Category of Adobo Design Awards for PURVEYR Magazine. And last December 2019, we became a media partner of the Golden Pin Design Award by the Taiwan Design Center. All these humble accomplishments remind us of the good we are doing, even if it’s just a little. And even if skeptics would believe otherwise. We may still not be at our finest, but it’s reassuring to know that we are slowly moving towards that direction.

But even with all of these successes, I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know that it never gets easier. Although it can look like we effortlessly reaped rewards last year, it took us at least six years and a lot of hard work to get here. Every year, and every step we take, new difficulties arise. Work never gets unchallenging because success opens up room for improvement which you’ll have to occupy to keep moving. I think this is essential to all of us because when we start the year, we are hopeful. However, only a few are really determined and committed. So let this be a reminder to us that patience, perseverance and faith in your own vision and capabilities are crucial to a successful year ahead. Don’t let failures, setbacks or doubters ever stop you from accomplishing your goals.

As for PURVEYR, we would like to begin the new decade to continue our promise to keep providing a refined outlook on life through creativity and culture. Furthermore, we would like to elevate our commitment to igniting and spotlighting the Philippine and Filipino creative culture. Expect better experiences, more brand-produced objects, and new ways of sharing stories. It will be an exciting 2020.