Edited by Mia Tandingan
Sometimes, the most powerful stories begin with the simplest moments—like watching Netflix together on the couch. That’s where Lola x Kenneth began: a Filipino grandmother and her grandson spending time side by side, when Lola turned to him and said, “I want to do something for a cause.”
That was all the spark Kenneth needed.
Lola wasn’t just asking for a project—she was offering purpose. And when she followed it with, “Okay, let’s work now,” Kenneth knew this was real. “She wasn’t afraid to work,” he said. “That meant she was ready to do something meaningful.”
Where Art and Ancestry Meet
Lola x Kenneth is more than a brand—it’s a collaboration between generations. Kenneth’s grandmother starts each piece with a painting. He then builds on it, adding layers of storytelling, cultural motifs, and personal history.
“Everything I make starts with Lola,” Kenneth shares. “It’s her painting. I’m just continuing the story.”
Rooted in Filipino tradition and animated by modern creativity, their pieces carry memories, values, and emotion—tangible reflections of their relationship and shared heritage.
Weaving Filipino Culture Into Every Page
Kenneth doesn’t make things for approval. One of the best pieces of advice he received early on came from another artist: “Don’t make something pink just because people like pink. Make what’s true to you. There's a distinction between making something for other people's approval and being authentic and creating something the way you want to create it,” he said.
That lesson stuck. He makes what resonates with his heart, and if it speaks to someone else? “That’s the magic,” he says.
Through his work, Kenneth explores Filipino tattooing, weaving patterns, and ancestral symbolism. “It’s important that each piece has a story,” he says. “Even in my illustrations, I want people to feel something—and recognize themselves in the relationship Lola and I share.”
Making Modern with Meaning
While Kenneth doesn’t consciously aim to make his work modern, it naturally becomes a bridge—between the past and the present, tradition and experimentation. His illustrations, books, and merchandise are filled with color, care, and cultural nuance. “I let it happen naturally,” he explains.
A Community Connection: Partnering with Kurated Kultura
Kenneth and Alexa, founder of Kurated Kultura, crossed paths through their shared commitment to community. “Alexa has always been kind, generous, and supportive,” Kenneth says. “She doesn’t just keep opportunities to herself—she shares them. She uplifts other creators.”
Their first in-person meeting happened at a Filipino strip mall, where Kenneth’s mom spontaneously invited Alexa to eat with them. That gesture said it all: Lola x Kenneth is family, and so is Kurated Kultura.
Kenneth’s books have since been featured in Kurated Kultura’s self-care kits, and their ongoing collaboration centers storytelling, community care, and cultural pride.
On Creating Sustainably
Like many small creators, Kenneth is mindful of how he makes things. “It’s expensive to be sustainable,” he admits. “Sometimes I want to choose the recyclable option, but it costs more. It’s a constant balancing act.”
Still, he makes conscious choices:
- All stickers are recyclable
- He uses EcoEnclose for shipping materials
- Every order helps Noissue plant a tree
- He works with local printers in San Jose to reduce shipping impact
Platforms like Kurated Kultura amplify these values by connecting Kenneth to eco-conscious consumers and other like-minded creators.
The Impact of Storytelling
Kenneth’s first book, “CRESCENCIANA a memoir in words & illustrations”, written in 2021 and released in 2022, has already resonated with families across the country. “People tell me it reminds them of their own family,” he says. “That’s everything.”
When asked what he hopes people feel when they engage with Lola x Kenneth, he says:
“Pride. In their culture, their family, their ancestry. I hope their hearts feel full.”
Support Lola x Kenneth
Kenneth continues to create art and stories that honor his Lola and invite others to reflect on their own roots. His newest book is available now.
New Book: https://www.lolaxkenneth.com/tansinterwoven
Website: https://www.lolaxkenneth.com/
Instagram: @lolaxkenneth
Whether through illustrations, books, or collaborations, Lola x Kenneth is a reminder that our elders carry wisdom, our stories carry power, and our culture lives on when we choose to create from the heart. ♡
