Hindy Weber Tantoco, Holy Carabao - Farm to Table

Hindy Weber Tantoco began her career in training under the tutelage of a New York-based artist where she worked closely with high profile clients in the hotel, restaurant, retail and entertainment business. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from the Ateneo de Manila University and an Associate’s degree in Fashion Marketing & Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. In addition, she has acquired a number of certificates in short courses covering topics in such diverse interests ranging from biodynamic and organic agriculture, permaculture design, fashion design, art, curative education, movement therapies, and natural healing. In 2000, she joined the Rustan Group as exclusive in-house designer for the department store. By 2010, she helmed the design team for seven private labels in the infantswear, childrenswear, maternity, swimwear, and womenswear divisions. At Rustan’s, she was most recognized for being a comprehensive and hands-on designer who worked directly on planning, design, production, merchandising, marketing and display. She played a central role in the launch of popular brands U for the young adults, Culte Femme for women, and Kiddos for children. She has been a member of the country’s preeminent fashion group Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) since 2003. At one point, she was also a contributing writer for The Philippine Star’s Lifestyle Section under acclaimed editor Millet Mananquil. Over the years, she has been featured in daily publications, magazines and TV programs for her work and personal interests. She has also given lectures at various schools and professional organizations on topics that range from fashion to farming to nutrition to her holistic lifestyle. After 10 years in the retail business, Hindy decided to take a year-long sabbatical and explore a new career path in fashion. She is now focused on her made-to-order business, focusing on formal and limited-edition collections. She also spends much of her time tending to her family’s needs at her idyllic farm in Laguna. In 2007, what began as an advocacy, grew into a fully-operational organic and biodynamic farm, called Holy Carabao Holistic Farms. It has a loyal clientele and is now one of the most-trusted organic and biodynamic food retailers in Manila. They pioneered door-to-door delivery of a la carte organic produce in Manila, and now distribute their produce at Rustan’s Marketplace and S&R, as well as in their own farmers’ market outlet in the Rockwell area. In 2012, Hindy launched Balik Bukid, a country festival to celebrate a back-to-basics, holistic lifestyle with an al-fresco shopping bazaar featuring local artisans, live homegrown music, farm-to-table food booths, ‘backyard’ games for the whole family, farm animal encounters, outdoor obstacle courses, art exhibits, and the country’s first Mud Dash race. Balik Bukid has attracted a following among many citydwellers, and is likely to increase its popularity as it further enhances its offerings. To sum up her work, Hindy cites three keywords that seem disparate at first but, in her hands, come together as one integrated whole: FOOD - FASHION - FAMILY.