'Ka ni Kim

If you log as much screen time as I do (a lot), you’ve probably felt the need to increase the “offline” activities in your life. Between fast-moving, anxiety-inducing international news and everyday viral engagement bait, it’s easy to get caught up in doomscrolling. And when that happens, it’s tempting to look for a quick dopamine fix in short-form videos and impulsive online purchases – usually on the very same device. But there are more happy hormones to be had by stepping away from the screen and working with your hands. It’s even more satisfying when you have a tangible product of your analog time, like a scented candle.

Our little group braved the weekend rain to gather at Cafe de Angelo for Story Candle PH’s Candle Making Workshop. The lovely folks at Story provided all the tools, materials, and of course, guidance, to craft four different candles, starting with the most basic container candle. Before we got into the steps, though, we talked about the process and our personal favorite scents. Mine are tied to a few specific memories: sandalwood, like my grandmother’s handheld fan (child Kim was amazed that the scent never faded like perfume and soap smells did), lavender, which brings up memories of waiting for my turn to get a massage at the spa, and bread still baking in the oven – the kind of smell that hits you when you first walk into a bakery.

Story Candle main character (and founder) Mark explained that candle fragrance isn’t a one-and-done deal. There is an art to combining and balancing oils to create a rich, well-rounded scent. Your top notes make up the “first impression” of the scent as they evaporate the quickest. Usually in equal measure, your base notes aren’t immediately obvious but tend to linger the longest. Heart notes make up the majority of the scent and the main “personality” of the candle.

From mixing the fragrance oils to melting the wax to the slow, steady pour, we ambled through the process together. While the output is individual, crafting workshops are a great way to socialize while doing a typically solitary activity. Words of encouragement, shared stories, and helping hands crossed the table frequently.

The takeaway was four pretty candles each, ready for curing. We were surprised to learn that aside from being temperature-sensitive, curing candles are also photosensitive. Bright lights can break down the fragrance oils or cause discoloration. Mark recommended storing them in a cool, dark place for about two weeks to allow the oils to fully incorporate with the soy wax. That way, they’ll have the strongest possible scent. As of writing, it’s been a few days, and my candles are situated on a shelf near my kitchen. Even unlit and not completely cured, I can smell them whenever I walk by.

One fun factoid I took away from the workshop is that a person who makes candles is called a “chandler”. At this point, most people would make a Friends joke. I never really got into watching Friends, so what ran through my mind instead was Sia’s music video with Dance Moms’ Maddie Ziegler. Only two letters off! And completely unrelated.

It’s well worth it to get away from your phone or laptop for a few hours and make something with your own hands (and nose!). Don’t let mindless scrolling eat up all of your free time. If you seek out the analog activities, you will find them.

Follow Story Candle PH on Instagram and Facebook for more updates on their products and future workshops. Registration for this workshop was Php1,999. Registration fees vary depending on the scope and output of the workshop.

Cafe de Angelo is located at 54 Chapis Village Road. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more events, comfort food, and great coffee. If you don’t drink coffee, try their chai! In this photo: Mediterranean salad. It’s also a cute place to get engaged.

Curious about more Baguio workshops? Read about the Green Worlds, Tiny Realms terrarium workshop and Paolo San Juan’s makeup workshop.