Introducing LeatherLuxePH

Raymund Nino Bumatay creates high-end leather pen cases with Filipino pride.

-  NICKY PESSAROFF

The Filipino pen enthusiast community is one of the youngest and fastest-growing fountain pen communities in the world, according to journalist and longtime pen collector Jose "Butch" Dalisay, Jr. A fountain pen collector since he pursued graduate studies in the United States in the 1980s, Dalisay helped organize the online message board Fountain Pen Network-Philippines.

He says, "In 15 years, we've grown our FPN-Philippines base to over 13,000 members. Our Facebook page is extremely active. We've had three very successful Manila Pen Shows, with the next one scheduled for March 16 to 17."

Dalisay regularly writes about Filipino pen and accessories brands such as Kasama Pens and Troublemaker Ink. He recently profiled leather fountain pen case maker Raymund Nino Bumatay and his brand, LeatherLuxePH.

"Raymund was doing something distinctly different: utilizing high-quality materials with very tasteful designs and pricing his cases at a premium. I had to wonder, is this business sustainable?" Dalisay recalls.

It turns out that not only is LeatherLuxePH sustainable, it is poised for international recognition.