Gratitude Party 2024: A Celebration of Sustainability and Collective Action

By Nikki Luy Sevilla



On September 26, 2024, the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions Foundation (PASS) hosted its Gratitude Party 2024- bringing together industry leaders and advocates who are committed to creating a more sustainable future. The event was a heartfelt celebration of the partnerships that have supported the founding members of PASS in their journey toward circularity and eco-conscious innovation.



The PASS Foundation was established by a group of sustainability pioneers, each bringing their unique expertise to the table:

  • Jonathan Co, President of Sentinel Upcycling, is turning discarded plastics into sturdy and functional materials, adding value to waste through upcycling.
  • Nikki Luy Sevilla, Co-founder of EcoNest Philippines and AKO Packaging, champions the sustainable production and distribution of compostable packaging solutions for retail and food industries.
  • Rina Papio, Founder of Soilmate Collective, leads a composting subscription service in Metro Manila, providing livelihoods for urban farmers and turning food waste into compost.
  • Michelle Bautista-Tañada, Founder of WASTO Waste Solutions and EcoHome Art, is transforming recycled plastics into functional furniture.
  • Tina Antonio-Schmitz, Founder of Urbiz Garden La Union, is setting the standard for sustainable tourism in the hospitality industry.
  • Michelle Casio, Founder of Café Leopoldo and a Chief Sustainability Officer student at MIT, brings her knowledge and passion for sustainability into her ventures.
  • Irene Villaespin, Founder of The Eco Shift, produces eco-friendly shampoo bars, removing the need for single-use plastic packaging.
  • Zed Avecilla, President of Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), is at the forefront of advancing sustainable waste management across the Philippines


 An Unforgettable Day of Gratitude and Learning

The Gratitude Party offered a delightful experience, filled with moments of reflection, appreciation, and learning. The event brought together clients and partners who have been supporting the eco-packaging journey since its inception under EcoNest Philippines, which later expanded into manufacturing through AKO Packaging. Their continued support has been instrumental as the founders from various organizations ventured further into circularity, culminating in the establishment of the PASS Foundation.



The event was attended by a diverse range of industries, including fashion, art, non-profits, local government units, and hospitality, each represented by individuals who are actively working to reduce their plastic and carbon footprint. These representatives are not only influencers within their respective industries but also advocates for a sustainable future.

Gratitude Party 2024 Pre-event Video



Innovative Showcases at Sentinel’s EcoHub
The event kicked off with a tour of the museum inside the EcoHub, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in sustainability. Guests marveled at products such as pineapple cups, tobacco waste boxes, premium upcycled furniture, and cassava bags, among others. These innovative solutions demonstrated the possibilities of turning waste into valuable materials. After the museum tour, attendees visited Sentinel’s recycling facility, where they learned firsthand about the process of manufacturing recycled products at a commercial scale.



A Deliciously Sustainable Feast
Throughout the event, guests enjoyed vegan coffee from Through Habit, served in compostable maize cups, along with a delectable plant-based menu from Namnamsam. The food, which included vegan sisig, fried chimken, and banh mi sliders, were all packed in microwavable sugarcane containers by EcoNest Philippines, highlighting the importance of sustainable packaging even in food service.

Special eco-friendly dishwashing soaps and hand soaps from Maginhawa Eco Store were given to attendees as part of the event’s sustainable giveaways.




Gratitude and Recognition
The event was hosted by Pepe Herrera and Nikki Sevilla, guided the attendees in a memorable day filled with learnings and sharing sessions. During the Gratitude Program led by Zed Avecilla, participants wrote their intentions on spinach seed-infused “PASSports”, symbolizing their collective hope for a greener future. This exercise was a moment of reflection and appreciation for the hard work everyone has contributed so far in the journey toward sustainability.

EcoNest Philippines also held an awards ceremony, recognizing some of their long-term clients who have made significant strides in shifting toward compostable and sustainable solutions. Awardees included:
  • Discovery Shores Boracay – a stunning beachfront resort committed to reducing its environmental footprint.
  • Club Paradise Palawan – an exclusive island resort that has embraced sustainability.
  • EcoMove – a delivery service on a mission to go plastic-free.
  • Havaianas of Terry S.A. Group – known for their iconic rubber flip-flops, now transitioning to more eco-friendly practices.
  • Masuma Food Industry Inc. – the commissary behind Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, leading the way in food packaging sustainability.
  • Shaka Café – a vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Siargao known for its island vibe and smoothie bowls.



Hands-On Sustainability: Bokashi Fermentation
One of the key highlights of the day was a hands-on Bokashi fermentation demonstration, led by Rina Papio of Soilmate Collective. Guests learned how to layer food and carbon waste in a Bokashi bucket, adding bran to complete the composting process. This simple yet impactful activity reinforced the importance of waste management and composting as part of a sustainable lifestyle.




A Future Built on Gratitude and Action
The Gratitude Party 2024 was more than just a celebration—it was a gathering of like-minded individuals committed to building a sustainable, circular future. The event left everyone inspired and hopeful, knowing that their collective efforts are making a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change and plastic pollution. As PASS Foundation members, event sponsors, and attendees left with hearts full of gratitude, one thing was clear: this is just the beginning of a powerful movement toward a greener, more mindful future.


AKO Packaging is owned and operated by SACHI-Group Inc. that manufactures 100% compostable cassava bags since 2022. EcoNest Philippines is a local social enterprise distributing sustainable packaging materials since 2018.


Reach us at:
hello@econestph.com | www.econestph.com

hello@akopackaging.com | www.akopackaging.com


Owned & Operated by Sustainable & Compostable Horizons Industry Group Inc. (SACHI-Group, Inc.)