A version of this report also appears on ABS-CBN
A workshop about baking soda might not seem like the makings of a cultural moment. Yet recently, a small group gathered in Cubao for Arm & Hammer Philippines’ “One Box, Endless Solutions Masterclass,” the brand’s first workshop in the country. The event offered a look at how Filipino households are rethinking everyday essentials, especially the place of simple multipurpose products at home.
The session brought together healthcare professionals, home care specialists, content creators, and media for demonstrations focused on a single idea: one low-cost product can serve multiple roles across home, health, and kitchen use. The conversations that followed showed that people are looking for practical, multipurpose solutions to help manage rising costs and smaller living spaces.
When familiarity meets scrutiny
Licensed pharmacist Jossa Tan opened the workshop by explaining the chemical properties of baking soda and outlining its safe applications, from oral rinses to skin soaks. Her emphasis on proper dilution and moderation underscored a point often overlooked in home remedy culture: accessibility does not guarantee universal suitability.
At a time when DIY health advice circulates widely online, that reminder resonated with many in the room.
The science behind everyday cooking
Chef Rhon Aguilar’s demonstration focused on baking soda’s effect on food preparation and texture. In many Filipino households, cooking relies more on intuition than precise measurement. Aguilar’s approach suggested that precision can elevate even the most routine meals.
Rather than presenting baking soda as a shortcut, he framed it as a tool that demands care to be effective.
Cleaning in a humid climate
A representative from the cleaning service CleanWorx focused on the risks that persistent humidity poses to Filipino homes, particularly mold growth in damp corners and poorly ventilated spaces. The demonstration highlighted deep-cleaning methods and odor-absorbing techniques to prevent buildup before it becomes a health concern.
Much of what was presented resonated not because the methods were new but because they echoed routines passed down by parents or neighbors. The emphasis on mold risks and thorough cleaning reframed these habits as matters of health and long-term maintenance rather than convenience.
Real-world practicality
The workshop’s hands-on format allowed attendees to test mixtures and observe results directly. Attendees compared notes and discussed which uses seemed most practical for their own homes. While the event was polished, what stood out was the sense of discovery and the honest process of finding what really works.
This approach reflects a broader shift in consumer trust. Audiences increasingly favor demonstrations and expert context over influencer endorsement alone.
A quiet shift in household priorities
I get my share of media invites, but only a few make me smirk—the kind that remind me I’ve reached an age where cleaning supplies start to feel like great gifts. This one did. Arm & Hammer baking soda has long been my go-to at home, so a workshop built around it felt oddly fitting.
As the event concluded, attention returned to the small orange box at the center of the workshop. This is a product long present in Filipino households, now reconsidered through new perspectives. Its persistence, despite a market built on specialization, hints at a quieter truth: usefulness rarely goes out of style.