OUR STORY

Bakás: Mental Wellness You Can Hold On To



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Why the name “Bakás”?

At first, Bakás meant “trace” to us—a mark left behind by your past, your pain, your growth.
 But one of our customers taught us something deeper:

“Sa ibang wika sa Pilipinas, Bakás din ang ibig sabihin ng ‘kasama.’”

And that’s exactly what we want to be—a comforting companion in your mental wellness journey.

Every product we create carries that intention—whether it's our Comfort Cards®, our guided Journal, our statement Shirts, or the upcoming Board Game. Lahat ito, para hindi mo kailangang tahakin ang healing nang mag-isa.

How Bakás Started

Bakás began during the pandemic—out of pain, hope, and purpose.

Founders John Cornwill and Camille Velarde-Cornwill, then college students struggling with their own mental health, both faced some of their darkest moments during lockdown. It was in those silent battles that the seed of Bakás was planted.

Instead of giving in, they asked:
 “Paano kung gawing mas normal ang usapan tungkol sa mental health?”

They didn’t just want to heal quietly—they wanted to create something that could help others too.

So they started a small project: sustainable, Filipino-made tools that could make emotional care feel natural and shared. From that spark, Bakás was born—a social enterprise built with heart, grit, and the belief that healing is for everyone.

Now, 5 years later, Bakás is thriving—not just because of viral products, but because of the story, passion, and advocacy behind them.

Our Mission

  • Breaking the stigma. One kwento at a time.

    Our mission is to turn mental wellness into something that’s not hidden, not taboo, not scary.

  • Whether you're checking in with yourself or opening up to a friend, Bakás is here to make emotional care part of your everyday life.

Our Vision

A Philippines where:

  • Mental health is understood, supported, and talked about.
  • Every Filipino has access to tools for daily emotional care.
  • No one feels alone in their struggles.

Our Values

  • Empathy

    Pakikinig na walang judgment. Space where you can be real.

  • Community

    Healing is better together. Sama-sama sa journey.

  • Authenticity

     No filters needed. We embrace every feeling.

  • Resilience

     Even when it's hard, we keep going.

  • Growth

    For you, for us, for the people around us.

The Bakás Collective

We’re not just a brand. We're a movement.
We collaborate with mental health advocates, professionals, and local communities to co-create:

  • Safe spaces to talk about feelings
  • Workshops and tools for reflection
  • Partnerships that expand access to wellness resources

Every purchase supports this mission.
Kada bili mo, may kwento. Kada kwento, may healing.

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