UTC x Manila Girls Patch Series

Urban Traveller & Co. x Manila Girls Patch Series – Celebrating Manila’s Culture Through Carry

Travel isn’t only about where you’re going—it’s about the stories you carry along the way. To mark a decade of curating world-class carry, Urban Traveller & Co. proudly presents the Manila Girls Patch Series, created in collaboration with independent Filipino artist Kenny Tai.

Known for her celebrated Manila Girls art series, Kenny Tai reimagines the districts of Manila as quirky, character-driven designs rooted in history, culture, and everyday life. Each patch in this collection reflects the unique spirit of a community, transforming heritage into wearable art that sparks conversation.

The Designs

Binondo Patch

Dimension: 6 x 7 cm Height

Prosperity in every direction.

The Binondo patch takes the form of a traditional bagua, inscribed with Chinese characters that translate to “prosperity in eight directions.” Designed in red and gold, the colors symbolize luck and abundance. Reflecting the offerings and vibrancy often found in Buddhist and Taoist temples, this patch celebrates Binondo’s Chinese-Filipino heritage and its role as the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Intramuros Patch

Dimension: 7cm x 8cm  (L X H)

Distinguished and ever-loyal. 

Inspired by Catholic religious pendants, the Intramuros patch features floral framing, the nilad plant from which Manila takes its name, and the historic Fort Santiago. The design pays homage to Intramuros’ colonial legacy and resilience. The character is reminiscent of Maria Clara, embodying loyalty, tradition, and the mestiza identity that has shaped the walled city’s history.

Quiapo Patch

Dimension: 7cm x 8cm  (L X H)

Faith and tradition in every form.

Quiapo is best known for its colorful mix of faiths and cultures, where Catholic, Islamic, and folk beliefs intertwine. The anting-anting amulet inspires the Quiapo patch, shaped as a triangle and accented in green, a nod to the water cabbage plant from which Quiapo got its name. This design honors Quiapo’s deep spiritual traditions and its enduring character as Manila’s district of devotion.

The Collaboration

The Manila Girls project is Kenny Tai’s ongoing love letter to the city she grew up in. Through cartoon-inspired characters, she brings Manila’s districts to life, reminding us that history isn’t just found in textbooks or monuments—it’s alive in the streets, communities, and people.

With the UTC x Manila Girls Patch Series, Urban Traveller & Co. continues its mission of curating culture through carry. These patches allow you to bring the stories of Manila wherever you go, whether attached to your bag, jacket, or collection. More than decoration, they are conversation starters—symbols of heritage preservation and everyday identity.

Cleaning

Use a toothpick, tweezers, or comb to gently remove hair, dust, and other debris from the hook surface (the hard side) of the Velcro to prevent the hooks from flattening and losing their adhesiveness.


It is recommended to secure the Velcro securely when hand or machine washing to prevent the hooks from snagging on other clothing fibers. Air dry the Velcro after washing, avoiding high temperatures to prevent degradation of the adhesive.


Avoiding Damage: Avoid pulling or rubbing the Velcro excessively, and avoid allowing the hook surface to come into direct contact with sharp objects to prevent breakage and pilling.