No Juan Is An Island

There is something inherently meditative about the process of candle making. It’s a slow dance of temperature, scent, and patience—a ritual that transforms simple wax into a vessel for memories. Recently, we had the pleasure of conducing Story Candle’s second workshop, and the energy in the room was nothing short of luminous.

A Sanctuary for Creatives

For this session, titled “The Art of Crafting Light,” we found ourselves at The Grounds Co. in La Trinidad, Benguet. If you haven’t visited yet, imagine a space that feels like a warm hug. Known for its rustic charm and unwavering support for the local artisan community, The Grounds Co. provided the perfect backdrop. It’s more than just a coffee shop; it’s a hub where Benguet’s creative spirit is nurtured. Between the aromatic pours of coffee and the quiet hum of conversation, it felt like the natural home for a craft that values slow, intentional living.

Scent, Sip, and Soul

​Our participants dived headfirst into the chemistry of fragrance. We explored how different notes—from earthy woods to bright citrus—can tell a story. As the soy wax melted to the perfect temperature, the air filled with unique scents that mirrored the eclectic menu of our hosts.

Speaking of the menu, a highlight of returning to this space was the opportunity to indulge in their delicious offerings again. My first visit last year left a lasting impression with their lavender foam drink and lemon pasta, but this time, the culinary experience reached new heights.

To power through the workshop, I leaned on their Iced Dirty Matcha. The blend of earthy matcha with a sharp kick of coffee was the perfect fuel for a busy noon of teaching. While allowing their candles to harden, I (together with the oarticipants) sat down to explore the cafe’s menu. I opted to try the savory side of the menu. The “Kiniing Rice” was a revelation—savory, smoky perfection that paid beautiful homage to local flavors. To top it all off, I tried a dessert aptly named “Something Uniquely Different.” The combination of creamy vanilla ice cream with spiced, chilly mangoes was a delightful surprise that danced between sweet and heat.

​More Than Just Wax

By the end of the afternoon, every student walked away with more than just a hand-poured candle; they took home a piece of their own narrative captured in a pot. We watched as strangers became friends over shared hotpkates, heat guns, and fragrance oils, proving once again that crafting is one of the best ways to build community.

​To everyone who joined us: thank you for letting Story Candle be part of your creative journey. And to The Grounds Co., thank you for being the perfect stage for our second chapter. We can’t wait to see where the light leads us next.

​”The light of a candle isn’t just about the flame; it’s about the warmth created by the hands that made it.”