BACOLOD, PHILIPPINES — In a city as compact and cozy as Bacolod, every new opening feels like a ripple in a still pond. When Ceco Studio — a colorful, eclectic haven for creativity — opened its doors, it quietly began drawing attention, eventually turning heads. This 65-square-meter space offers busy individuals something rare: a chance to slow down, connect, and create. Whether guests are crafting their own anik-anik at the bead and charm bar or forging a custom ring in a jewelry-making workshop, Ceco Studio is as much about the process as the product.
The studio welcomes walk-ins and bookings for activities like designing necklaces, bracelets, or bag charms, experimenting with metal stamping, and even creating personalized silver jewelry. Mystic readings are also available for the curious, while crystals, incense, and ready-made jewelry are on display for those who want to shop.
For Mari and Louie Dispo, the husband-and-wife team behind Ceco Studio, it’s been a journey of love, learning, and leaps of faith. Ceco’s story began in 2020, in the thick of the pandemic, when the duo stumbled upon crystals. “They weren’t meant to replace anything or serve as some kind of solution,” Mari said. “But they became a stress reliever for us — something to help ease the uncertainty.”
Sourcing crystals, however, wasn’t easy. Mari and Louie found themselves frustrated by inconsistent quality and pricing, so they decided to source their own. What began as a personal endeavor quickly gained momentum. “We started selling on Shopee Live, and we realized there were so many others who found joy and comfort in crystals, too,” they recalled.
Soon enough, Mari wanted to go beyond displaying crystals — she wanted to wear them. “We started with string bracelets, then wire-wrapped pendants, and eventually ventured into silver jewelry,” she explained. By 2022, when the couple moved back to Bacolod from Manila, they had a growing following.
Fans of Ceco’s creations often asked the same thing: When would they open a permanent space? That encouragement planted the seed for Ceco Studio. Mari and Louie shared a vision, however, that it wasn’t going to be just another shop — it was going to be a creative playground.
“We’ve always been passionate about crafts,” Mari remarked. “When we visited Taiwan, we made each other’s wedding bands. That experience was so meaningful, and we realized Bacolod didn’t have anything like it.”
Ceco Studio’s workshops bring this vision to life. “It’s not just about what you make — it’s about the experience,” the husband-and-wife team expressed. “We want people to enjoy the process and have fun while doing it.”
The studio itself is as personal as the crafts it nurtures. “Fun fact, we did most of the carpentry ourselves!” Mari said proudly. “Louie painted the walls and furniture, and I built the crystal tables from scratch. We even upcycled most of the furniture.”
Every detail reflects their hands-on approach. Striking colors and handmade touches — like framed posters of the couple’s favorite films — make the space feel warm and inviting, the kind of place where you can lose track of time. “We wanted it to be fun and welcoming, not intimidating,” they told adobo Magazine.
Beyond the crafts, it’s evident that Mari and Louie are building something bigger: a community. “When we opened, we realized just how many supporters Ceco had,” Mari stated. “They’re such genuinely kind and creative people.”
Ceco Studio welcomes everyone, whether they’re skeptics of crystals, curious beginners, or seasoned crafters. For those who visit, Mari and Louie offered a warm invitation: “You’re always welcome to join us for tea at the studio.”
The husband and wife hold big dreams for the future of Ceco Studio. “Our goal is to be a third space,” they revealed, borrowing the term for places that exist beyond home and work. “We want it to be somewhere people can explore any craft — whether it’s creating a personal project, making a meaningful gift, or just having fun.”
Mari and Louie cheekily admitted that running Ceco Studio hasn’t only tested their skills as business partners but also strengthened their relationship. “Louie handles the numbers, and I take care of everything else — haha!” Mari joked. But at its core, their teamwork is built on trust and understanding.
“It’s been a journey,” they shared. “But seeing people light up when they create something with their own hands? That’s what makes it all worth it.”
At Ceco Studio, the focus isn’t solely on the final piece, but on the stories that unfold throughout the making. Whether visitors come to share laughs with friends, try their hand at something new, or create a gift with meaning, the space stands as quiet proof that some of life’s best moments are shaped by hand and shared with heart.
To stay up to date, follow Ceco on its official Instagram and Facebook pages. To book your slot at Ceco Studio, visit here.
