Linya-Linya's ‘Gets Ka Namin’ will win you over

More than a merch company, Linya-Linya is distinct for being fun while being humorously profound.

You can’t be faulted for letting out a laugh upon seeing any of the messages on their shirts as we relate to their witticisms. In fact, the company’s tagline, "Gets Ka Namin,” accurately reflects what Linya-Linya is all about. With this ethos, the brand has consistently put out products that make us smile, fight for what we love, and, sometimes, just shrug it all out.

Ali Sangalang and Panch Alvarez, alumni of the Ateneo De Manila University, are a match made in heaven. Both are ingenious creators: the former a skilled writer, and the latter, a visual artist with an exceptional sense of humor. What one would write, the other would express visually. Their remarkable compositions, which almost always provide comic relief against the harsh realities of life, soon found their way on a digital channel showcasing the Filipino way of life. They got together with an astute marketing man, Jim Bacarro, and Linya-Linya was born.

Linya-Linya's journey of growth

Ali believes that there is a need satisfied by Linya-Linya, not just in terms of the quality of their merchandise. More importantly, he says, is the company’s customer-focused culture where their products resonate with buyers.

"Filipinos are expressive and emotional; we empathize and give them something to hold on to, and to express how they're feeling,” he says.

Their fan base has increased phenomenally over the last seven years, reaching over a million followers on various social media platforms—with engagements directly translating into volumes of sales. They collaborated with celebrities and widened their reach. The enterprise soon gained the support of a notable community of internet-savvy students and young professionals who found connected with the brand.

With this growth, the duo felt the need to maintain that connection with their customers.

"We feel more responsible to our audience,” Ali adds. “We’re trying to use our platform, not just to sell, but to create a safe space where we can empathize with our followers.”

The Linya-Linya enterprise

Ali and Panch have lofty ambitions for their company. As entrepreneurs, they want to be recognized as one of the country's top local companies and to leave an indelible mark on Philippine culture and the arts. But they recognize that their goals will be met with several challenges along the way.

Among these challenges include adjusting and adapting through time. They aim to be flexible and open-minded. As owners, they must check themselves all the time and be well-grounded to ensure that everything is aligned with their values and principles.

The duo say, "We meme business. Sineseryoso namin ang kalokohan. Pero kahit todo-bigay kami sa pagpapatakbo at pagpapalago ng negosyo, hinding-hindi nawawala ang joy sa pag-create ng content at products na mapapa-relate at mapapasaya ang mga Pilipino.”

Linya-Linya has also recently embarked on a project called “Tulong-Tulong,” where they engage in advocacy efforts and attempt to contribute to the community.

“We just truly and purely love and care about the Philippines and the Filipinos, and it organically shows in our content and products."

If you’re looking for humorous merch to spread the holiday cheer, head over to Linya-Linya’s website at www.linyalinya.ph and add to cart. You can also buy Linya-Linya gifts for loved ones at stores in Trinoma, Lazada, and Shopee.

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Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like Linya-Linya.