Making soap is easy and surprisingly fun.
There are tons of online guides and great books on it, and when I started I read tons of stuff to make sure that I was doing it right and to counter check with other sources since I noticed some inconsistencies. In fact, my own comprehensive guide on soap making developed from my notes.
Still, sometimes it is pretty comforting to have someone sit down with you and go through it step by step. People get especially nervous around lye and have several concerns handling it for the first time.
There are classes everywhere for aspiring cold process soap makers, no matter where you are based in Metro Manila.
Makati
Craft Manila is located in the Pamana Building on Pasong Tamo in Makati. They’ve tons of classes, which run the gamut from book binding to jewelry making.
Their soapmaking class is taught by the proprietor of Simoy ng Harana, an online shop of scents that have been featured on Real Living (the best interior design website in the Philippines), and is Php 5,500 with a maximum of 8 participants.
While the most expensive of the classes I’ve found, it’s got a great track record and is centrally located, so you pay for convenience and expertise. They’ve partnered with Rockwell Malls and other well known companies to teach workshops on just about anything so these guys are pretty legit.
I find them really responsive on email while usually other businesses are more comfortable on cell or private messaging.
Email: hello@craftmnl.com.
Quezon City
Negoskwela has a plethora of courses for people who want to turn their crafts into a hobby, and I wish they were located somewhere easier to get to. People who are crafty who’d love to develop their talents but have got work might have a hard time getting here.
They’re located in CMLI Bldg. North Ave. Cor Agham Rd Diliman Quezon City and their day long soap making course is Php 2,800. I like their thrust of empowering people through entrepreneurship.
Email: info@negoskwela.ph
Landline: 924-5111 and 208-7211 to 13
Sun: 09253685306| 09253685307 | 09253685308
Smart: 09088124223
Globe: 09175118019 | 09175117925
Malabon
We’re getting further and further afield here. The Organic Artisan Lab runs Manila Soap Making, Cosmetic and Body Care Workshop on Facebook and are one of the most active presences on the web.
Their soaps look absolutely delicious, and they’re at 04 Asogue St, Tugatog, Malabon City. Their website and video tutorials are on the web, if you’d like to check them out.
Email: theorganicartisanlab@gmail.com
Sun: 0922-814-1867
Muntinlupa
Soap Central is also pretty active on Facebook, and is at the LaRychean Building at 176 Tunasan Road in Muntinlupa. If you’re from the South, this is the prefect place to start. I think they are a great resource, and they are open every day till 6pm.
If you are thinking about taking the class in 2018, they’ve got you covered: they’ve already released the schedule for the year. They have classes on formulations for Php 2,500 and hands on cold process soap making for Php 4,500. they’ve got a free soap mold for those that sign up a month early, so sign up early! 🙂
Landline: 519-6974
Sun: 0932-880-5668
Smart: 0999-882-9080
Globe: 0917-519-9830
Soap, Suds and Stuff 