Behind the Flame

Where scent becomes stillness, and stillness becomes story.

Dap-ayan didn’t begin with a business plan. It began with a quiet yearning — for pause, for presence, for something warm to hold onto in a world that often moves too fast.

One December, I poured my first candle from a beginner’s kit and gifted it to family. It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest. It carried light. That single act lit something in me — a sense of joy I hadn’t expected, and a path I hadn’t planned to walk.

Since then, I’ve been hand-pouring candles from my home in Davao — not just as a product, but as an offering. Something to ground us. Something to gather around.

The name Dap-ayan comes from the Ilocano word for a communal space — a place where people come together to rest, share stories, and simply be. That’s what I hope these candles become: little gatherings of scent and flame that make room for quiet, memory, and connection.

I use soy wax, clean fragrances, and a combination of wood and cotton wicks. I’ve spent hours researching, testing, and even consulting AI tools to refine the formula — because while this brand is rooted in story and softness, it’s also built with intention and curiosity.

This is more than a candle shop. It’s a ritual in a jar.

It’s a slow breath in. It’s a gathering of scent, light, and story.

Welcome to Dap-ayan.

Meet the Maker

Hi, I’m Michaela — digital marketer and now candle-pourer. I started Dap-ayan with nothing more than a beginner’s kit, a curious heart, and a deep love for slow, meaningful moments.

I blend tradition, tech, and scent to create candles that feel like pauses you’ve been needing.

This little brand is my gathering place.

Thanks for being here.