LOS ANGELES – Imagine catching the scent of the Philippine national flower, the sampaguita, in every home across Southern California. That vision is coming to life through the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Vernon Rodriguez, the young and dynamic founder of Manila Candle Inc.

The story of Manila Candle began in 2018 when Vernon took a three-week vacation to the Philippines. Upon returning to the U.S., he was struck by a longing for home and began to wonder how he could bring pieces of the Philippines to America to ease homesickness.

Vernon faced a few challenges when launching the business: choosing a name, refining the craft of candle-making, and unifying the concept.

“Making the candle was the easy part—I already knew how,” he said. “I had a candle business back in 2014 but had to shut it down when I returned to school.”

He recalled that choosing the business name took the longest. “I wanted something that clearly communicated what I do and what I sell,” he said. That’s how Manila Candle was born—a name that proudly represents its Filipino roots.

“Once I had the name, the real work began,” Vernon shared. “I went through hundreds of candle scents just to figure out how and what to name each one.”

To Vernon, candles hold a symbolic meaning. “I think a candle represents the Philippines in a big way. Candles bring light in darkness. Filipinos are incredibly resilient. They stand up every time they’re knocked down. That’s why I started this business—it’s about finding light in the dark. There are lots of candle vendors out there, but I believe Manila Candle stands out because we truly represent the Philippines.”

His best-selling scent, Sampaguita, was a natural choice. “It was actually the first scented candle I made and named. Almost all Filipinos know what sampaguita is—one sniff and it brings you right back home,” he said.

Currently, Manila Candle offers a unique range of scents: Sampaguita, Gumamela, Serenade, Tito Boy, Tita Baby, Jun Jun, Tagaytay, Palawan, Boracay, and Buko & Mangga, with many more in development.

Beyond candles, the business has expanded to include soaps, car fresheners, incense, room sprays, reed diffusers, wax melts, perfumes, and even apparel. Products are currently available across the U.S. and Canada, with plans to enter other international markets soon.

With the support of his wife, Diane, Vernon’s ultimate goal is to showcase what the Philippines and Filipinos can offer the world. “There’s beauty in every part of the Philippines—from our 7,000+ islands to the cleverness and charm of every Filipino,” he said.

“Manila Candle wants to share the heart of the Philippines and its people—one scent at a time.”