Saddle Stitched began by accident.  Initially, the founders (Ayz Ligot, Den Alibudbud, and Javie Bengzon) were all members of Heights, the Ateneo de Manila’s official literary folio, and worked together as members of the editorial board. They’d worked together for several years, but after graduation, they all went their separate ways: Ayz, to medical school, Den, to various jobs in both the public and private sector, and Javie, to a small local web development company.

In 2006, fate would throw a wrench into their individual plans, when Javie’s 13-year old cousin would pass away from cancer. Javie’s family decided to produce a book in her memory, with Javie as the lead editor, and as chance would have it, Ayz was asked to design the book. Javie and Ayz would renew their professional relationship with the book project, with Den in tow.

Because all three were averse to the idea of being cooped up in an office, they decided to start their own corporate communications company, with the only capital they had: their experience in publications production. It was Ayz who gave the company its name (which, incidentally, is the staple that serves as the binding for magazines and similar publications), and the rest, as they say, is history.

Saddle Stitched has since branched out from its initial vision as a corporate communications firm, exploring business opportunities such as event conceptualization, packaging design, animation, video production, and below-the-line marketing materials. But at the heart of all of these is The Word, a passion which Saddle Stitched’s founders have shared with each other for many years now.

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