Oodaalolly Kicks Off Art Bar Initiative With "Harana" by Ethel Martinez

HARANA

OODAALOLLY ART BAR BY ETHEL MARTINEZ

Thanks to our exceptional collaboration with Alexandra Dorda of Kasama Rum, we ended on a high note for 2021.  The Oodaalolly x Kasama Trio was a breakthrough product that garnered rave reviews, excellent exposure in several major news outlets (including Bon Appétit and Forbes) — both in print and online—and finally, it earned us our first medals in an international chocolate competition.   

We want to build on this momentum and make 2022 an even bigger year. To that end, we reached out to a fantastic Filipina-American artist to see if she would be interested in making an “Art Bar.” It would launch our new initiative to use our box as a canvas for an artist. Additionally, it would be the centerpiece for our Valentine’s Day campaign.  

It was a big ask, but Ethel Martinez agreed to our proposal, and we got to work. For an important project, it came together quickly, and we have Ethel to thank for that.  She was terrific to work with, accommodating and supportive at all times, and when we secured her approval for the final box design, there were high fives all around. 

The result is Harana. Chocolate and artwork inspired by the traditional Filipino love serenade—part of a courtship ritual with unique etiquette and meaning as deep and warm as the Filipino heart.  

We were so pleased when Hernan was asked to appear on NBC Connecticut because we’d be able to use the opportunity to talk about Ethel and Harana.

The Oodaaloly Art Bar initiative puts the artist front and center. And we compiled a video consisting of a short interview with Ethel Martinez.  Get to know her a little more and watch as she thoughtfully answers with insight into her creative process. We hope you enjoy listening to it.