Peculiar Eyewear: A Visionary Journey from Humble Beginnings to Global Impact

In a world where eyewear oscillates between luxury status symbols and disposable fast fashion, Peculiar Eyewear has carved a unique niche. Founded on principles of affordability, innovation, and social responsibility, this Filipino brand has redefined what it means to see—and be seen. Here’s the story of how a bullied dyslexic teenager turned a ₱10,000 gamble into a global phenomenon.

The Unlikely Founder: Isaac Saliendra’s Journey

Isaac Saliendra, a CEO, didn’t fit the mold of a corporate mogul. Growing up dyslexic and facing relentless bullying, he was told he’d “never make it in life” by teachers and peers alike. After graduating from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, he launched Peculiar in 2014 with just ₱10,000 ($200) from savings. His early days involved selling watches and bags on sidewalks in Luneta Park, a hustle inherited from his father.

Rejection became a stepping stone. When an online platform dismissed him for his casual attire (T-shirt, jeans, backpack), Isaac pivoted to Lazada, which embraced his vision. By 2016, he quit his day job as a recruitment specialist to focus on eyewear, driven by personal struggle: “My eyes hurt whenever I used the computer,” he recalled, sparking his quest to create affordable blue-light-blocking glasses.

The Birth of a Brand: Bridging Gaps in the Market

Peculiar emerged from a glaring void in the eyewear industry. Isaac noticed that Southeast Asia’s market was dominated by cheap, low-quality imports or unaffordable luxury brands. His solution? Stylish, durable frames with UV400 protection and blue-light-filtering technology, priced as low as ₱88 ($1.75).

The name “Peculiar” reflects Isaac’s ethos: “I’m different in a lot of ways, so why not make a brand for people who defy the odds?” Launched initially online, the brand gained traction for its 30-day return policy and celebrity endorsements, including veteran journalist Ces Drilon, who co-designed the Ces Style x Peculiar collection.

Innovation Meets Responsibility: Technology & Sustainability

Peculiar’s glasses aren’t just fashion accessories—they’re armor for the digital age. Each pair features:

• UV400 lenses blocking 99% of ultraviolet rays.
• BlueShield and SafeShield Technology to reduce eye strain from screens.
• Anti-radiation filters tested via spectrometer and international quality standards.

But the brand’s vision extends beyond lenses. Their Climate Change Action Plan includes tree-planting programs, solar-powered facilities, and a circular approach to waste: raw materials from production are mixed with concrete to build warehouses. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Isaac even constructed sleeping quarters for employees next to their Rizal factory, covering lodging and farm-sourced meals.

Social Impact: Eyewear with a Heart

For every purchase, Peculiar donates art kits to Filipino students, supporting education and creativity. This initiative aligns with Isaac’s belief in hiring talent from diverse backgrounds, prioritizing passion over degrees. The brand’s inclusive ethos has earned accolades like Lazada’s Best Fashion Accessory 2020 and Southeast Asia’s Most Trusted Eyewear Brand.

Peculiar's commitment to social responsibility extends beyond donations. They actively engage in community outreach programs, focusing on education and eye health. For example, they've partnered with local schools to conduct free eye screenings and provide eyeglasses to underprivileged students. They also conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of eye care and the dangers of prolonged screen time. Furthermore, Peculiar supports local artisans and communities by sourcing some of their materials locally, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Global Recognition & Future Horizons

From its humble e-commerce roots, Peculiar has sold 6 million glasses worldwide since 2014. Its frames—priced from ₱499 to ₱4,580 (10–90)—are now available on Shopee, Lazada, and in SM Malls across the Philippines. Internationally, it was hailed as “Promising Global Business of the Year 2020” in Dubai.

Isaac’s ambitions remain grounded. He dreams of retiring his parents to a farm purchased with his earnings and expanding Peculiar’s global footprint. With plans to innovate further in sustainable materials and smart eyewear, the brand is poised to redefine visual culture—one peculiar pair at a time.

Why Peculiar Resonates

• Affordable Protection: Combats digital eye strain without breaking the bank.
• Style & Substance: Retro-modern designs endorsed by influencers and gamers.
• Ethical Edge: A commitment to people and planet, not just profit.

As Isaac puts it: “We’re not just selling glasses—we’re building a community that sees the world differently.” And in an era where vision is both literal and metaphorical, Peculiar Eyewear offers clarity on all fronts.

Our Brand Values and Mission

Hi there! At Peculiar Eyewear, we're more than just an eyewear brand – we're a customer-first and socially aware company founded right here in 2014. Our mission is simple: to make stylish and protective eyewear accessible to everyone. We were pioneers in bringing computer eyewear to South East Asia because we truly believe in eye protection. We're all about safeguarding your eyes from blue light and harmful UV400 rays, all while keeping you looking great with our minimalist and trendy designs. But it doesn't stop there! We deeply care about our community and the environment. That's why we're committed to social responsibility through initiatives like planting trees, reusing waste materials, using solar energy, and even donating art kits to Filipino students. Remember the pandemic? We were right there donating face shields too. We also proudly partner with The Eye MD Ophthalmology Clinic to support eye care and collaborate with inspiring figures like broadcast journalist Ces Drilon. And, if you're into gaming, you might be excited to know we're trusted and endorsed by top professional gamers from Tier One Entertainment and Blacklist International!

Product Quality and Style - Designed for You

When it comes to quality, we don't compromise. Our eyewear is "proven and tested by eye doctors" because your eye health is our priority. We make sure our lenses pass rigorous Spectrometer testing and meet International Standards for Quality Control. Each frame is carefully crafted and assembled right here in the Philippines by skilled hands. We design them to be durable and test them multiple times, including UV400 and Spectrum Transmission Tests. Style-wise, we love blending modern trends with timeless designs. We use lightweight yet strong materials like metal and titanium to create retro-inspired frames in shapes like cat-eye, round, and aviator. We aim for a gender-neutral aesthetic with designs that are versatile for everyone, adding playful details and colors to express your unique personality.

What Our Customers and Experts Say

Don't just take our word for it! Our amazing customers consistently tell us how comfortable and stylish our eyewear is. We're proud to say we have over 10,000+ 5-star reviews – and we're "trusted by Eye Doctors, Pro-Gamers & Celebrities!" It's incredibly rewarding to know that experts and professionals recognize our commitment to quality and style. We've also been recognized by news publications like ABS CBN, who awarded us "Best Fashion Accessory 2020," and Grab, who named us "Most Promising Online Brand," among other accolades. These endorsements mean the world to us and fuel our passion to keep innovating and serving you better.

Price Point and Value - Quality Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

We believe everyone deserves access to quality eyewear without emptying their wallet. That's why Peculiar Eyewear is priced between ₱448.00 - ₱3,500.00. We're all about offering "affordable eyewear" that doesn't skimp on quality or essential protective features like blue light blocking and UV protection. We strive to give you the best value, combining style, protection, and social responsibility in every pair.