5 Christmas Bazaars and Pop-Ups That Champion Local Brands
Shopping for gifts in bulk can be stressful, which is why holiday bazaars—our own local version of Christmas markets—are great venues to find everything in one place and get the job done in a day. Fortunately, many of these bazaars are now purveyors of all things local. They’ve become a great place to shop while discovering under-the-radar brands proudly helmed by our fellow Filipinos.
Here are the ones worth checking out:
Greenbelt Designers’ Holiday Bazaar
Now on its 6th year, the Greenbelt Designers’ Holiday Bazaar has become an annual tradition for those living within the vicinity of the central business district. Organized by sisters Bea Zobel Jr. and Sofia Elizalde, the bazaar features Philippine-made products that range from clothing, accessories, home items, food, and more. Proceeds from the sales go to a good cause too—the Ayal Foundation’s CENTEX school scholars.
“Twenty percent of proceeds from the bazaar go to helping children get scholarships for four years while they finish high school, says Zobel. She later adds that the team has always put so much thought into its exhibitors, ensuring that their products are of the highest quality and “that they also support the livelihoods of different communities and help to keep their artisan traditions alive.”
Exhibitors include Kassa by Karen Santos, Feanne, Etniko Pilipino, Piopio, Matthew & Melka, Amarie Resortwear, Alegre by Techie Hagedorn, Kara de Juan, and more.
From November 15 to December 15, The Gallery at Greenbelt 5, Makati
Presente Holiday Pop-Up
From the same group that brought you Artefino, Presente is a month-long Christmas pop-up at Rockwell that champions local crafts and homegrown businesses. Apart from the artisanal home accessories and the typical fashion brands that one would find at Artefino, expect a curated selection of holiday treats, too.
From December 4 to 30, Ground Floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell
Katutubo Pop-Up Market
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Armed with the message that one must love local and support the Filipino retail industry, the Katutubo market has partnered with retailer Bench to bring you the last of its pop-ups for the year. While the market is dominated by fashion brands such as Zarah Juan, Daily Schedule NY, Beatriz, Rhett Eala, and Randy Ortiz, there are a number of food concessionaires as well. There are also homegrown Bench brands that carry more ethnic collections.
From December 6 to 8, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 28/F The Curve Tower, 32nd Street corner 3rd Avenue, Taguig
BPI Sinag ng Pasko Christmas Bazaar
The BPI Foundation holds this annual Christmas pop-up as a spin-off of its BPI Sinag initiative. The bazaar offers a venue for both budding and established social enterprises that employ or support sustainable causes and local workers.
“We offer Sinag ng Pasko as an ideal venue to look for Christmas gifts, whether you are a zero-waste advocate encouraging your loved ones to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, a proud champion of Filipino craftsmanship, or simply a shopper looking for unique and beautiful items,” says Maricris San Diego, BPI Foundation executive director.
Expect to see merchants such as Auro Chocolates, Got Heart, Habi Footwear & Lifestyle, Risque Designs, Everything is Pine, Kayumanggi Organic, Jacinto & Lirio, and more participate in the bazaars.
December 11, 2019, Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2, Makati
Likhang Lokal
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Featuring lesser-known local brands, Likhang Lokal will showcase offbeat finds and handmade crafts. There, you may shop for novel gifts such as handmade soaps and cosmetics, homemade crafts, and other goods that will support small business owners.
From November 22 to 24, Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City
