Gentlemanly Finds and More at the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar

Now on its 12th year, Designers’ Holiday Bazaar, the Filipino-focused philanthropic Christmas market founded by sisters Bea Zobel Jr. and Sofia Elizalde returns with two venues, an expanded roster of vendors, and new cashless platforms.  

Running until December 7, Glorietta and Greenbelt transform into a vibrant showcase of over 100 exhibitors—fashion, homeware, furniture, books, artisanal goods, and culinary delights from across the archipelago.  

“We’ve always believed that passion can take local talents to great heights when given the right support. More than a marketplace, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar is a platform where dreams are realized and goals achieved. Every patron becomes part of that mission—making Christmas shopping far more meaningful,” says Elizalde. 

This year, the bazaar shines the spotlight on one-of-a-kind gifting choices for men, from heritage crafts to contemporary designs.  

One of the bazaar’s most notable exhibitors is Kalibo-based La Herminia, a family-run, fair-trade enterprise preserving the delicate tradition of piña weaving. Their artisanal barongs, shirts, and textiles—some taking four to six months to make—embody slow, circular Filipino fashion long before it became a trend. 

For men seeking modern Filipino style, racks from Techie Hagedorn, Bacolod’s Vida, Harold + Harry, and the unconventional Bitagcol offer casual yet intentional pieces that move away from homogenous fast fashion.  

Eco-friendly footwear label Lakat Sustainables brings pops of color and pineapple fiber to the sneaker game, crafted from Negros-sourced materials and designed for conscious, preppy-leaning gents. Batangas social enterprise Kanya transforms sugarcane residue (bagasse) into eye-catching bags fit for both city commutes and beach weekends. Meanwhile, homegrown grooming brand For Keeps offers clean, environmentally safe formulations—an easy, thoughtful gift for any man.  

No Designers’ Holiday Bazaar is complete without its culinary temptations. Guests can pause amid the bustle to enjoy DJ sets, jazz performances, choral groups, and showcases from Steps Dance Studio.  

Dessert legends Heny Sison and Rhea Sycip return with irresistible cakes sold by the slice. Regional specialties, from Ilocos fare and Nueva Vizcaya produce to Batangas lechon and Negros sweets, round out the eats. Santa Ana Gin, inspired by the storied Manila nightclub of the American colonial era, offers a gentleman’s pour steeped in ilang-ilang, calamansi, dalandan, and more. Laguna-based Sol’s Italian Food introduces Kalamcello, an award-winning Filipino twist on the classic digestif.  

Other culinary standouts include heirloom Bugnay vinegar from Rockwoods Farm, Davao tablea, Silay favorite El Ideal’s confections, Marca Dukke’s Batangas lechon, and Gamal de Galeria’s highland Tinawon rice.  

For gents exploring homeware, Chysara showcases handmade décor inspired by canines, birds, and holiday icons. Heritage brand E. Murio revives classic Filipino charm through rattan and bamboo pieces, while Osmundo offers storied, hard-to-find furnishings. Mabolo contributes eclectic objects that spark curiosity.  

For the playful, upstart Moodi presents clever board-game innovations—3D-printed cactuses, sushi bento sets that transform into chessboards, and desk accessories that double as gifts for game-loving friends.

This year also marks the exclusive launch of GCash for Business’ PocketPay and SoundPay—new tools that turn smartphones into secure cashless POS systems, complete with audio payment alerts for seamless transactions.  

And for those moved to extend generosity beyond gifting, PAWSsion Project invites guests to meet their rescue ambassadors and learn how to support or even adopt a furry companion.  

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