The buzz on bazaars: Where to go for Christmas shopping

In this country, it’s best to start Christmas shopping early—if you put it off, you’re bound to get caught in the mad rush of people who've decided just like you to wait until the last minute to buy presents.

 

Ideally, gifts must be bought right around the time the “ber” months roll in, but let’s be realistic—the Christmas bonus doesn’t come ‘til December, and anyway, we are a nation running on Filipino time.

 

Luckily, those who haven’t yet done any Christmas shopping and have a mile-long gift list still have about a couple of weeks to shop so they can make it to Noche Buena dinner with more than just ang pao envelopes and crispy P20-bills (that said, money, while uninspired, is always a welcome gift).

 

But before rushing out to the nearest shopping mall, you may want to check out your friendly neighborhood bazaar.

 

In many ways, bazaars are perfect for those who want to get all their holiday shopping done in one day. Entering a bazaar is like going on full shopping mode. There are little distractions—no coffee shops to lounge around in, no bookstores to browse, no cinemas to watch movies at—just rows and rows of stalls selling all sorts of wares.

 

Aside from the relatively lower prices, bazaars usually have a wide range of concessionaires who sell everything from clothing, to toys, to kitchenware. That way, it’ll be easy to find something for every member of the family.

 

The Grove by Rockwell’s How to Plan a Perfect Christmas might be a good place to start. The one day affair which takes place on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grove Community Center along C-5 will not only have a shopping area, but also a gift-wrapping station. Pastries, cakes and cookies from the Baker’s Dozen dessert fair are also scheduled to make an appearance! To register, visit http://www.e-rockwell.com/events/register/120019.

 

Meanwhile, those who are willing to do away with labels and brand names can check out the Fair Trade Open House on Dec. 10. Organized by the World Fair Trade Organization-Asia, the open house will showcase beautiful, guilt-free gifts that are ethically-sourced and responsibly produced. The event will take place at Room 201, JGS Building, Sct. Tuazon Street, Quezon City.

 

Speaking of doing away with labels, there is also the 10a Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair on December 10 and 11. Held at 10a Alabama Street, an old house in New Manila, the fair is a cozy counterpart to the busy mega-bazaars out there. At 10a, you’ll definitely find a lot of handmade products, lovely antiques and kooky knick-knacks. Word on the street is, there’s gonna be a book swap too!

 

Over at the Glorietta 3 Park, Santa’s little helpers are coming out to play at The Emporia Christmas Bazaar, which is open from Dec. 10 to 11, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Expect a lot of great food and clothing stalls, as well as musical and dance performances.

 

The Shop @ The Fort NBC Tent bazaar needs no introduction. It is arguably one of the biggest, most popular bazaars in Metro Manila, right alongside the World Trade Bazaar. To get your yearly dose of bazaar goodness, drop by the NBC tent on Dec. 10 and 11 and December 17 to 23, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Down south, there is the Boho Festival, which will take place at the Alabang Country Club in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa. The festival promises a unique shopping and cultural experience, with one-of-a-kind concessionaires, street performers, art exhibitions and jam sessions. The festival is open to the public, and will happen on Dec. 9-11 and Dec.16-18, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

 

For a lot of people, the World Bazaar Festival at the World Trade Center has become a time-honored tradition. Now on its 11th year, the bazaar continues to offer the same great variety of products that shoppers love — toys, clothes, collectibles, kitchenware. The bazaar opened on Dec. 2, and will continue until Dec. 18.

 

Finally, for those who really want to wait ‘til the last minute to go shopping, there is the Noel Discovery Bazaar, which will run until Dec. 23. Visit the bazaar at the PICC from December 9-18, and at the World Trade Center from December 21-23. –KG, GMA News