The holiday season combines two of the favorite pastimes of Filipinos: celebrating and shopping. It’s not surprising that the country gets a little shop-crazed during the holidays, especially as endless bazaars begin popping up all over Metro Manila.

While there are a few bazaars that will not be a part of the holiday rush in 2019, such as the famous St. James Bazaar, there are plenty of others taking place across the metro to keep shoppers satisfied this season.

Noel Bazaar (November and December)

Don’t miss the largest and longest-running annual bazaar in the country, the Noel Bazaar. This year, it will take place in three different locations with 500 vendors selling clothing, accessories, décor, crafts, and more. Shoppers are sure to find something to catch their fancy at the bazaar!

Part of the proceeds will go to Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Gifts and Graces Foundation, Noel P. Gozon Memorial Clinic, Sts. Peter and John Parish, and Associate Missionaries of Assumption.

Addresses:
-World Trade Center, Pasay City (Nov. 15-24)
-Filinvest Tent, Alabang (Nov. 27 to Dec. 1)
-SMX Convention Center, Pasay City (Dec. 19-22)

Manila Sundance Bazaar (November and December)

Another bazaar that’s hitting more than just one location is the Manila Sundance Bazaar, which has been delivering clothes, accessories, and other goods to shoppers all over Metro Manila since October. Fashionistas will enjoy browsing the stalls, whether they’re trying to find the perfect Christmas outfit or picking up gifts for loved ones.

Addresses:
-SM North EDSA Skydome, Quezon City (Nov. 15-17, Nov. 30 to Dec. 2)
-SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City (Nov. 25-27, Dec. 17-23, Dec. 27-29)

21st Global Pinoy Bazaar (Nov. 30 to Dec. 1)

If you’re trying to find unique gifts crafted by local artisans for the holidays, visit the 21st Global Pinoy Bazaar at Rockwell. It’s set up by the Yabang Pinoy organization, which is focused on boosting Pinoy pride among Filipinos. 

All the products in the bazaar are categorized in various zones, including Fashion, Travel, Home, Pinoy Art and Design, Music, Tropical, and Food.

Address: Rockwell, Powerplant Mall, Makati City (Nov. 30 to Dec. 1)

Zonta Alabang Christmas Carnivale Bazaar (Nov. 22-24, Dec. 7-8)

More than 250 vendors come together for the Zonta Alabang Christmas Carnivale Bazaar, which is set up by the Zonta Club of Alabang to help fund their various charity projects. Shop amidst the hundreds of booths selling different merchandise, including fashion, accessories, crafts, homeware, and food. 

Besides being a fundraising effort for Zonta Club’s charity efforts, the bazaar is a supporter of the plastic-free initiative and encourages both shoppers and vendors to use reusable eco-friendly bags.

Address: The Filinvest Tent, Spectrum Midway, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

AWCP Charity Bazaar (Dec. 10)

Support another good cause at the AWCP Charity Bazaar, an event spearheaded by the American Women’s Club of the Philippines. The annual bazaar, which has been taking place since 1991, gives around 300 Filipino sellers a platform to display their local products, from clothing and accessories to furniture and artwork.  

Address: SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Ln., Pasay City

World Bazaar Festival (Dec. 14-23)

There will be more than 500 vendors present at this year’s World Bazaar Festival, of which part of the proceeds will go to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya.

Not only will shoppers be able to get their pick of cool items for sale at the World Bazaar Festival, but they’ll also get their pick of fun activities for the holidays, such as Blogger’s United, Himig ng Pasko, Christmas Carols with the Angels, and more.

Address: World Trade Center, Pasay City

Other Shopping Options…

While bazaars are plentiful all over Metro Manila, most people don’t rely on them for all their Christmas shopping. Shopping centers are scattered all over the country, including three of the top 10 largest malls in the world: SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, and SM Seaside City Cebu.

Those who don’t want to empty their wallets during the holiday season can head to Divisoria, the ultimate destination for bargain hunters in Metro Manila. If you’re a first-timer, you may want to bring a friend to act as your Divisoria shopping guide as the commercial center is sprawling and consists of both air-conditioned malls and stalls on the streets outside.

Shoppers on a budget will want to try Quiapo shopping as well, where the streets are lined with vendors selling a great variety of cheap goods.

After spending hours prowling Quiapo shops, head to Binondo for a food trip in the oldest Chinatown in the world. Book a guided street food tasting tour to sample the best fare in the area. 

*Featured image by Stitch via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)