Marikina City on Monday, 17 November, formally opened its annual Christmas Shoe Bazaar, giving shoppers a chance to buy high-quality and affordable shoes, bags, and leather goods for the holiday season.

Mayor Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro said the bazaar is a tradition designed to uplift the city’s workers—one that began under the administration of her husband, Marikina First District Rep. Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, and continues to be offered free of charge to support manufacturers.

“Ito pong bazaar ito ay taon-taon nating ginagawa. Pinangunahan po ito noong panahon ni Mayor Marcy. Binigay niya po nang libre itong ating bazaar para makatulong na rin po sa inyo,” Teodoro said, noting how the initiative has helped local producers earn significantly during the holiday rush.

She emphasized that the Christmas season remains the most crucial period for Marikina’s shoe and leather industries, with the bazaar serving as an accessible venue for both returning customers and first-time shoppers.

“Alam ko pong malaking bagay po (ito), lalo na itong kapaskuhan mas kumita po ang ating mga magsasapatos, at ang ating leather manufacturers,” she said.

“Kung kaya po naming i-extend, mas maganda pero talagang hanggang 4 January po narito po kami para sumuporta sa inyo.”

The mayor described the annual bazaar, organized by the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI), as a modest but meaningful way for the city government to stand with its workers—many of whom rely on increased year-end sales to support their families.

“Ito po ay maliit na bagay na pagtulong po sa inyo, pero alam ko na malaking bagay para sa ating mga manggagawa,” she said.

Teodoro added that the city pushed for the bazaar to open before mid-month payouts to maximize earnings for participating vendors.

“Sabi ko, kailangan bago mag-akinse…” she said, underscoring the event’s role as an early economic boost for the community.

As the 2025 bazaar opens, the mayor expressed hope that participating producers will surpass last year’s sales.

“Ito po ay para po sa inyo. Nawa, itong bazaar, itong 2025 ay marami po tayong maibigay na tulong sa ating manggagawa, gayundin sa ating shoe manufacturers,” she said.

“Malampasan niyo po ang sales noong nakaraang taon—iyon po ang aking dasal,” she added.

This year’s bazaar gathers 39 local manufacturers of shoes, leather goods, and handcrafted bags—ranging from long-established family enterprises to emerging brands gaining traction among younger consumers.

The Christmas Shoe Bazaar at Marikina Freedom Park runs until 4 January 2026, welcoming visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and until 8 p.m. Fridays to Sundays.