With Christmas just barely a month away, everyone is pretty much caught up in the holiday frenzy. At the top of that to-do list are finding the right gifts for family, friends, colleagues and inaanaks. This weekend, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB) gives merry shoppers a chance to score unique artisanal finds from merchants all over the country.  But for sisters Sofia Zobel-Elizalde and Beatriz Zobel, Jr., who co-founded the fair over a decade ago, the fair holds an even deeper meaning — to build on the legacy of giving back instilled in them by their mother from childhood. 

An opportunity and a platform that, as Sofia explains, “makes dreams come true, potentials realized and goals achieved. Every patron gets to be a part of this mission. It’s a collective effort that inevitably makes Christmas shopping more meaningful.”

Among the plethora of fairs that inundate the Manila shopping scene during the holidays, what sets the DHB apart is the two-part advocacy that is its beating heart.  “We are always on a mission to give back to the Filipino community, and the results are very heartwarming,” Bea shares. “Families take home beautifully crafted products from different regions of the Philippines, while artisans gain greater visibility and scholars receive vital support.” 

As shoppers get to see the beautiful creations by talented artisans from all over the country, there is a powerful story that is unfolding behind the scenes. “It really gives us great joy to give a platform to all these small businesses, but whatever we make goes fully into arts education, and regular education,” says Sofia. This is the onus for the sisters to continue growing the fair year after year. Proceeds from the DHB has helped fund scholarships that directly support students to help them break down financial barriers and open doors to educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. 

Working with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and STEPS foundation, the DHB has provided over 200 years’ worth of scholarships for students pursuing studies across education, business, healthcare and the arts. Under the AFI, 25 students have completed their studies up to the college level, in the areas of Psychology, Engineering, Business, Education, Tourism. Aspiring classical dancers training under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation have also gone on to perform with prestigious companies such as Ballet Manila, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Alberta Ballet, and the American Ballet Theater. These are part of the Zobel sisters’ vision of empowering the next generation of leaders in diverse studies.

Now on its 12th year, the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar has grown to include over a 100 merchants spread out across two venues — Greenbelt and Glorietta — from 29 November to 7 December. 

The country’s groundbreaking first nonprofit initiative fair puts Filipino creativity on center stage with the finest in Filipino fashion, food, home and wellness, all meticulously curated by the visionary sisters. This showcase makes exceptional local craftsmanship accessible to city dwellers, transforming Makati’s Central Business District into a hub of holiday discovery. Among the DHB’s major partners this year is GCash, who will be launching their PocketPay and SoundPay portals exclusively during the bazaar, designed to help MSMEs embrace the ease of digital transactions and usher in the “easy era” of doing business. On the other hand, Globe is also setting up a Globe Platinum lounge for their clients to rest after a hectic day of shopping.

With the holiday season in full swing, and Christmas shopping at the top of everyone’s mind, it’s helps to know that you’re also doing a bit of good on the side. And if what that looks like is giving someone the opportunity to build a better life, then every peso spent is a peso well-spent. 

At the heart of the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar is a chance to make gift-giving more meaningful. To make treating yourself a little more special. To give the season more heart. “For Bea and I, the heart and soul of the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar is giving back. Where we can be of support to others,” shares Sofia Zobel. “We always believed that passion can take many local talents to great heights when given the right support. This fair is a great example of it.”