Mindful shopping: Biggest-ever Designers’ Holiday Bazaar extends from Makati to Quezon City and Davao

In a few days, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to make his fifth State of the Nation Address (SoNA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, and along with it, the anticipated return of SONA fashions.

In a recent exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, esteemed Filipino designer and indigenous textiles advocate Lulu Tan-Gan pondered on the current state of Filipino fashion and shared the industry-related issues she wished the president would address in his next SoNA.

According to her, she wishes the president would address how artisans, such as piña weavers, could be supported to provide regular and steady supply for designers like her who champion the use of authentic Filipino piña.

Tan-Gan is among the featured designers at the upcoming Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB), a pioneering holiday marketplace that returns for its 13th year with a multi-city expansion.

This year, DHB embraces the theme “Sinag” (Ray of Light), symbolizing the profound inspiration that radiates from Filipinos’ rich heritage and emerging local talent. DHB 2026 creates even more opportunities for exhibitors to showcase their work and for a wider audience to discover thoughtfully-made products across fashion, food, home, wellness and lifestyle.

“DHB has always been rooted in the belief that Filipino creativity deserves to be seen, celebrated and supported,” shares Bea Zobel Jr., curator and co-founder, in a statement. “As we grow into more communities this year, we hope to create even more opportunities for local artisans and entrepreneurs to thrive. Every purchase made at DHB helps sustain small businesses and support the next generation of creative talent.”

This year, DHB will bring its curated marketplace to three key destinations across the country: Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City (3 to 6 September); TriNoma, Quezon City (14 to 18 October) and Glorietta and Ayala Museum (27 November to 6 December).

From a refined mix of local streetwear to eco-conscious lifestyle pieces and artisanal culinary treasures, the fair will showcase more or less 300 exhibitors from all over the Philippines and for the first time extends beyond Makati, the biggest mounting of the 13-year-old bazaar, said Paul Vincent Mercado, Ayala Foundation Inc. senior director for Marketing and External Relations.

“For the first time, we’re making it more accessible, not only to the buying public, but also to artisans,” he told DAILY TRIBUNE at the bazaar’s recent press launch.

“The idea is to grow it… the opportunity is not just for the exhibitors, but also for the buying public to be able to help. It’s good, right — to be able to shop while being able to help at the same time?” he said of the bazaar, where entrance is free-of-charge, and would feature up-and-coming artists.

“What makes it special is that we’re enabling people — the buying public and the artisans — to do something that is good and with real impact.”

For more than a decade, DHB has committed to creating meaningful impact through its charitable initiatives and long-standing community partnerships.

The scholarship program supported by DHB has made it possible for students to pursue their education from junior high school through college. Managed in partnership with Ayala Foundation, the program has celebrated eight college graduates since 2024, with 18 scholars currently pursuing their studies. Continued support from the DHB community will also welcome a new CENTEX graduate into the program, ensuring that another student can embark on the same educational journey.

At the same time, young classical dancers trained under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation have gone on to perform with prestigious companies such as Ballet Manila, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Alberta Ballet and the American Ballet Theater. The initiative has supported over 58 dance scholars from Bauan, Batangas and Manila.

“One of the most rewarding things about DHB is seeing how many lives are touched through this platform,” says Sofia Zobel Elizalde, curator and co-founder, in the same satetement. “When people choose to shop local, they are not only supporting talented artisans and entrepreneurs — they are contributing to a larger community of makers, families and beneficiaries. That spirit of shared purpose continues to inspire us every year.”