by Paolo Luna

Christmas in the Philippines, popular to us Filipinos as Paskong Pinoy, is probably one, if not the most, looked-forward-to events of the year. We, Filipinos, are known to the world for our exuberance in showcasing the Christmas spirit, as we gladly make this time of the year our season for merriment, religion, and reunion with family.

Perhaps the most noticeable behavior of the Filipino people during the Yuletide season is their enthusiasm for preparation. As early as October, houses would brighten the subdivision with lights and lanterns and waving statues of Santa Claus. By early November, stalls selling lanterns and house decorations would pop up. You have to admit, Christmas shopping is exciting, and without it, Paskong Pinoy is not the same.

The Ateneo Management Engineering Association (MEA) shares the hype of Christmas shopping and sees it as an opportunity to gather existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their products amidst the Yuletide rush in an annual project known as Paskong MEA Bazaar.

Paskong MEA Bazaar 2011: Santa’s Village Bazaar

The Bazaar

This year’s bazaar, entitled “Santa’s Village”, will be held at People’s Village 1 and 2, Tiendesitas on November 26-27. The participating entrepreneurs are expected to grab hold of the income opportunities of the approaching Christmas season.

All concessionaires would be given stalls 2 by 2 meters in dimension, varying in prices according to the stall’s location. Preferred stalls, placed strategically better, cost 5000Php, while the regular stalls cost 4000Php. Student-owned businesses are given an 800Php discount.

MEA would also like to grab the opportunity to advertise its many projects, like the MEA-CSR Enterprise Development Competition, by giving them the chance to set-up their own stalls.

The bazaar would showcase a wide variety of Christmas items ranging from decorations to food.

Calesa rides are available inside the People’s Village

The Venue

The People’s Village 1 and 2 in Tiendesitas cannot be better a location to hold this year’s Paskong MEA Bazaar. The place was originally built and dedicated to hold and showcase Filipino tradition. Located along C-5 Road near Quezon City, Tiendesitas was a project by the Department of Tourism to build a collection of shops showcasing the talent of Filipinos by selling a wide variety of Filipino-made products such as food, antiques, furniture, accessories, handicrafts, novelty items and plants.

Santa’s Village Bazaar

Previous Bazaars

Paskong MEA has had its success through the years and this is manifested in its previous bazaars. As the legacy of the project lives on, MEA wishes to continue spreading the Christmas spirit, while utilizing the Christmas shopping rush at the same time, to gain income and to promote entrepreneurship. MEA shares with every Filipino its excitement for the upcoming season of Joy, and it hopes that it could make the Filipino Christmas experience better with this project.

Indeed, Paskong Pinoy would not be complete without the early preparations and anxious shopping. What would be a better way to spend Christmas than to see a loved one smile from a simple gift? So what are you waiting for? Visit Paskong MEA Bazaar 2011: Santa’s Village and be part of an exciting Christmas escapade!