The Designers’ Holiday Bazaaar takes place at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao, Sept 3–6; Trinoma, Quezon City, Oct. 14–18; and Glorietta and Ayala Museum, Makati, Nov. 27–Dec 6.
It began as an exclusive holiday showcase of premium Filipino lifestyle items, many of which were exported abroad and brought together for early Christmas shopping at Greenbelt 5, hence the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar (DHB). The initial concept was driven by philanthropist Bea Zobel Jr. and the late designer Tes Pasola, who curated a tightly selected lineup of designer-manufacturers. Designer Tony Gonzales helped identify participating brands, including prominent furniture and accessories designers Rene Vidal and Maricris Floirendo Brias. Gonzales described the early DHB as a curated pop-up of companies, distinct from other artisanal fairs such as MaArte because the pieces were not widely available locally and were positioned at a higher design level without competing with other craft events.
That national pride and livelihood traces back to Bea’s earlier work in the late 2000s with the Dauis Renaissance Program in Bohol. She and Pasola restored the historic church and convent and developed a heritage center with a museum, café, souvenir shop, and livelihood programs, linking cultural preservation with community enterprise. The same approach continued in Kalye Artisano at the Lio Tourism Estate in El Nido, conceived by Gonzales and developed by Bea and her daughter Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala as a creative hub for Filipino artisans and makers.
Today, DHB reflects that same continuum of work, evolving from an exclusive retail showcase into a broader platform that includes emerging entrepreneurs. This season, it will expand to other Ayala malls, and is supported by more corporate partners.
DHB organizers Sofia Zobel Elizalde and Paloma Urquio Zobel de Ayala
“What I love most about DHB is that it’s a bazaar with a heart,” said co-organizer Sofia Zobel-Elizalde. “It’s not only about supporting local artistry, designers and entrepreneurs, but it is also giving back to the country—education through my sister’s scholars, and the arts, which is something very close to my heart.”
Twenty percent of DHB’s sales support the Steps Scholarship Foundation and Ayala Foundation’s Center of Excellence, funding the schooling for children and youth as well as training for young dancers. This year’s edition expands beyond Glorietta and Ayala Museum in Makati with new stops in TriNoma in Quezon City and Abreeza Davao. Organizers said the expansion aims to widen participation and allow local designers to test and grow their businesses. The early announcement of DHB is meant to ensure awareness of its expansion, giving the public time to plan visits. The launching earlier also helps attract creative entrepreneurs by allowing them to prepare and consider joining the event in new markets.
The Ayala Foundation has been a vital partner in ensuring proceeds from the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar reach their intended beneficiaries. Paul Mercado, senior director for marketing and external relations at the Ayala Foundation, said this year’s theme, “Sinag,” serves as the bazaar’s North Star, guiding its push toward greater inclusivity by expanding beyond Makati and encouraging wider participation. Since the partnership began, the 13-year-old DHB has supported 80 scholars under the Ayala Foundation’s Center of Excellence, with last year’s event generating its largest combined donation yet for both the Ayala Foundation and Steps Scholarship Foundation. Mercado said the goal is not only to raise funds, but to reach more students and young artists, making every purchase a form of giving back.
Since the partnership began, the 13-year-old DHB has supported 80 scholars under the Ayala Foundation’s Center of Excellence
Several exhibitors said the Designers’ Holiday Bazaar has been instrumental in growing their brands. Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of Ayala Land Hospitality, said it helped launch her fashion label PioPio by providing practical business guidance, a market to test her products, and connections with artisans she still collaborates with today. She said DHB’s greatest strength is its supportive community, which is committed to nurturing Filipino craftsmanship and helping entrepreneurs succeed.
Fashion designer Lulu Tan-Gan said DHB stands out among other artisan fairs for blending tradition with contemporary design while connecting consumers with artisans across the country. Known for her piña work, she has collaborated with weavers in Aklan for two decades, and said stronger demand has improved livelihoods and encouraged younger weavers to continue the craft. Pia Sy, co-founder of For Keeps Clean Beauty, said joining DHB last December helped the young brand grow its customer base after launching during the pandemic. She added that the brand highlights locally sourced ingredients such as calamansi, dalandan, pili, and virgin coconut oil, reflecting the bazaar’s focus on Filipino entrepreneurship.
Desserts offered by Flour Pot, one of Designers’ Holiday Bazaar’s exhibitors
Rhea Castro SyCip, chef-patron of Flour Pot, which opened its first bakery-bistro at Verve Residences in BGC last December, said the products are made with locally sourced ingredients. Its chocolate cake uses tablea from a cooperative in San Isidro, Davao that she has supported since 2007, while its pili cheesecake is made with house-made mazapan using local pili nuts. Its ube cakes use seasonal kinampay ube from Bohol or ube from Good Shepherd in Tagaytay when out of season. She said DHB has been strong for business, with customers often starting with a slice and later returning to order five to 10 boxes. Bestsellers include durian cake, strawberry shortcake, strawberry doughnuts, and ube cakes, helping build repeat customers.
Ultimately, DHB’s strength lies in its charity work. Eight dancers from the 32-year-old Steps Dance Studio, of which Elizalde is the founder, are currently on scholarships in summer intensives in Canada and the United States, with allowances funded through DHB proceeds. She said her late mother, Beatriz Zobel de Ayala, instilled the value that children should have equal opportunities, which continues to guide her work in sending dancers abroad.
She said DHB’s earlier efforts allowed her foundation to support Royal Academy of Dance exams, uniforms, costumes, and free classes. The program has since expanded alongside international competitions which open doors to scholarships abroad. The main challenge, she said, is covering travel and basic expenses even when training itself is free.
Through DHB, the Steps Scholarship Foundation now helps fund airfare and allowances, including sending four students to the Joffrey Summer Intensive in New York and supporting Angelo Kyle Taktungkol, who began at Centex in Tondo and is now at Alberta Ballet School in Canada. Former scholar Danier Lagazano is now with Alberta Ballet, Canada’s premier dance company, while Lance Saagundo attends The Rock School in Pennsylvania. He also received a scholarship from Stella Abrera, director of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, the pre-professional ballet division of the American Ballet Theatre in New York City.
Elizalde said competitions have become key pathways for exposure, replacing earlier reliance on video auditions and international guest teachers who may spot a potential talent to be sent abroad. She said DHB plays a crucial role in funding these opportunities by bridging the gap in travel and living costs, allowing Filipino dancers to train and compete abroad.
During the holiday bazaar, Steps Studio also stages performances at Ayala Malls featuring dancers, singers, musicians, and other performers. Elizalde said the goal is not only retail, but also celebrating the arts, noting that dance brings joy across generations, especially during the Christmas season.
GCash, through chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad, said it continues to support the DHB by introducing tools that make payments easier for both merchants and shoppers. He highlighted GCash SoundPay+, which allows F&B vendors to hear real-time payment confirmations, and GCash Easy POS, a lightweight terminal that enables small retailers to accept QR and card payments seamlessly. He also announced that DHB merchants will now have an increased wallet limit of up to P5 million without additional requirements, aimed at supporting higher sales and smoother operations. Trinidad said the upgrades are intended to simplify transactions and help exhibitors focus on running their businesses while improving the overall bazaar experience.
Likewise, Globe Telecom is expanding the Platinum Lounge at the DHB to enhance the experience of both shoppers and exhibitors. It is also strengthening its business solutions for participants and focusing on storytelling through a “real people, real stories” campaign that will showcase exhibitors across its network of about 67 million users. The initiative aims to amplify exhibitors’ narratives and support merchants in reaching wider audiences.
