MANILA, Philippines - Christmas began early in Metro Manila as Noel Bazaar and Christmas Shop Expo, the country’s biggest fund-raising and benefit bazaar in partnership with GMA Network, recently opened at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Dubbed the Bazaar With A Heart, the two-part Yuletide sale is now on its 13th year in celebrating the spirit of giving, sharing and shopping with its biggest and longest edition to date.
Noel Bazaar features the best gifts and personal items from select pool of merchants for the best shopping experience the holiday season while helping the underprivileged.
Opening the 17-day sale were German Moreno who welcomed the exhibitors and shoppers and Zendee Rose Tenerefe who treated the audience with songs that made her a YouTube sensation.
GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) COO Mel Tiangco led the distribution of gifts to child beneficiaries of the GMAKF.
Spicing up the bazaar are special events such as the Build a Christmas Tree Competition, the Noel Show Choir Competition, the Philippine Flair Open, the annual Gift-Giving Session of GMA Kapuso Foundation, Shop Till You Drop Contest, Christmas Tree Lighting Project and the GMA Celebrity Auctions.
Shoppers can rummage at bargains at the GMA Celebrity Pavilion and get the chance to meet and greet stars in their booths namely Gladys Reyes, Alessandra de Rossi, Joyce Ching, Jean and Jennica Garcia, Moymoy Palaboy, Isabel Oli and Stef Prescott, Glaiza de Castro, Ramon Stanley, Tado and Polo Ravales.
Other beneficiaries are the Bantayog ng mga Bayani and Associate Missionaries of Assumption Foundations, Gifts and Graces and Sts. Peter & John Parish Church’s Noel P. Gozon Memorial Clinic.
The Noel Bazaar will be at the PICC Forum Tent on Dec. 13 to 24 which will feature the most-awaited GMA Celebrity Ukay Ukay to be led by Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez.
For updates, follow Noel Bazaar on Facebook and Twitter or get in touch with Cut Unlimited at 687-0654, 687-0604 or e-mail at noelbazaars@gmail.com.