Bazaars be with you!

You know that Christmas is near when bazaar banners begin to appear. One of the most popular Christmas bazaars of the season is that of my alma mater. The “Assumption Bazaar,” which is a two-Sunday affair, is awaited by many year after year.

The first day of the “Assumption Bazaar” held last Sept. 30 at the InterContinental Hotel in Makati City turned out to be a huge success. It felt like a grand Assumption family day as generations of Assumptionistas trooped in with their families in tow. Happy shoppers went home with their best buys and goodies.

“The ‘Assumption Bazaar’ is an annual project of the Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA). It started in the late ’90s and was then called the ‘Assumption Trade Fair’ held in the San Lorenzo School grounds,” said AAA secretary Marijo Severino.

In grand tradition, the College Silver Jubilarians usually spearheaded the activity. Later on, the AAA invited the Basic Education Family Council to join the project.

“From its inception, the Bazaar was so successful that the AAA was able to fund many more projects to help the various Assumption Mission Schools all over the country and most importantly, to help sponsor the needy students in their respective communities. An average of 4,000 children a year are enrolled in these mission schools. They are sons and daughters of farmers, fishermen, laborers, factory workers and market vendors,” added AAA administrative officer Patty Gallardo.

The Assumption Bazaar supports these schools to help provide basic education and much-needed livelihood programs. Helping the needy is a trait instilled in Assumption education by its founder St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus. These schools bring hope and self-reliance. They are St. Martin School in Crystal Cave, Baguio; Assumpta Technical High School in San Simon, Pampanga; San Juan Nepomuceno School in Malibay, Pasay City; Assumption School in Passi, Iloilo; Assumption Socio-Educational Center in Barrio Obrero, Iloilo City; Sta. Rita Academy in Sibalom, Antique; Xavier de Kibangay High School in Lantapan, Bukidnon and St. Vincent Academy in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

The annual “Assumption Bazaar” attracts many shoppers due to its wide variety of selected concessionaires.  There is always an affordable and interesting mix of clothes, shoes, home décor, accessories and jewelry. Not to be missed by avid foodies are the most scrumptious of delicacies which include my personal favorite — the Assumption Tarts which bring out joyful schoolday memories with every bite. The ultimate flaky buttercrust dipped in home-made guava jelly and baked by Assumption nuns comes packed in the most attractive plaid tin cans (inspired by the plaid neckties and pleated skirts of our grade school uniforms). The very dedicated bazaar committee makes it a point to tap Assumption alumnae who have unique goods and services to share.

The next bazaar is on Nov. 25, Sunday at the InterContinental Hotel Ballroom in Makati. The gates open at 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. Come one, come all! Bring the whole family. Remember that through shopping at the Assumption Bazaar, you are actually helping our needy brothers and sisters to acquire a good education.

 (Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com)