Aliwan Fiesta hopes to boost regional trade

MANILA, Philippines - Summer is the season when local and foreign tourists savor local delicacies and shop around for specialty products that would cost only a fraction of normal retail prices in the city.  

Aliwan Fiesta, the grand cultural extravaganza produced by Manila Broadcasting Company in tandem with the Cultural Center of the Philippines to bring together the country’s major festivals in a single venue, once again showcases regional trade in its three-day Shoppers Bazaar at the CCP Complex. Those who have outstanding products to sell from different areas of the country are encouraged to display their wares at the booths available during the event, which takes place on April 14-16, just off Sotto Street in front of Aliw Theatre.

Elevating shopping to an art form and cultural phenomenon, Aliwan Fiesta hopes to guarantee the buying public with quality pasalubong made by the country’s finest craftsmen. Boutiques specializing in island RTW, footwear, jewelry and accessories, along with handicraft shops, stores and restaurants selling gourmet delicacies, even fruit and flower farms, are invited to roll out their respective kiosks in a unified effort to highlight national pride and regional identity. Weaving cooperatives, tribal showrooms, free-trade organizations and other NGOs marketing local produce as part of the creative industries sector are also welcome.    

Now in its ninth year, Aliwan Fiesta’s Shoppers Bazaar caters to shopaholics who would normally plan an extensive shopping spree throughout the islands. Terracotta, ikat, mother-of-pearl, t’nalak, embroidered piña, ube jam, abel iloko, strawberries, budbod-kabod, marang, Ifugao blankets, bagnet, bamboo instruments, danggit, wooden furniture, espasol, tribal beads, nito bracelets — you’ll find them all and much more.

For inquiries on the Aliwan Fiesta Shoppers Bazaar, call Teray Rivas of MBC at 6800-3495 to 96.