Fabulous finds & festivities this weekend in Alabang
The Zonta Club of Alabang holds the unique and festive Christmas Carnivale Bazaar today and tomorrow, Nov. 22 and 23, at the Cuenca Court in Ayala Alabang.
“What began as a simple plan for a themed bazaar just grew by leaps and bounds over the past few months,” Zonta Club Alabang president Maymay Liechtenstein says with pride. “It’s no longer just a bazaar — it’s an all-out shopping and entertainment extravaganza, complete with activities, shows, and exhibitions guaranteed to engage the entire community.”
Bazaar committee heads Fides Tensuan and Joanne Pedrosa explained that to raise the bar, club members were tasked to seek out vendors and create activities not normally found in other bazaars. “We didn’t want to have the same old stuff you can find anywhere and everywhere. We wanted to offer the community something different in terms of merchandise, ambience, and activities — something every member of the family, regardless of age or gender, could really enjoy.”
And their efforts paid off. Visitors can expect an impressive lineup of the most unique gift items, tasty treats, and entertaining events ever seen at the Cuenca Court — many of which are exclusive to the Christmas Carnivale Bazaar.
Exclusive gift items include do-it-yourself book kits for children (which can be published when completed) by Sabina’s Books; premium American craft beer from Global Beer Exchange; vintage and heirloom jewelry; one-of-a-kind frozen fruit bars; native deli products and creative handicrafts such as T’boli costumes from Lake Sebu and Moriones masks from Marinduque.
Other fabulous finds include Amu’in natural spa products by Aman Pulo spa consultant Kathy Turvill; innovative space and storage solutions by Storage Experts & Cabaña Workshop; Sunkissed beach wear; hand-painted tin and textiles by Art of Gold; woodworks by Play of Wood; Kaboost portable chair boosters; artistic tabletop accessories by Accentuations; utility, yoga and laptop bags; leather animal-shaped bookends; an assortment of organic and earth-friendly gifts…and the list goes on.
Foodies can look forward to a mouthwatering smorgasbord of delicious meals, snacks, and other food products, both for consumption onsite and as takeaway or gift items. Food vendors include Bizu, Mickey’s Deli, Russian Cookies, Chef Florabel Co, The Sweet Life by Ange, Muesli & Granola Kitchen, La Cocina de Tita Moning, Theobroma, Sweet Surrender, Cocina Mediterranea, and many, many more.
Even non-shoppers are bound to have a great time, with the full schedule of events and activities lined up to add to the weekend’s festivities.
Dog lovers in particular should definitely mark their calendars, as highlights of the Christmas Carnivale include the Philippine MondioRing Club’s annual dog competitions, a dancing dog performance, and a Snazzy Fashion Dog Parade. Free pet vaccinations, grooming, and other vet services sponsored by Pet One will also be available all day today.
Kids can spend hours at the Creative Kids Arts & Crafts activity booth, which will also be selling arts and crafts kits to keep or give away as presents. The Nail Tropics booth will offer free nail art services and express manicures for only P100. A wine-tasting session sponsored by Ralph’s Wines and Spirits will be held tonight. Tarot card readings are available today and tomorrow, and magic shows, impersonators, Fire Zips performers, and a live band are also scheduled to provide entertainment throughout the weekend.
Activities today are as follows: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. — free vet services by Pet One; 9 a.m. to 12 noon — dog exhibitions by the Philippine MondioRing Club, extreme long jump, extreme vertical wall jump and Frisbee throwing; 12 noon — Z-Club Christmas chorale presentation; 3 to 4 p.m. — dancing dog exhibition and registration of dogs for fashion parade; 4 to 5 p.m. — Snazzy Fantasy Fashion Dog Parade with categories such as fairy tale, formal wear, sportswear, and rave attire; 5 p.m. — magic show; 6:30 to 9 p.m. — wine tasting sponsored by Ralph’s Wines & Spirits, live band, fire zips exhibition by Planet Zips.
Tomorrow, Nov. 23, activities are: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Philippine MondioRing competitions in obedience, agility, protection; 4 p.m. — magic show; 6 to 7 p.m. — “Oo La La” show with impersonators from Club Mwah.
Visit the Zonta Club of Alabang website at www.zonta-alabang.org. The Christmas Carnivale Bazaar is sponsored by Barangay Ayala Alabang, Pepsi, Citibank, Bizu Patisserie & Bistro, Suzuki Alabang, Digiprint, and the Belo Medical Group, with the support of The Philippine Star, Teriyaki Boy, Pancake House, Alveo Land, Congo Grille, Golfers Club Shares, Sophia’s Mediterranean Deli, Old Swiss Inn, Philstar.com, Krispy Kreme, the Philippine MondioRing Club, Pet One, Nutragold Holistic Formulas, and Diamond Pet Foods.