A bazaar that also sells memories

What if you walked into a store and on the shelves were items that reminded you of a happy, carefree yesterday? Of times that you would always like to remember?

That’s what makes the annual Assumption Bazaar, unfolding this Sunday, Nov. 18 at the Mayuree Ballroom of the Dusit Thani in Makati, one-of-a-kind. It not only sells world-class gift items, décor, food, jewelry, it also has a table or two for memories, some of them edible — like the iconic Assumption Tarts.

Art of Gold.

The Bazaar will be for the benefit of the Assumption Mission schools. Even if you are not an AC alumna, you will delight in what the 133 vendors have to offer.

I have had a chance to have a look at the products that will be up for sale and I can’t wait to be the first in line when the bazaar opens at 9 a.m. There was a year when genuine silverware was donated to the White Elephant booth by an alumna (who was probably downsizing her home) and the early bird — a representative of a famous restaurant — chanced upon the trove and bought it in a heartbeat. Now, that was a steal!

Karisma ni Maria.

Some of my early personal favorites from the bazaar, because I like arranging my dinner table in a myriad of ways, include placemats and napkins from Amber & Anne, trays from Art of Gold, and dainty floral-themed table accessories from Sugar Plum and Karisma ni Maria.

There will also be this popular blanket-cum-robe from Bleeves, fashion accessories from Nix’s designs, Island Style bags, Teja earrings, Twin Trade slip-ons, clutches from Woven Crafts. Of course, aside from Assumption Tarts, there will be the famous Food for the Gods and Rhum Cake from Valerie’s Kitchen, Rosel Finest Khalas Dates and Diche’s Organics.

Sugar Plum.

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Now, for the memories.

Marlu Villanueva Balmaceda, the current president of the Assumption Alumnae Association, has written a keepsake of a book, Tombola and Other Stories, which every Assumption girl of the pre-millennial generation can identify with. First published 15 years ago, it strings together all the pearls of memory of our student days at both the Assumption in Herran (which was sold in 1973 and saw its ultimate graduation of students in 1974) and Assumption San Lorenzo (still standing) into one lustrous collection. The book will be sold during the bazaar and Marlu will sign copies.

Marlu Balmaceda and Mother Mercedes. Photo from Marlu Balmaceda's Facebook page

“Tombola” is a raffle container (usually revolving), one of the games the nuns supervised during school fairs and Mother Superior’s feast days. Marlu has formed a special bond with the nun who was manning the tombola booth, Mother Mercedes, and she narrates how she won far more than the jackpot during that fair.

Marlu also takes us down memory lane — albeit drawn in a book — to the musty auditorium that echoed with music from ballet recitals and hushed whispers of ghost graduates who would reportedly ascend the stage on Graduation Day (unverified of course); the administration building; the beloved chapel, which to this day, I find refuge in, even in my dreams; the lagoon full of slimy water and shrieks every time its lone canoe overturned in its knee-deep waters. Ah, so many memories bind us.

Tombolo and Other Stories by Maria L.V. Balmaceda.

No wonder we troop to the Assumption Bazaar, not just to shop but to bond.

Truly, it is all about coming home.

(For inquires, call the AAA office at 894-3561.)