Saturday, December 16, 2006 Good finds at Christmas bazaar By Janette Teves Mom-About-Town
EVERY end of November, I personally look forward to going to the biggest Christmas bazaar in the city organized by the Davao Convention and Trade Center.
With over 200 exhibitors, this delightful flea market gives discriminating Davao shoppers the chance to buy trendy apparel and accessories, delicious treats, one-of-a-kind household decorations, among others.
Two years ago, my dentist friend Jennifer Lim and I joined the Davcon bazaar for the first time. We sold surplus shirts of a known local brand as well as other children's items. For four days, we sat in the open air tent under the scorching heat of the sun.
It was a challenging experience to market our items with so many equally aggressive competitors promoting similar stuff. We were thankful every time a friend or familiar face would pass by (Alleluia!) because then, we could make "chika-chika" (small talk) and sell some of our merchandise on the side.
In the end, we were quite pleased with the extra income we earned from that event, not bad for a few days of work.
This year's bazaar featured several unique items. The good news is that these can be ordered and purchased even after the bazaar. Some of my treasured finds include:
WEE WEE CAKES -- No, it is not an edible cake but a creatively designed "cake" made of diapers, baby clothing and accessories. It is the perfect gift for mommy friends during baby showers and hospital visits. Prices range from P450 to P1,000 for 3-tier and 4-tier cakes. For orders, you may call Rowena Chio Uy at cellphone number (0917) 8551685.
MALAGOS FRUIT WINE -- Grown, processed and produced in Davao by the Puentespina Farm. It is a slightly sweet and semi-dry fruit wine made from the locally available bignay (antidesma bonius l.) or currant tree berries. Sold at P300, its stocks are limited as the farm makes only 3,000 wines annually. Get them at the Puentespina Orchids and Tropical Plants in Bolcan St., Agdao or call tel. nos. 2264446/2211395.
APARCHE CHICAGO STYLE CARAMEL APPLE -- Growing up watching "Mary Poppins," I have always wondered how these attractive caramel apples tasted (remember the scene where they went to the fair?). I was so excited to see these treats at the bazaar.
If you buy them in Disneyland, they would cost you US$7 (ouch!). Davao price? An affordable P48!
Pay an extra P12 if you want it packaged in a gold box. Flavors available: extreme caramel, caramel with nuts, caramel with choco cinnamon and caramel with desiccated coconut. Contact Aparche Foods at (0915)9444707/(0918)2406070 for orders. Supercalifragilisticexpialidoceous!
ROOTS ZINGER -- A refreshing drink made of nutritious vegetables, lemonsito and clean raw sugar. It does not contain any artificial color and preservatives. A one-liter bottle (P160) can make up to 20 to 23 8 oz. glasses of juice while the 350ml-bottle (P60), 8-10 8 oz. glasses of juice. Drink up! Call (0917) 7197359.
CLIO BY MEDSUITS, INC. SCRUB SUITS -- Who among us doesn't have a friend or relative who is pursuing nursing as a first or second course? Don't know what to give them this Christmas? Try these colorful and export quality scrub suits (sizes from small to XXXL).
Made of 100 percent cotton/polyester cotton, the printed and plain tops are priced from P270-P300 while the top and bottom set from P510 to P700.
They also have a top and flare pants set (P690) for those who want to remain fashionable and hip in the otherwise drab hospital setting. You may get in touch with their local distributor, Scrub Out, at tel. no. 2358273 or (0916) 4841835 for orders. Look for Mrs. Raquel Gonzales-Bernardino.
I am sharing with you photos of my other interesting and good finds. Happy last-minute Christmas shopping!
