EVER since I came to Davao City in 2010 to study, Aldevinco Shopping Center was, to me, a pasalubong place intended for tourists and businessmen coming from different parts of the country looking for batik fabric, malong, bags, purses and authentic pearls. As someone from Mindanao, I didn’t initially think of it as my go-to shopping place when shopping for gift items for my family come Christmas time. It was always the malls that I think of first.
But as they say, this Covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things – including our perspective on shopping. On top of wanting to save money during quarantine, many Dabawenyos have also realized the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs. Aside from the given fact that it supports the local economy, it’s also easier to associate supporting small and local businesses with also helping them pay their bills and provide for the essential needs of the family. In short, buying products of local entrepreneurs is a gesture of bayanihan during these tough times.
Given this, I’ve also personally rediscovered Aldevinco online when the brand strengthened its social media presence. As a millennial, I realized how rich and diverse their selection of gift items is. They are not only limited to items for pasalubong but they have products that even the locals can appreciate.
In one of my visits to Aldevinco Shopping Center, I came across a few beautiful items that are perfect as gifts for your loved ones, especially considering Christmas is near.
For instance, when shopping for authentic yet affordable South Sea pearls in Davao, Aldevinco has always been the place to go to. There are so many stalls here selling pearls that you can choose from. In Casan Gems & Pearl Collection, I spotted a nice set of South Sea Pearls studded with diamonds. They’re very precious to look at and wear. As owner Casan Pundato Datumanong put it, beautiful women will look more beautiful when they wear pearl jewelry.
Always remember when shopping for Christmas that it is a wonderful gesture to not only buy gifts for our loved ones but to also advocate for and support our local entrepreneurs. This is so they, too, can celebrate a happy and hopeful holiday with their families.
Aldevinco Shopping Center is located in C.M. Recto Street, corner Roxas Avenue, Davao City. For inquiries, contact (082) 282-3322 or 0930 3542 186, or follow @aldevincoshoppingcenter on Facebook.
Favorite finds for Christmas:
1. Freshwater pearl set
Pearls give a certain kind of elegance to every woman who wears them and they’re perfect for any occasion. It’s perfect to give to the women close to our hearts like our moms, grandmothers, or girlfriend.
This freshwater pearl set (earrings + pendant + ring), previously P750 per set, is now at P1,000 for two sets at Zafreen Pearl Collection.
Zafreen Pearl Collection
0915-620-4250
2. Handwoven body bag
If there’s anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s the value of simplicity. With the newfound appreciation for a minimalist and simple lifestyle, this handwoven body bag comes in handy.
Retailing for only P450 in Minda’s Gift Shop, you got enough space for all the essential items that you need to bring for an errand run. The colorful patterns on the fabric are also a plus.
Minda’s Gift Shop
0918-902-2424
3. Ethnic handwoven women’s blazer
A visit to Aldevinco Shopping Center makes one realize how it’s actually a fashion hub for millennials and Gen Z alike. With the right perspective and a keen sense for mixing and matching pieces, you will get that unique look that the apparel at malls cannot match.
This women’s blazer I spotted from Algemca’s may be perfect for an edgy look in the city. The details on the fabric are also as interesting as they are colorful.
Algemca’s
0908-895-2450
4. Lucky charm bracelet
Filipinos are known for their cultural beliefs borrowed from the Chinese and other nationalities. A lot of people believe in the power of lucky charms to ward off evil spirits and bad luck, so charm bracelets are the perfect gift to end the challenging 2020 and hope for a better, prosperous 2021.
Dianagold Jewelry offers charm bracelets in different colored stones for only P400 per piece. The red bands are also adjustable so they are sure to fit your wrists well.
Daniagold Jewelry
0919-994-9395