With this year’s holiday reunions on hold, the next best thing Filipinos can do to make family and friends feel loved this Christmas is to send them the best gifts—and where better (and safer) to shop, than at the beloved online MaArte @ ZALORA.
An annual tradition that celebrates and supports some of the most beloved Filipino boutique brands, MaArte Fair has reinvented itself once again by migrating its “venue” to leading online marketplace ZALORA Philippines. Patrons are guaranteed the same MaArte experience, which is all about supporting local businesses, augmenting the fundraising efforts of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI), and ultimately the foundation’s main beneficiary—the National Museum of the Philippines.
“Supporters of the MaArte Fair and the MFPI will be happy to know that more of their favorite exhibitors have joined since MaArte @ ZALORA went online last October,” says MFPI President Albert Avellana. “There’s more reason to revisit the flagship store, as more exhibitors mean much more variety and better chances of finding that special and unique Christmas gift for your friends and loved ones.”
From jewelry to fashion to home decor, MaArte @ ZALORA promises nothing but beautifully made products that proudly showcase local talent and craftsmanship. Along with their personal picks and gift recommendations, the online fair’s exhibitors share their heartfelt wishes for the country, as we continue to cope with Covid-19.
Loungin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Evita Degamo of WVC Wear Your Culture believes that looking good and being presentable is still important even during the WFH (Work From Home) era. “Just because we have to stay home all the time doesn’t mean we can’t dress up anymore!” she says. From her MaArte @ ZALORA inventory, she urges shoppers to check out WVC’s Ann Puff Sleeves Dress Shirt. “Each piece is meticulously handcrafted with beautiful and colorful patterns from indigenous groups in the Philippines,” Degamo says.
When asked about her holiday wish, Degamo says she longs for the miraculous end of the pandemic for the sake of her business and her community partners: “SMEs like us were really affected by the Covid19 pandemic. But those who really suffer are the people behind our company, our partner communities.”
Isa Velayo of Antukin Sleepwear, encourages patrons to browse her inventory of stylish creations. My sleepwear makes for a smart and practical gift because we are all staying home during the COVID pandemic – studying, working, chilling out. Her dresses which come in various sizes for adult women and children have consistently drawn huge crowds in previous MaArte fairs at Rockwell and The Peninsula Manila for their graceful aesthetic and timeless design. For the holidays, her wish is simple: “For everyone to have food to eat to survive the COVID pandemic.”
Totes of Christmas
More than wishing for the pandemic to be over, designer Amina Aranaz-Alunan also hopes for everyone “to remember the lessons from this experience and move forward to a better world.” In the meantime, to make this year’s festivities brighter, she recommends that MaArte @ ZALORA shoppers “add to cart” the Martina clutch, which showcases Aranaz’s signature style that perfectly exudes an elegant and feminine tropical lifestyle.
Another bag that may come in handy in this new normal is the T’nalak Clear Fringe Tote by Coco & Tres. According to its designer Jen Sarmiento, who also fervently wishes to be safely reunited with her loved ones, the tote sports the perfect compact size for one‘s essentials — and more. “It’s stylish, and easy to clean and sanitize,” Sarmiento says. “It can accompany you in the city or during those short out-of-town trips. You’ll be able to use it during these trying times and even after.”
For the Merry Gentlemen
If it’s Pinoy pride you’re looking to wear or give as a gift this Christmas, Ibarra Watches by Nico Moreno may have the perfect piece. Moreno’s pick is the 38mm Mariano Automatic Dress Watch in Rose Gold because of its versatility and timeless vintage look. Moreno himself wishes for the gift of time — to spend with family and loved ones — and he hopes the same for his kababayans during this holiday season, despite the very turbulent year.
Aside from time, good health for all is what Clarice Ecuacion of Siklo Enterprises wishes for this Christmas. “At the end of the day, we all want to keep and stay healthy. A healthy population is a wealthy nation,” she says.
Ecuacion therefore recommends that Pinoys take up cycling — and make good use of Siklo’s Bakoko backpack. With an outer shell that’s weatherproof (as it is upcycled from tire inner tube rubber), the bag’s padded back panel is soft on the back coupled with 100% breathable shoulder strap for maximum comfort.
“The hybrid design features versatility suitable also for casual everyday use. On top of it all, it is a statement for eco-ethical lifestyle,” Ecuacion adds. “And, yes, it is very affordable to most.”
As we learn how to love in this new normal, Vic Barba of Vittorio shares an interesting wish: “For us to wake up to a greater normal — with a little bit of luck for good measure.”
But in the meantime, Barba has come up with Valiant face masks under his brand, to help Filipinos stay stylish while staying safe. “‘Valiant’ means possessing or showing courage or determination, which one has to be in times like these,” he says.
Valiant face masks are made from denim, and come in blue or grey. The straps are adjustable, and it fits both men and women. All masks are three-ply and have nose clips and cotton lining, which makes them surprisingly breathable.
Put It In Writing
Wishes to be reunited with loved ones abound now that the holidays are just around the corner — and no one knows that feeling of longing more than Mia Villanueva of MCV Designs. It has been a year since she last saw her son, who is based in Hong Kong, and her only wish is to be able to travel to visit him again.
For those lucky enough to be with their children this Christmas, Villanueva recommends that they share the gift of writing through MCV’s Solihiya Gift Tag box. “This gift is classy, elegant, and ready to give, since it comes in a box already. It is also reasonably priced at P750,” she says.
Wittam Bautista of Pika Pika Cards also recommends that Filipinos send out Christmas gift cards in order to make their messages for loved ones more heartfelt and sincere. She shares her own wish: “For better days ahead, for us to control the outbreak, and for the end of this pandemic so the whole world can return to normalcy ASAP. May 2021 be brighter, happier and most of all healthier!”
Bringing Joy To The Home
While it may sound cliché, what Reena Peña of WHIMSY by Silay Export wishes for is for peace and harmony to prevail across the world. “If only everyone were considerate and kind to one another, I am sure the world will be a better place,” she says.
In fact, Peña says that when she designs her pieces, she always considers the reaction of their recipients. She is guided by the question: Will this item give joy to its new home?
From the Maarte @ ZALORA selection, Peña recommends that shoppers try her serving trays. Sturdy, beautiful, and functional, the trays are available in three sizes, and can be used in other ways, such as desk or accessories organizer. “The beauty of this blue and white shibori inspired pattern is it does not choose any gender,” Peña adds.
Creations that can easily bring Christmas to life at home is Milvidas’ hand-crocheted Christmas balls, as recommended by its designer Tina Romualdez, who dearly misses selling in physical bazaars (and therefore wishes for a Covid-19 vaccine to arrive soon).
To decorate the Noche Buena table, Mike and Banj Claparols’ Creative Definitions sells the Negros Hablon Table Runner, which was specially handwoven by master weaver Helen Managuit of Valladolid, Negros Occidental. “The weave patterns are all her creation, ingrained by time as she watched her own mother weave all day decades ago. The fabric is made of 100% Philippine cotton and dyed with Azo free dyes, which are safe to the skin and will not bleed. It is also easy to wash either by hand or by machine, and hang to dry,” say the Claparols, who are missing their partner communities and are hoping to travel once more to visit them.
On Kylie Misa‘s mind this holiday season are those who are most in need, especially amid this pandemic, and she wishes that Filipinos extend their gifting tradition in order to generously help such people get through the challenges they are facing. A gift that she recommends from her brand WVN Home Textiles is the Holiday Dining Set, which features texture neutrals with soft touches of gold designed to pair with any Christmas dinner setting. “The set comes in beautiful and local Christmas packaging in an abaca bag that can be re-used for other purposes,” Misa says.
Speaking of local, Marga Palafox of Beyond Borders enjoins Filipinos to support homegrown brands this Christmas, and even after. “The movement toward the support and patronage for all things local is ever so important in this day, while the world is recuperating from everything that has been happening in 2020. Our artisans and local manufacturers need our continued support,” she says.
Among her line of locally produced creations is the Throw, a perfect gift item not just for individuals, but also the entire family. The Throw can be used in multiple ways: as a picnic or beach blanket; for snuggling under while watching movies at home; as a play mat; or for lounging in the garden.
“Our relatives abroad also love this kind of gift because it is machine-washable. The best part is, it is handwoven locally and it showcases true Filipino craftsmanship. It blends traditional and love for local, but the applications/uses for the Throw are attuned to our modern lifestyle,“ Palafox says.
The negativity brought about by the pandemic may be hard to battle even during the holidays, which is why Marge Obligacion of Gifts & Graces recommends that MaArte @ ZALORA shoppers check out the T’boli Brass 3-Bell Chime. “The tinkling sound of the bells are believed to drive away negative vibes and evil spirits. It’s the perfect gift any time of the year. Our brass bell chime by the T’boli tribe was die-cast by hand by artisans living on the hills of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato,” says Obligacion.
While driving out the negativity, Obligacion also wished for all Filipinos not to lose hope in these trying times, “and for everyone to keep the faith and trudge on. This, too, shall pass.“
Let Your Holidays Sparkle
There’s nothing like a bit of sparkle to brighten up one’s holidays—and Tim Tam Ong showcases, as part of MaArte @ ZALORA, her pearl creolla earrings. “It is an elegant, classic piece that’s very wearable. I particularly like how unique the design is, so it would make a beautiful heirloom piece as well.”
Like her beautiful jewelry, Ong’s wish for this Christmas is full of light: “I wish for all the suffering in 2020 to end, so that the world can begin to heal. It has been a tough year, and it’s painful to see the world suffer. Indeed it has made us stronger and made us realize a lot of things, but I wish for healing and peace, so people can start to recover from this challenging time.”
If it’s a statement piece you’re looking to wear this Christmas, TdLG by Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez has the Pauline Choker, which comes in three varied color combinations. According to Gonzalez, the choker is one of their classic pieces, as it has become a favorite of many of their friends. “It is quite easy to pair with any ensemble — be it casual, dressy or even business. With its fun, festive hues, it makes for a fitting holiday present to a dear loved one, and perhaps yourself,” she says.
