VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – Vigan City is spreading holiday cheer and supporting local businesses with the return of its popular Christmas food bazaar. Located in the northern part of Plaza Burgos, the bazaar is drawing in tourists and residents alike, showcasing a delightful array of local delicacies.
Over 40 exhibitors, primarily returning vendors from last year, are participating in the bazaar, which is strategically located near popular tourist attractions like Calle Crisologo. The vendors are offering a variety of local specialties, including “bibingka paskua” (rice cake), pastries, and traditional holiday foods.
“Many businesses are eager to join the food bazaar due to its prime location, attracting tourists and residents,” said Jo-anne Gutierrez, Vigan City Senior Tourism Operations Officer. “Since its start last year, it has positively impacted local food businesses and provided a platform to showcase our delicious products, which is our objective in conducting this activity.”
Boosting Business and Tourism:
The bazaar has proven to be a success, with exhibitors generating a total income of P35,457.76 in 2023. Gutierrez expects even higher sales this year, fueled by the holiday season and the influx of visitors from the annual “Lakbay Aral” (educational tour) program.
Christeta Cheng, owner of Ayen’s Food Products, is one of the enthusiastic exhibitors. She has been selling Vigan longganisa, bibingka, and other Ilocos delicacies since 2003.
“I started to join the bazaar only this year, and it helped me a lot because I no longer have a physical store due to the pandemic,” said Cheng. “Whenever there are invitations for bazaars like this, I make sure to join. The best part about these events is that they attract many visitors.”
Cheng expressed her gratitude to the city government for providing opportunities for local businesses to participate in trade fairs, especially during special occasions.
Jharl Emory Torio of Barangay Raois also expressed his gratitude to the city government for letting them join the bazaar for the second time.
He owns Yashika, a store specializing in producing caramel black kutsinta, a sticky rice cake with a jelly-like texture.
“We want people to learn about our products, so we join this bazaar because many people attend. While our sales at the stall are not very strong, these bazaars help increase our overall sales,” Torio said.
He added, “We are grateful for this city government program, especially for small businesses like ours. It helps us to grow and hire employees, which supports more people in our community.”
He then invited residents and visitors to the food bazaar, which is open to the public from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until December 4. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
