1. Unique, quality items

Due to “globalization”, Pinoys have been so used to imported items that local products are sometimes ignored. Without denigrating the imports (some are made by Filipinos in the Philippines), goods that are made locally, with Pinoy label, brains and brawns, have unique designs and are often more suited to our needs. For instance, woven mats (some now padded for comfort) are far more comfortable in hot weather than thick imported comforters, and they’re easier to clean, too.

Thumbing through international fashion magazines, you’ll see that some Filipino products have silently entered the nooks and crannies of many “in” things abroad. You’ll see our furniture, bags, embroidery and jewelry in movies, homes and persons of international stars, although many of these Pinoy products are labeled with names of foreign stores or fashion houses that sell them. Under whatever name, let’s not miss on great Pinoy products.

2. Reasonable Prices

Most exhibitors in trade fairs are directly related to the producer, if not the producers themselves. Only a thin layer of intermediaries separates the buyer from the seller, resulting in prices that are more reasonable. Plus, you can also get more in-depth knowledge of the products.

In a Bicolano fair for instance held at SM Megamall last month, I saw many magnificent silver jewelry set with pearls and stones. The prices were more reasonable compared to those in the malls and the designs were far more unique and creative. You can be confident you won’t bump into someone else wearing the same design. When I visited, the designer herself was at the stall and she has happy to give me the lowdown on the gems she used, the inspiration of her designs, and the proper care of her jewelry.
Narra and hardwood furniture found trade fairs go for at least three to four times less than the price tags in ordinary furniture shops. And you haven’t even started haggling yet.

Then there’s the children’s furniture. You can talk to the owners themselves about how they’ve been in the business for decades. There are colorful woven mats from Visayas, native woven cloth from North and South, bamboo and stained glass dividers, mirrors, ornate orchid lamps made of capiz shells, etc.

There are loads of foodstuff and abaca boxes of all shapes and sizes. If you’re nuts in pretending you’re house is neat and organized, these boxes, or better yet, some baul, can help in hiding a lot of treasures and junk.

3. Enjoying ourselves while helping others

It always feels good to buy something for our selves and for our loved ones. Whenever we buy local, the good feeling stretches further because with the simple act, we are also helping our compatriots to keep their small businesses. We also give them kudos for their artistry and workmanship, and we help more people keep their jobs. Put that way, doesn’t that sound like the best bargain of all?

4. Satisfyingly varied, hard-to-find items

So, what are the items up for grabs? In fairs, there is an astonishing array of foodstuff, furniture, house decor, jewelry, formal clothes, educational items, shoes, hats and bags, mats, house decors, herbal health supplements, beauty items, etc. Some of these aren’t available in malls or groceries.

The distribution network of small enterprises isn’t as widespread as that of the bigger players. If, like me, you found yourself craving for danggit as tasty as the ones I bought at the fair, peanut butter as good and smooth as the ones from Catanduanes, fruit wines from Zambales, tinapa and pastillas from Bulacan, bagnet and longganisa from Vigan, organic salabat, organic rice, fresh milk and chocolate, canton mixed with nutritious local veggies such as saluyot, carrot and malunggay— brace yourself. You’ll have to wait for another fair, or get the makers’ address, contact numbers, website or email address. Chances are, they have stores or a bodega or a friend storing their goods in the metro.

5. Virtual tours

The regional trade fairs I went to from October to November filled the trade hall with images and goodies of the best of their provinces. The Central Luzon trade fair for instance had the Kapampangan grandeur to the left and to the right the grand but relatively understated Bulakenyos; in the middle was the simplicity and industry of Tarlac and Zambales.

Some stalls sold accommodations and outings to tourist spots such as Mt. Pinatubo, Subic and Biak-na-Bato.

In the Bicolano fair, I chanced upon their daily cultural presentation. After a rousing performance, you might be inspired enough to sign up for a trip to Bicol’s tourist spots, like Donsol or Mayon.

In fact, short of sniffing the air in Albay, trade fairs offer the opportunity for a virtual tour. You get to experience more than their goods and the optimistic talents and entrepreneurship behind it. You’ll also feel like you’ve imbibed a sense of their place and their culture.