Mare na tabi kamo!
Mag-SAÓD kita digdi sa Albay Trade Fair
sa L2 Grand Atrium Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong!
Suportahan ta gibong Albayanos, gibong Bicol, gibong Pinoy!🐝🪭
Translation: "Please come, everyone! Let's market here at Albay Trade Fair in L2 Grand Atrium Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong! Let us support made by Albayanos, made by Bicol, made by Pinoy!"
I posted this caption on my Facebook wall late evening yesterday. This was published to promote this exhibit which was moved a week later due to typhoon Ofel.
A full-blooded Albayano, I decided to go to this DTI (Department of Tourism and Industry)-backed event to show my patronage and solidarity with my kababayans whose businesses were partly affected by the calamity. Besides, one of my high school batchmates/kumare/good friend was one of the exhibitors. It’s enough reason to go to the venue in the afternoon.
It didn’t take long locating my friend’s Aim Handicraft stall. I expected her absence because I chatted with her on my way to Shangri-la. Each of us was traveling toward opposite directions - north and south. Hahaha! I intentionally withheld the info that I was going to the fair. So minus Imelda/Dadz, I readied to surprise Anne, one of her assistants who happens to be our high school batchmate too.
I succeeded in surprising her physically, and afterwards succeeded in surprising the business owner virtually when I sent her my photo.
Maestra pag aga, tindera pag bangui! (Teacher in the morning, seller in the evening.) This was my message to her that elicited a lot of e-laughter since I let her believe that I was busy with my students' final grades at home when she informed me that their vehicle passed by Zapote River Drive which is behind our residence.
Since the third member of our triumvirate was moonlighting as a construction company manager in DLSU Dasmariñas, Cavite, I was joined by Anne as I visited the 40 participating businesses in Albay. The Grand Atrium was transformed into this mini Region V province where I began seeing delicacies that were part of my childhood, abaca products, handcrafted kikay bags, fashion accessories, and eye-catching home decors for the Christmas season. Everything was locally-produced by these very creative and innovative entrepreneurs. SAÓD ensured to showcase Albayanos' inventive artistry and exquisite craftmanship.
Visually I could tell that these Albay creations, especially the Christmas decors, have innovatively and beautifully evolved. I observed this since I began using Bicol Christmas decors as early as 2000. Up to now, they're part of my annual holiday theme. They remain as a reminder of my roots and why I should be proud of our province and its distinct produce.
Verily going to this trade show was the perfect chosen overture before I officially end my first semester. Good that I stuck to this schedule since this also became an avenue to spend sometime with a well-missed katribu/friend.
Returning to the Grand Atrium, we allowed Rose, Dadz's secretary to have her break while Anne and I manned the stall after having my dessert: tinutong na bigas (roasted rice) ice cream flavor!
Sweet tooth gratified I stayed beyond the two hours which I allotted for this visit. Obviously, this was a positive proof that I liked the ambiance and I was elated! However, I monitored the extension since I didn't want to be caught in traffic along EDSA. So, even if I still wanted to keep Anne and Rose company until the closing time at 9:00 pm, I had to leave.
But of course… tararantantan, tararantantan…not without securing my haul! LOL.
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