The holiday season usually also means shopping season, what with just a few days until Christmas and with people making lists. But sometimes, buying special gifts for the special people in your life can be a somewhat daunting task, especially if you have nothing in mind yet. Luckily for shoppers, Circuit Makati, in partnership with Mastercard and HSBC, held the Circuit Makati Christmas Bazaar 2016 at the Globe Circuit Events Grounds in Makati, City last November 18-20.

Ayala Land 1 — A CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA TO REMEMBER. Thousands of people flocked the Globe Circuit Events Grounds for the biggest Circuit Makati Bazaar last November 18.

The three-day outdoor bazaar featured six different Christmas villages, inspired by celebrations and markets around the world, and showcased the best and hippest holiday finds. Shoppers were in for a merry surprise as the gates opened at 11am. The booths of the villages were filled with over 300 different merchants offering everything from clothes to gadgets, food and all sorts of gift items.

Ayala Land 2 — A HIP HOLIDAY BAZAAR. The grand opening of the Circuit Makati Bazaar 2016 last November 18 at the Globe Circuit Events Grounds led by (L-R Back) TJ Sulit, Village Organizer of Fit & Fab by Hunt & Gather; Em Sulit, Village Organizer of Mommy’s Best by Project Mom; Bruce Peoples, SVP, HSBC Retail Banking and Wealth Management Sales; (L-R Front) Christine Bersola – Babao, Mara Lopez, Nikki Valdez, Manny Blas, SVP of Ayala Land Inc and Head of Makati Project Development; Kris Warner, Head of HSBC Retail Banking and Wealth Management; Gretchen Fullido, Marissa Sanchez, Maria Isabel Lopez and LJ Moreno – Alapag.

Mommy’s Best by Project Mom was headed by Amanda Griffin and Bianca Araneta and offered brands, products, and services catering to mothers, babies, and home needs. The Li’l Preneur village offered various products made by students of HedCen. The kids also featured storytelling sessions, musical performances, and a Christmas Around the World display. Fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious shoppers were in for a treat at the Fit & Fab village by Hunt & Gather where they found organic products as well as wellness finds for their chosen lifestyle.

Ayala Land 3 — A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS. Children enthusiastically flocked the Circuit Makati Bazaar 2016 for the chance to pose with Santa Claus.

Kaizen and Karl Edwards headed the Millennial Spot where an eclectic fusion of clothes, accessories, and other kitschy trinkets perfect for gifting were up for sale. The Star Avenue village was where shoppers can get a chance to own pre-loved items from different celebrities such as Shaina Magdayao, Maria Isabel Lopez, and Gretchen Fullido. They were also present in their booths much to everybody’s delight. Walking around the shops was tedious and fortunately, the Mercato Centrale village offered welcome refreshments and sumptuous food choices from different gastropreneurs for everybody.

Ayala Land 4 — FESTIVE DELIGHTS. Mercato brought sumptuous gastronomic treats from different entrepreneurs to excite and tickle everyone’s taste buds.

There was also a photography workshop by Canon and Nikon and a Zumba party. Mastercard and HSBC cardholders were in for treats at the 3-day Bazaar, with free entrance, a special gift and a chance to take home amazing raffle prizes from Oppo, Power Mac Center Spotlight, SandBox Alviera, Mystery Manila, and Nuvali CampN. Guests were also serenaded by Christmas carols sung by The Voice Kids finalists and the students of HedCen, coupled with dance and acoustic performances. By nightfall, the night sky was lit up by an explosion of 250,000 sparkling lights from the 56-foot interactive Christmas tree. In partnership with Mastercard and Alveo, this masterpiece is made of 2,500 strands, each with 100 lights, around the tree, plus 150 sets of meteor lights to create a truly amazing Christmas spectacle.

Ayala Land 5 — INSTAGRAM-WORTHY. It’s a bright and scintillating Christmas at the Circuit Makati, home of the city’s immersive and awe-inspiring Christmas tree.

The giant Christmas tree can be accessed from the inside, giving guests a more immersive experience. It has been jazzed up with more color to evoke a youthful and vibrant vibe. The Circuit Makati Christmas tree will delight guests until January 8, 2017. Aside from that, Ayala Land has lined up more exciting events this holiday season such as the nightly Festival of Lights, a world-class lights and sounds show at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, and the dynamic stained glass-inspired street lights installations along Paseo de Roxas, Makati Avenue, and Ayala Avenue. Makati definitely makes it happen as it gets transformed into a delightful wonderland this December, with hundreds of fun-filled treats and entertainment for everyone this holiday season!

For more information, check out www.facebook.com/CircuitMakatiOfficial or check www.makeitmakati.com/circuit-makati.

INQUIRER.net/Bernard Abraham