The holidays are rolling in and with the festive season and merrymaking come a rise in the movement and hustle in the city. As Christmas jingles and remixes blast from stereos in stores, people weave through aisles with earnest, public transport teem with more commuters, and city life escalates into a boisterous mess ready to explode with Christmas cheer. While it is the time to be merry and jolly, it’s alright to take a breather: perhaps a meal at sunset with friends and family after a long day of Christmas shopping?

Head over to The Sandstone at Portico this December 12 at 4 p.m. and feast on an array of food and products for a night of gastronomic exploration and relaxation. Kulinaria at Portico invites everyone to sit down at a time of frantic movement and just enjoy the coming holidays—all while giving back, a percent of the profits from the event will go to the Haribon Foundation.

If you’re craving for a meaty fix, Kulinaria at Portico has juicy bites of the festive staple that is lechon from Tatang’s Cebu Lechon, succulent roast beef from Rodrigo’s Roast Beef, sinful sausages nestled in buns from Mad Mustard, and hotdogs and burgers from Skulls and Bones. Have a break from the usual Filipino-American flavors and have a taste of Peru from Don Andres Peruvian Kitchen. Wash it all down with Stanford and Shaw’s artisanal ginger ale and pore over some goodies from Tala Scents and Echostore for things to add to your wish list or Christmas gifts. (Hello, handmade fragrances and local organic and sustainable goods!) Cap the night off with a cup of fresh brew from Tom’s coffee whilst listening to the tunes of local acts Someday Dream Red, Olympia, Paolo Mallari and Nikki Colet.

At a time when all that sparkles and twinkles steal our time and attention, it’s important to go back to the true essence of the holiday season: the celebration of friends and family. Kulinaria at Portico, presented by Northern Living magazine, together with Inquirer.net, Inquirer Plus, Preen.ph, Click the City, When in Manila, Scout, and Coconuts Manila, will do just that. ADVT.