Long before the curated bazaars selling artisanal goods started setting up shop, there were the weekend tiangge and trade fairs. The ones held periodically at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall are a great source for gifts. Sometimes you find the nicest pieces.

I practically completed my Christmas gift list early when I found myself at Megamall last August. Among the dozens of bottle brush trees, woodcarvings and local weaves I spotted a stack of star-shaped decorations.

Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be parol made of woven bamboo strips in the most charming of color combinations: fuchsia, violet and yellow; green, red and orange. I ended up buying a dozen from Ate Ruby Guzman who came all the way from Abra.

Turns out I needed more. Fortunately, I was able to get her number so when she returned in early October for another trade fair—told you they’re held periodically—I got another dozen parol.

Glory’s Bamboocraft, tel. 0936-6258322, 0916-5517228