It is often said that Christmas is the season of giving. That idea may come wrapped in a charming present to show appreciation for some, but for others, the season is an opportunity to exercise more meaningful acts of kindness. For sisters Beatriz Zobel Jr. and Sofia Zobel Elizalde, both can be achieved through “gifts that keep on giving”—the kind that can ripple change and bring joy to others.

Through their Designers' Holiday Bazaar (DHB), Beatriz and Sofia aim to champion locally made goods while helping young Filipinos build a brighter future. The premier shopping event returns this year from Nov. 29 to Dec. 7 and continues its philanthropic efforts by supporting local brands and raising funds for Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and STEPS Foundation scholars.

“We have always believed that passion can take many local talents to great heights when given the right support,” says Sofia. “More than a marketplace, the Designers' Holiday Bazaar is a platform where dreams are realized, potentials fulfilled, and goals achieved. Every patron gets to be a part of this mission. It’s a collective effort that inevitably makes Christmas shopping more meaningful.”

To date, through the AFI x DHB Scholarship, 25 students have been able to complete their studies (from Grade 7 to college), three of whom are now graduates building meaningful careers in education, business, and healthcare. At the same time, young classical dancers trained under the STEPS Scholarship Foundation have gone on to perform with prestigious companies such as Ballet Manila, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Alberta Ballet, and the American Ballet Theatre.

Beatriz and Sofia are staunch supporters of Filipino creatives and entrepreneurs, as reflected in their curated selection of brands and designers for the 12th edition of DHB.

This year, DHB will be held in two locations: Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta. The bazaar in Greenbelt 5—specifically in The Gallery and Amphitheatre—will feature fashion and accessories by Piopio, Earl Gariando, R. Filart, KitSilver Jewelry, J. Makitalo, and others. It will also highlight wellness and personal-care products from Cathy + Bee, Esscentials Manila, and For Keeps Clean Beauty. Alriver, Mallows Collection, and Natureline Enterprise will offer a variety of wreaths, trees, lights, accents, and ornaments. Meanwhile, T’nalak, Mabolo Flower Shop, Osmundo Furniture Gallery, E. Murio Manila, and Sarimanok Antiques will showcase bespoke furniture and carefully restored artifacts.

DHB in Glorietta will be located in both the Main Activity Center and the Palm Drive Activity Center, the latter dedicated to a wide selection of artisanal food brands, gourmet treats, local delicacies, baked goods, and seasonal gift baskets.

Apart from the vibrant display of Filipino goods, DHB is also celebrating local artistry through performances. At Glorietta, soulful tunes await shoppers courtesy of the Project 201 Jazz Quartet (headed by Michael Guevarra) and Maki Ricafort’s Trio, along with heartwarming numbers from Steps Dance Project, the Tuloy Foundation Choir, and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir. Over at Greenbelt, shoppers will be serenaded by sax players Mr. Peterlhen and Michael Guevarra, as well as guitarist Mr. Chai. This will be followed by an upbeat set by DJ Cocoy Puyat, who will keep the festive energy alive as the bazaar draws to a close.

To make DHB a true hub for helping local entrepreneurs thrive, the bazaar has joined forces with Globe and GCash, elevating the consumer experience through innovation, convenience, and connection.

At the event, GCash for Business will launch PocketPay and SoundPay—two new payment solutions designed to help MSMEs embrace the ease of digital transactions and usher in the “easy era” of doing business. With PocketPay, even the smallest enterprises can turn their smartphones into secure, cashless POS machines without costly equipment or complicated setup. Meanwhile, SoundPay provides a portable QR payment solution that confirms transactions through instant voice alerts, allowing business owners to manage payments hands-free and without disrupting customer service.

“We are always on a mission to give back to the Filipino community, and one of the ways we are able to achieve this year after year is through the DHB,” shares Beatriz. “It’s always heartwarming to see both consumers and beneficiaries benefit from DHB. Families take home beautifully crafted products from different regions of the Philippines, while artisans gain greater visibility and scholars receive vital support. It’s quite inspiring, even for us, and it moves us to do better and aim higher every time.”