REFLECTION TO TNCT

" PISTANG TOMASINO "

During the third week of February dated 12 to 15 there was a bazaar located at the Quadricentennial Park, we were informed that different communities and various products were being sold there. The bazaar desired to empower indigenous communities and their works by supporting them, and its trade fair basically became a way to promote local products.

I absolutely loved the products for some of them were so unique and I haven’t really seen before. A few items were made from recycled materials, and even though ‘recycled’ it still gave a presentation that it has value in it, they definitely made it precisely and neatly. Some of the products were raising awareness and had a great message of connecting with other social programs regarding the conflict in human trafficking. Other than that, it amazes me how some of them were from places far away and yet they are able to sell their products with the help of the University, so that is why I am sure that I should buy a few things to show my support and appreciation for all their talents and hard work. 

Moreover, for me, these kinds of events of promoting the culture of the people we share the same nationality to are so effective and benefits both the seller and the consumer. Embracing one’s culture should be essential so that we maintain it and not forget it since we’re progressing to the more modernized society. The products may have not been high – end, it still was beautifully crafted and it will make you realize how creative Filipinos are no matter what state they are in and that they often express themselves through arts and crafts, one example would be the women from the Parañaque City Jail Female Dormitory.

Here are some of the beautiful products that I’ve been using since I bought them in the Pistang Tomasino trade fair:

 

The first product I bought was food, of course. That really isn’t a surprise, as someone who likes eating a lot. It wasn't often do I get to buy freshly opened coconut juice and get them at a low price. Although it wasn’t cold or served in its shell, the taste and the feel of vacation was still there. It was so refreshing and made my stomach hurt a little, but in a good way!

When I was buying with my friends, we noticed some of the other stalls, however, sadly we had to come back as early as we can since it was only a 30 – minutes break. I bought a few more foods that were packed and sealed from the Ministry of Urban Poor Diocese of Caloocan, I didn’t have a picture of the fish crackers I brought, but the woman sold it to me for P30, which wasn’t so bad, it was tasty!

When I got back to the classroom, many were promoting the things they bought and encouraged us to buy what they got also. So I made sure that I’ll buy a few more things by the next day since a lot of the food already did damage to my wallet in just one day.

A sunny and a very very hot afternoon, I didn’t mind the heat at all and continued on my adventure back to the Quadricentennial Park. I kinda felt so sorry for the communities selling since I could feel so much of the heat myself, what more them that’s been sitting around outside selling and providing exceptional service for the Thomasians. I made sure to greet some of the other sellers and took pictures of products that I was sure my mom would like, just like the foods (as usual) dried fish, salted eggs, and the chicharon nanay was selling. 

She mentioned that it was all fresh from Cebu, however, pricey and I wasn’t able to buy it even if I wanted to. I remember the time when I got home and my mom was so whiney about it since I didn’t buy even one package, we used to have a maid that buys us dried fish when she gets home from off day in Cebu that we often enjoy with vinegar and freshly cooked hot rice, and since then, my mom really likes those.

I also bought a bracelet from the interpreters and Signers Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, an exquisite gold with and black bead bracelet that was said to be handmade by them, the people of the ISMAM. The woman selling the bracelets was kind enough to let me change my first pick that was a red with a hint of white and black into what I am wearing now. I never leave the house without this, it is suitable for only P30 and is very durable and doesn’t get pulled out so quickly. It fits so well and doesn’t make me uncomfortable at all. Moreover, I also wanted to buy some of the “gold” rings and bracelets, however, unfortunately, my allowance for the day at the time wasn’t enough, and sadly that was the last time I get to visit the trade fair.

 

Last but not the least, my favorite item that I bought is a pink small sized pillow for a price of P30, very affordable. I was fortunate enough to get this since the stocks for the small pillows were limited, and my other classmates weren’t able to buy one. It is soft and comfy and worth my allowance! This pink pillow was sown to perfection by the people of Anthony De Padua Parish Livelihood Project of the Persons with Disabilities. As someone who doesn’t get the usual 8 hours of sleep, I always bring and use this pillow in school, every break time and nap comfortably for a while. This pillow lessens the aching of my neck every time I try to nap in my desk; this gave a more pleasant feeling and a much more peaceful nap. 

My all in all experience of this one-week culture-filled bazaar is that we should not only support international and high – end products, but we also should promote our own local products. These are so worth it and think about the people that we are also helping, the people behind each other product gave all they can to provide a beautifully made merchandise that is durable and handcrafted. It is a win-win situation if you buy from these kinds of events since not only do you donate to the people behind it, but you also have something back (maybe as a remembrance) such as the beautiful things that were sold in this bazaar.

You will not regret supporting our local products for they are worth it.