Marikina City welcomed the 2025 Christmas Shoe Bazaar on Monday, providing a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to shop for high-quality yet affordable shoes, bags, and leather goods just in time for the holidays.
The annual event, held at Freedom Park, not only offers gift options but also serves as a lifeline for local shoemakers and leather artisans, allowing them to maximize earnings during the year’s busiest season.
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A Platform for Local Artisans
Mayor Maan Teodoro, who led the opening ceremony, noted that the tradition began under the administration of her husband, Marcy Teodoro, with the city offering the bazaar space free of charge. “
We do this bazaar every year. It was initiated during Mayor Marcy’s time. He gave us this bazaar for free to help you,” Teodoro said, highlighting the city’s ongoing support for its footwear and leather industry.
This year’s bazaar brings together 39 exhibitors, from long-standing family-run shops to rising leather brands that have captured public attention in recent years. The city deliberately launched the bazaar ahead of mid-month salary payouts, giving vendors an early advantage to boost sales during the critical holiday period.
Teodoro emphasized the importance of the event for local producers, saying, “I know this is a big deal, especially during the holiday season, for our shoemakers and leather manufacturers to earn more. If we can extend it, that would be great, but we are here to support you until January 4th.” She also expressed hope that participants would exceed their earnings from the previous year.
Strategic Timing and Holiday Boost
Beyond offering products for holiday shoppers, the bazaar underscores the significance of supporting local industries. By purchasing Marikina-made shoes and leather goods, consumers directly contribute to sustaining livelihoods, nurturing the city’s economy, and reinforcing Marikina’s status as the nation’s premier footwear capital.
The bazaar is open daily at Freedom Park from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and until 8 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.
