The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) yesterday announced that it is bringing to the Philippines the European way of celebrating Christmas with a planned weeklng festivity in December at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Dubbed as “Christkindlmarket”, the event in partnership with SM Prime Holdings is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors during its run at the Mall of Asia Olympic sized ice skating rink.

ECCP executive vice president Henry Schumacher said the event will replicate the popular Christkindlmarket in Germany that is now widely celebrated in other European countries and currently attracting more than two million international tourists annually.

“it will be an entirely new experience for the Filipino public. Christmas in Europe is just as festive as here in the Philippines. What makes it unique are the food, music, and performances that come along with the celebration,” Schumacher said.

He added: "The event is also a way for Philippine companies that have established links in Europe to showcase and sell their export products in the local market."

Source: Malaya; Business; 1 August 2012