Christmas ‘Street’ Market, European Style

The European Chamber of Commerce launches the first Christkindlmarket in the Philippines, giving Filipinos the opportunity to experience a traditional European Christmas.

What used to be a dream shred by Henry Schumacher and Gerry Constantino of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) has now become a reality: the Christkindlmarket, a European tradition of celebrating Christmas that started in Nuremberg, Germany, is finally coming to the Philippines. 

“Europe has always played a great role in this country, but sometimes we feel that now, it is very difficult for Filipinos to understand what Europe stands for. Holding the first Christkindlmarket in Asean here in the Philippines [is one way to] bridge that gap,” shares Schumacher, the executive vice-president of the ECCP.

“We’ve been dreaming about a White Christmas in the Philippines for a long time, and it is finally happening,” he says.

Indeed, Filipino shoppers have a lot to look forward to as they experience the first Christkindlmarket in Manila from December 3 to 9 at the ice skating rink of the SM Mall of Asia, which will be transformed into

a Christmas village that emulated the wintertime atmosphere of the traditional Christkindlmarket.“ In behalf of the SM Group, we’re excited and privilege to be a partner of the European Chamber of Commere on the first Christkindlmarket event in the country. We are in full support of this event, which we believe will not only attract our existing customers but also new customers from the diplomatic community,” says Raymund Retumban, SM ice Skating Rink division manager.

Your Boarding Pass To A European Christmas

Through Christkindlmarket Manila, the ECCP aims to promote awareness and interest among Filipinos on European traditions and goods by giving them a chance to experience this European Christmas event in the Philippines. “There are a lot of holiday markets here in the Philippines, and we do have a lot of opportunities to shop, but the difference with the Christkindlmarket is in the products and in the way we celebrate: says ECCP President Michael Raeuber.

Every year, almost two million people from across the world converge in the Christkindlmarjet in Nuremberg, Germany. A holiday tradition that started in 1545, the quaint holiday market features an assortment of Christmas items such as pastries, holiday meats, sweets and delicacies, Christmas decorations, candles, jewelry, etc., as well as various activities that will delight its visitors.

“This is quite a magical event,” shares Martial Beck, vice-president of the ECCP. “The whole atmosphere is that of a festival of the senses. There is a visual fiesta of lights and decorations, the products on display will be quite awesome, and there will be shows and performances taking place every day,” he says, adding that as the event will take place in SM MOA’s ice skating rink, “there will also be snow. That’s going to be something special to look forward to. We really wanted a cold location in the heat of Manila, because the cold is an essential ingredient for a European Christmas,” he shares.

What also sets the Christkindlmarket apart from bazaars in the Philippines is that most of the things sold will be European or European-inspired. From popular British clothing brands to specialty wooden toys form Germany, there will be variety of gift options for everyone’s shopping list. Dining also presents a unique gastronomic experience as the event will showcase the best French and Swiss cheeses, salamis from Italy, chorizos from Spain, and an abundance of European sweets such as Austrian pastries and Turkish bakiavas. “One element that the Christkindlmarket is known for is the serving of hot wine or Gluhwein, which , on its own, is reason enough to come,” says Raeuber.

For more information on the Christkinldmarket, e-mail info@christkindlmarket.com.ph, call (02) 845-1324 loc. 248 or visit www.christkindlmarket.com.ph. For ticket inquries, call ticketworld at (02) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Source: Manila Bulletin; Business Agenda; 19 November 2012